Basil Beef, known in Thailand as Pad Krapow Nua, is a flavorful Thai stir-fry made with tender beef, garlic, fiery bird's eye chilies, and fragrant holy basil. This iconic dish is a staple of Thai street food culture and is loved for its bold combination of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors.

Served over steaming jasmine rice and often topped with a crispy fried egg, Basil Beef is a quick and satisfying meal that captures the essence of authentic Thai cuisine. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or craving restaurant-style Thai food at home, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Thai street food flavor
  • Ready in just 20 minutes
  • Spicy, savory, and aromatic
  • Perfect for beef lovers
  • Easy one-pan meal
  • Delicious with rice and fried eggs

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Basil Beef

  • 500g beef sirloin, flank steak, or ground beef
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4–6 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped
  • 1 cup Thai holy basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 tablespoons water

For Serving

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Thai-style crispy fried eggs
  • Fresh cucumber slices
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Kitchen Equipment

  • Wok or large frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spatula
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

If using steak, slice the beef thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips.

For ground beef, simply break it apart before cooking.

Set aside while preparing the sauce.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Oyster sauce
  • Light soy sauce
  • Dark soy sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Sugar
  • Water

Stir until fully blended.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a wok over high heat.

Add minced garlic and chopped Thai chilies.

Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

The garlic should become lightly golden.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Add the beef to the wok.

Stir-fry continuously for 3–5 minutes until the beef is browned and nearly cooked through.

Avoid overcooking to keep the beef tender.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the beef.

Stir well to coat the meat evenly.

Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 6: Add the Holy Basil

Add the holy basil leaves.

Toss quickly until the basil wilts and releases its aroma.

Turn off the heat immediately.

Step 7: Serve

Spoon the Basil Beef over steamed jasmine rice.

Top with a crispy fried egg for an authentic Thai street food experience.

Serve with cucumber slices and a lime wedge if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Pad Krapow Nua pairs perfectly with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Thai fried egg (Kai Dao)
  • Cucumber slices
  • Pickled vegetables
  • Clear Thai vegetable soup

Chef’s Tips

  • Use high heat throughout cooking for the best flavor.
  • Holy basil provides the authentic taste, but Thai basil can be substituted.
  • Slice beef thinly for tenderness.
  • Adjust chili levels according to your spice preference.
  • Do not overcook the basil leaves.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 390
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g

Popular Variations

Spicy Basil Beef

Increase the number of Thai chilies for extra heat.

Basil Beef with Green Beans

Add sliced green beans for additional texture and nutrition.

Basil Beef with Mushrooms

Include mushrooms for a hearty and earthy flavor.

Crispy Beef Basil Stir-Fry

Lightly coat beef strips with cornstarch and fry before stir-frying with the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of beef is best?

Sirloin, flank steak, ribeye, and tenderloin are excellent choices because they cook quickly and remain tender.

Can I use ground beef?

Yes. Ground beef is commonly used in Thai home cooking and is quick to prepare.

Is this dish very spicy?

Traditional Pad Krapow Nua is quite spicy, but you can reduce the chilies to suit your taste.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Final Thoughts

Basil Beef (Pad Krapow Nua) is a classic Thai stir-fry that combines tender beef, fiery chilies, fragrant holy basil, and a rich savory sauce into one unforgettable dish. Quick to prepare and packed with authentic Thai flavors, it’s perfect for anyone looking to bring the taste of Thailand into their home kitchen. Serve it over jasmine rice with a crispy fried egg and enjoy one of Thailand’s most iconic comfort foods.