Thai Basil Beef (Pad Kra Pao)

Asian · Thailand

Thai Basil Beef (Pad Kra Pao)

Spicy Thai street-food classic of minced beef stir-fried with fresh basil and topped with a crispy fried egg.

20 min Easy Serves 4$6.28 estimated
Dairy-free
High-protein

Contains: Eggs, Fish, Soy

Ingredients

  • Beef

    500 g

    $4.00
  • Eggs

    4 large

    $0.99
  • Fresh Basil

    1 cup

    $0.65
  • Garlic

    4 cloves

    $0.16
  • Thai Bird's Eye Chilli

    3

    $0.09
  • Oyster Sauce

    2 tbsp

    $0.16
  • Fish Sauce

    1 tbsp

    $0.08
  • Soy sauce

    1 tbsp

    $0.07
  • Vegetable oil

    2 tbsp

    $0.09

Prices are estimates from our ingredient database and vary by market.

Preparation

  1. 1

    Finely chop or pound the garlic and bird's eye chillies together using a mortar and pestle.

  2. 2

    Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat, add eggs one at a time, and fry until whites are bubbly and crisp but yolks stay runny; set aside.

  3. 3

    Add the remaining tablespoon oil to the hot wok and toss in the pounded garlic and chilli paste for 30 seconds until pungent.

  4. 4

    Add the ground beef, breaking it apart vigorously with a spatula over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes until browned.

  5. 5

    Stir in oyster sauce, fish sauce, and soy sauce, tossing quickly until the meat is fully coated and juices reduce.

  6. 6

    Turn off the heat, immediately fold in the fresh basil leaves, and toss until just wilted.

  7. 7

    Divide between bowls and crown each portion with a crispy fried egg.

Thai basil gives traditional aroma, but regular fresh basil works wonderfully.