Pad Kra Pao

Deliciously Spicy Pad Kra Pao: A Thai Stir-Fry Delight

If you’re craving a flavorful and quick stir-fry that brings the authentic taste of Thailand to your kitchen, look no further than Pad Kra Pao. This classic dish combines the rich flavors of ground beef, aromatic Thai basil, and a perfectly balanced sauce to create a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy this delicious dish on any busy weeknight.

🍛 Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce 🥢
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 🐟
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar 🍬
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 🦪
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 🍋
• 1/2 tsp EACH ground coriander, ground ginger, white pepper (may sub ¼ tsp black pepper) 🌿
• 1 teaspoon Asian chili sauce like Sambal Oelek (use more to taste if not using jalapeno/serrano peppers) 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 🌰
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch 🌽

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 🛢️
• 1 pound lean ground beef 🥩
• 6 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1-2 jalapenos or serrano chili peppers, sliced (see notes) 🌶️
• 1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced 🧅
• 1 small bell pepper, sliced 🌶️
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves, picked off the stem (may sub regular basil) 🌿

🍴 Instructions:

1️⃣ Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Set aside this flavorful mixture, which will elevate the entire dish. 🍲

2️⃣ Heat the Oil:
In a wok or large cast iron skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, it’s time to add the beef. 🔥

3️⃣ Cook the Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Allow it to cook undisturbed for about 45 seconds to start searing. Then, flip the beef, press it flat against the pan, and cook for another 30 seconds. Crumble the meat into small pieces while cooking, and drain any excess grease. Note: the beef will not be fully cooked at this stage. 🥄

4️⃣ Add the Vegetables:
Stir in the sliced onion, bell pepper, chilies, and minced garlic. Stir fry everything together for about 2 minutes, letting the vegetables soften and release their flavors. 🍛

5️⃣ Combine the Sauce and Stir Fry:
Give the pre-prepared sauce a quick stir to ensure it’s well mixed, then pour it into the skillet. Stir fry for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the beef and vegetables thoroughly. 🍲

6️⃣ Finish with Basil:
Add the Thai basil leaves to the skillet and continue cooking until the beef is completely cooked through and the onions are tender. Serve the Pad Kra Pao over steamed rice, and garnish with additional chili sauce, peppers, or a squeeze of lime if desired. Enjoy! 🍚🌶️🍋

⏰ Timing and Nutritional Info:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: 350 Kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

Pad Kra Pao is a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors that make for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re new to Thai cuisine or a seasoned cook, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Serve it up with a side of steamed rice, and you’ve got a delicious and wholesome dinner that’s sure to please.

Enjoy this delightful dish and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below! Happy cooking!

Pad Kra Pao

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 30min
• Yield: 4 1x

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Ingredients

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Sauce:

2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce 🥢
2 tablespoons fish sauce 🐟
2 tablespoons brown sugar 🍬
1 tablespoon oyster sauce 🦪
1 tablespoon lime juice 🍋
1/2 tsp EACH ground coriander, ground ginger, white pepper (may sub ¼ tsp black pepper) 🌿
1 teaspoon Asian chili sauce like Sambal Oelek (use more to taste if not using jalapeno/serrano peppers) 🌶️
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 🌰
1 teaspoon cornstarch 🌽
Stir Fry:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 🛢️
1 pound lean ground beef 🥩
6 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1–2 jalapenos or serrano chili peppers, sliced (see notes) 🌶️
1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced 🧅
1 small bell pepper, sliced 🌶️
1 cup Thai basil leaves, picked off the stem (may sub regular basil) 🌿

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Instructions

1️⃣ Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. 🍲

2️⃣ Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. 🔥

3️⃣ Once the oil is hot and rippling, add the ground beef. Break up the beef a little, then flatten it against the pan; cook undisturbed for about 45 seconds. The beef will start to sear. Turn over once, press flat against the pan, and cook for another 30 seconds. Then, crumble the meat into small pieces while cooking. Drain excess grease. (The beef will not be all the way cooked through at this point.) 🥄

4️⃣ Stir in the onion, bell pepper, chilies, and garlic, and stir fry for 2 minutes. 🍛

5️⃣ Give the sauce a stir to recombine, then add it to the skillet; stir fry for another 2 minutes. 🍲

6️⃣ Add the basil and cook until the beef is thoroughly cooked and onions are slightly tender or tender to your liking. Serve over rice with additional chili sauce, peppers, or lime if desired. 🍚🌶️🍋

• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 15min

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 Kcal