Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Beef)

Servings

4 servings

Quick Stats

25 mins • High Protein • Base: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 600g beef mince
• 2 tbsp neutral oil
• 2 red chillies, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 spring onion whites, chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 small handful green beans
• 1 cup basil leaves (holy, Thai or sweet)
• 1-2 extra chillies, optional
• Cooked rice, to serve
• 2 fried eggs, to serve

Method

1. Brown the beef:
   Heat a little oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the beef mince and cook until browned, then remove and set aside.
2. Make the paste:
   Pound the chillies, garlic and spring onion whites in a mortar and pestle until rough and fragrant, or finely chop them very well.
3. Fry the paste:
   Add a little more oil if needed, then fry the paste for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the veg:
   Add the green beans and cook for about a minute until they start to soften.
5. Finish the stir-fry:
   Return the beef to the pan. Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar and dark soy sauce, plus extra chilli if using. Toss until glossy and well combined.
6. Serve:
   Turn off the heat, fold through the basil leaves, and serve immediately over rice with a fried egg on top.

Approx Nutrition (per serve)

• Protein: 30–35g
• Calories: 500–650 kcal
• High in: iron, B12, and flavour

Swaps & Additions

• Different basil: holy basil is most authentic, but Thai or sweet basil also work.
• Extra veg: add mushrooms or baby corn for more substance.
• Heat level: add chilli in the paste and again at the end if you like it fiery.