Thai Beef Stir Fry (Pad Kra Pao)
A quick and flavorful Thai Beef Stir Fry, packed with protein and aromatic herbs, perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Spatula
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80/20)
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Brown Sugar Light or dark
- ½ teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
Vegetables
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper, minced
- 3 large Green Onions, white parts chopped
- 5 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1-2 pieces Thai Red Chili Peppers, chopped Adjust to spice preference
Liquids
- 1 ⅓ cups Water
- 1 ½ tablespoons Fish Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil
- 1 cube Chicken Bouillon
Herbs
- 1 ¼ cups Fresh Thai Basil Leaves, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients - Gather all your ingredients. Mince the garlic, chop the red bell pepper, and slice the green onions. Wash the Thai basil.
- Step 2: Cook the Beef - In a large skillet or wok, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3: Add Aromatics - Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic and chopped chili peppers. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Incorporate the Veggies - Add the minced red bell pepper and the white parts of the green onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer - Pour in the water, fish sauce, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and add the chicken bouillon cube. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes.
- Step 6: Sweeten and Spice it Up - Sprinkle in the brown sugar and fresh ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Step 7: Add the Thai Basil - Toss in the sliced Thai basil leaves and stir until the basil wilts.
- Step 8: Serve and Enjoy - Remove from heat and serve hot with jasmine rice or rice noodles, garnished with green onion tops.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust sweetness and spice to suit your palate.