This delicious Thai basil beef stir fry featuring holy basil is a healthy twist on the classic Thai dish, Pad Kra Pao, also known as Pad Graprao or Pad Krapow. Pad Kra Pao is a popular street food in Thailand. It’s super easy to make, making it the perfect weeknight meal. Plus this version is gluten free, dairy free, paleo, and refined sugar free. It’s packed with flavor and is a dish the whole family will love! While this is by no means an authentic recipe, this version is my take (with some extra added veggies) and is absolutely delicious.

Pad kra pao

Why You’ll Love It

  • This Thai basil beef (Pad Kra Pao) couldn’t be easier to make.
  • Done in under 30 minutes.
  • All you need is one pan.
  • Packed with classic Thai flavors.
  • It is gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, and paleo.
  • Perfect weeknight dinner or meal prepped lunch.
  • Made with wholesome ingredients.
  • All you need is to add jasmine rice for a perfectly balanced dinner.

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: To sauté the beef & veggies.
  • Grass-fed Ground Beef: Grass-fed ground beef is the protein in this dish. I typically choose an 85/15 or 90/10 option. You can also swap for ground turkey or chicken.  
  • Red Chile Paste: Red chile paste is a must in this recipe. If you can’t find it you can use sriracha or red curry paste.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: This is a must in the marinade, it gives some acidity that really adds to the flavor. You can also use rice vinegar.
  • Sesame Oil: This oil has a distinct nutty, sesame flavor that really adds to the sauce.
  • Coconut Aminos: Similar to soy sauce but a little bit sweeter. This is a great gluten free and paleo option. Tamari is also gluten free but tends to be a little saltier. If you use tamari you will most likely use less salt to taste.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Cut into 1 inch pieces.
  • Yellow Onion: Cut into 1 inch pieces.
  • Sugar Snap Peas: A great addition to any stir fry. These add great texture and flavor.
  • Garlic: You can buy this minced or use cloves that you mince yourself. 
  • Fresh Cilantro: For topping. I know cilantro can be super polarizing but it is packed with micronutrients, antioxidants, and other medicinal properties. 
  • Fresh Thai Basil: A type of basil native to Southeast Asia and its cuisines, Thai basil is savory, spicy, and anise-like, adding a distinct pungency to dishes. It’s a vibrant, irreplaceable addition in many dishes, providing the herbaceous and savory notes that round out a dish. If you can’t find thai (holy) basil you can use regular basil.

How to Make Thai Basil Beef (Pad Kra Pao)

Step 1

Make the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together chile paste, coconut aminos, sesame oil, and apple cider vinegar until combined.

Step 2

Cook the meat. Heat oil in a large skillet set over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon and stirring often, about 6 minutes.

Step 3

Sauté the veggies. Add the bell pepper, onion, sugar snap peas, and garlic to the beef. Cook until vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the sauce. Pour the sauce mixture along with the fresh basil (reserving a few fresh leaves to top) and continue cooking until basil starts to wilt.

Step 5

Serve and enjoy! Serve the Thai basil beef (Pad Kra Pao) over jasmine rice and top with fresh basil.

Expert Tips

  • Have fun with the vegetables. There are lots of veggies in this dish but you can always add more. Shredded carrot, thinly sliced zucchini, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, or mushrooms would all be delicious.
  • For best results, use holy basil also known as thai basil. Thai basil is savory, spicy, and anise-like, adding a distinct pungency to dishes. It’s a vibrant, irreplaceable addition in many dishes, providing the herbaceous and savory notes that round out a dish. If you can’t find thai (holy) basil you can use regular basil.
  • To keep this recipe gluten free use coconut aminos or gluten free tamari. If you use tamari, season with less salt, as tamari is naturally salty.
  • You can use any ground meat in place of the beef. It would be delicious with ground chicken or pork. Turkey would work as well.
  • Add a fried egg on top! My husband absolutely loves adding a fried egg on top of this Pad Kra Pao.
  • Serve with jasmine rice or lettuce wraps for a low carb option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pad Kra Pao taste like?

This beloved Thai dish is known for its balance of sweet, spicy, salty and tart flavors and is typically served alongside a crispy fried egg.

What can I sub the holy basil for?

Holy basil is the namesake of this dish, but it can be hard to find. Italian basil is a great substitute for a similar flavor.

What does Pad Kra Pao mean?

It is translated as holy basil stir fry. Named for the holy basil which sets it apart from other dishes.

How do I store it?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

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Pad kra pao
5 from 1 rating
Yield: 4 people

Thai Basil Beef (Pad Kra Pao)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Author: Kelsey Romano
This delicious Thai basil beef stir fry featuring holy basil is a healthy twist on the classic Thai dish, Pad Kra Pao, also known as Pad Graprao or Pad Krapow. It's super easy to make, making it the perfect weeknight meal. Plus this version is gluten free, dairy free, paleo, and refined sugar free.
Print Leave a Review Pin Recipe

Ingredients
 

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup sugar snap peas
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup thai basil, holy basil
  • 2 tbsp chile paste
  • 3 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • salt, to taste
  • fresh cilantro or green onions, to garnish

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet or wok

Instructions
 

  • Make the sauce. In a small bowl, mix together chile paste, coconut aminos, sesame oil, and apple cider vinegar until combined.
  • Cook the meat. Heat oil in a large skillet set over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon and stirring often, about 6 minutes.
  • Sauté the veggies. Add the bell pepper, onion, sugar snap peas, and garlic to the beef. Cook until vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the sauce. Pour the sauce mixture along with the fresh basil (reserving a few fresh leaves to top) and continue cooking until basil starts to wilt.
  • Serve and enjoy! Serve the Thai basil beef (Pad Kra Pao) over jasmine rice and top with fresh basil.

Notes

  • Have fun with the vegetables. There are lots of veggies in this dish but you can always add more. Shredded carrot, thinly sliced zucchini, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, or mushrooms would all be delicious.
  • For best results, use holy basil also known as thai basil. Thai basil is savory, spicy, and anise-like, adding a distinct pungency to dishes. It’s a vibrant, irreplaceable addition in many dishes, providing the herbaceous and savory notes that round out a dish. If you can’t find thai (holy) basil you can use regular basil.
  • To keep this recipe gluten free use coconut aminos or gluten free tamari. If you use tamari, season with less salt, as tamari is naturally salty.
  • You can use any ground meat in place of the beef. It would be delicious with ground chicken or pork. Turkey would work as well.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
  • Add a fried egg on top! My husband absolutely loves adding a fried egg on top of this Pad Kra Pao.
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