Authentic Thai Stir-Fry: Pad Kra Pao Neua Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of beef slices
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 bird's eye chilies, chopped
1/2 cup of Thai basil leaves
2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of fish sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
1/2 cup of water

Steps and instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped garlic and chilies to the pan and fry until fragrant.
Add the beef slices to the pan and cook until they are browned and cooked through.
In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar until well combined.
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and stir to coat evenly.
Add the water to the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce has reduced slightly.
Add the Thai basil leaves to the pan and stir until wilted.
Remove the pan from heat and serve the Pad Kra Pao Neua with steamed rice.

Tools for making

Pan - A medium-sized pan for cooking the beef and sauce.
Knife - A sharp knife for chopping the garlic and chilies.
Cutting Board - A cutting board to provide a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
Small Bowl - A small bowl for mixing the sauce ingredients.
Stirring Spoon - A spoon for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pan.

Recipe variations

Substitute beef with chicken, pork, or tofu for a different protein option.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of bird's eye chilies.
Replace Thai basil with sweet basil or mint leaves for a unique twist.
For a healthier option, use lean cuts of meat or reduce the amount of oil used.
Add a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of lime zest for a tangy flavor.
Experiment with different sauces such as hoisin sauce or sweet chili sauce to customize the taste.
Add other herbs and spices like lemongrass, ginger, or cilantro to enhance the flavor profile.
Serve with jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles instead of steamed rice.
Garnish with crushed peanuts or fried shallots for added crunch.

Recipe overview

Pad Kra Pao Neua is a delicious and popular Thai dish that features the flavorful combination of beef slices stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and Thai basil leaves. This recipe comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner. The beef is cooked until perfectly browned, then coated in a mixture of oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and a hint of sugar for a balance of savory, sweet, and salty flavors. The addition of Thai basil leaves gives the dish an aromatic and slightly spicy finish. Served with steamed rice, Pad Kra Pao Neua is a satisfying meal that will transport you to the streets of Thailand with every bite.

Common questions

Can I use a different protein instead of beef? Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or tofu according to your preference.
How spicy is this dish? The spiciness level can be adjusted by adding or reducing the amount of bird's eye chilies. Start with a small amount and increase if desired.
Can I use dried basil instead of Thai basil? Thai basil has a distinct flavor that adds to the authenticity of the dish, but if you cannot find it, you can use dried basil as a substitute.
Is fish sauce necessary? Fish sauce adds a unique umami flavor to the dish, but if you prefer a vegetarian option or do not have fish sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce.
Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the beef with tofu or your choice of vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
What can I serve with Pad Kra Pao Neua? Pad Kra Pao Neua is traditionally served with steamed rice. You can also serve it with jasmine rice or noodles if you prefer.

Serving dishes and utensils

Pan - A frying pan or skillet for cooking the beef and sauce.
Chopping Board - To chop the garlic and chilies.
Knife - For cutting the garlic, chilies, and Thai basil leaves.
Small Bowl - To mix the sauce ingredients together.
Spatula - For stirring and flipping the beef.
Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
Plate or Bowl - For serving the Pad Kra Pao Neua.
Rice Cooker or Pot - To cook steamed rice as a side dish.

Origin stories

Pad Kra Pao Neua, a classic Thai dish, draws its name from two key ingredients. "Kra Pao" refers to the holy basil that imbues the dish with its distinctive aroma, while "Neua" signifies the beef that forms the hearty center of the meal. While it's often enjoyed in restaurants worldwide today, the dish's true roots lie in the humble Thai home kitchen. As is characteristic of many Thai recipes, Pad Kra Pao seamlessly blends a spectrum of taste notes, striking a balance between sweet, salty, and spicy. The bird's eye chilies, which lend the dish its signature heat, also hold a cultural significance, with Thai people believing that eating spicy food leads you to sweat and cool down, a practical belief in Thailand’s typically hot weather.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.