20 Min Thai Basil Beef

Beef • 20 min • Comfort

A fast, fragrant Thai Basil Beef-inspired stir-fry bursting with garlic, chilies, and fresh basil. This Pad Krapow-style beef delivers bold flavour with minimal effort and comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and better than takeout.

Ingredient List

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 small red chilies, thinly sliced (or ½ tsp chili flakes)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp oil for cooking (canola or sunflower)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin)
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1–2 tbsp water (to loosen sauce if needed)
• Optional: 1 tsp dark soy sauce (for richer color)

1 cup fresh basil leaves (Thai basil preferred, sweet basil works too)

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Lime wedges
• Fried egg (highly recommended)

1. Make the sauce

Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and water in a small bowl.
This creates the salty-sweet-savory base of classic Pad Krapow.

2. Sauté the aromatics

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add minced garlic and chilies; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Avoid browning—fragrance is the goal.

3. Brown the beef

Add ground beef and cook 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart. Continue until liquid evaporates and edges start to crisp for deeper flavor.

4. Add the sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the beef. Toss and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.

5. Finish with basil

Turn off the heat. Add basil leaves and fold gently until just wilted, preserving aroma and freshness.

6. Assemble & serve

Serve hot over jasmine rice. Top with a fried egg and lime juice for restaurant-level results.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Large skillet or wok
• Knife and cutting board
• Bowl for sauce
• Rice cooker or pot (if serving with rice)

• Protein swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
• Heat control: Adjust chilies or replace with bell pepper for mild flavor.
• No fish sauce? Add soy sauce + squeeze of lime.
• Saucier version: Add 1–2 tbsp broth or water.
• Authenticity tip: Thai holy basil offers the most traditional flavor.

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in airtight container.
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (add fresh basil when reheating).
• Reheat: Warm in skillet with splash of water to revive sauce.

• Ready in just 20 minutes
• Uses simple and affordable ingredients
• Bold Thai street-food flavor
• Great for meal prep
• Customizable heat and protein options

You may also enjoy our 5-Ingredient Mexican Beef Tacos, try the Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl, or go for a 6-Ingredient Creamy Pesto Pasta.