Have you ever wondered why Thai Basil Beef (Pad Gra Prow) is one of the most popular street foods in Thailand? The answer lies in its perfect balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors—all created in just a matter of minutes. Pad Gra Prow is a quick stir-fry dish that combines ground beef, Thai basil, garlic, and chilies, creating an irresistible combination of umami and heat.
This dish is a staple in Thai households and is often considered the ultimate comfort food. Despite its complex flavors, Pad Gra Prow is surprisingly easy to make at home, requiring only a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, providing expert tips and suggestions for healthier variations to suit different dietary needs.
Let’s dive into the world of Pad Gra Prow and unlock the secrets to creating this delicious dish at home!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
To recreate authentic Pad Gra Prow at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- Ground Beef – 1 pound (can be substituted with ground chicken, pork, or turkey)
- Thai Basil – 1 cup, fresh leaves only (Holy basil is traditional, but sweet basil works if unavailable)
- Garlic – 5 cloves, minced
- Bird’s Eye Chilies – 2–3, finely chopped (adjust based on spice tolerance)
- Shallots – 2, thinly sliced
- Vegetable Oil – 2 tablespoons (substitute with avocado oil or coconut oil for a healthier option)
- Fish Sauce – 2 tablespoons
- Soy Sauce – 1 tablespoon (low-sodium recommended)
- Dark Soy Sauce – 1 teaspoon (for color and deeper flavor)
- Oyster Sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Sugar – 1 teaspoon (or use honey for a natural sweetener)
- White Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
- Eggs – 2 (for topping, optional)
- Jasmine Rice – Cooked, for serving
Substitutions:
- Ground Beef → Ground chicken, pork, or turkey for a leaner option.
- Thai Basil → Sweet basil or regular basil if Thai basil is unavailable.
- Fish Sauce → Soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian version.
- Bird’s Eye Chilies → Red pepper flakes for milder heat.
- Oyster Sauce → Hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian alternative.
Timing
| Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
👉 This is 30% faster than the average stir-fry recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by cooking jasmine rice according to package instructions.
- Mince the garlic and slice the shallots.
- Wash and pluck the basil leaves.
- Finely chop the bird’s eye chilies.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chilies, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it starts to brown.
Step 3: Season the Dish
- Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper.
- Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is well absorbed and the beef is evenly coated.
Step 4: Add the Basil
- Turn off the heat and immediately add the basil leaves.
- Toss the mixture until the basil wilts from the residual heat.
Step 5: Fry the Eggs (Optional)
- In a separate pan, fry the eggs to your liking.
- A crispy-edged sunny-side-up egg is the traditional topping for Pad Gra Prow.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
- Spoon the beef mixture over a bed of jasmine rice.
- Top with the fried egg.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of white pepper.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Sodium | 920 mg |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Data is based on a serving size with rice and egg.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
✅ Lean Protein: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
✅ Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or omit the rice altogether.
✅ Reduced Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of fish sauce.
✅ Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or mushroom sauce.
Serving Suggestions
🍚 Classic Style: Serve over jasmine rice with a fried egg on top.
🌮 Fusion Twist: Use the beef mixture as a filling for lettuce wraps or tacos.
🥗 Low-Carb Bowl: Serve over a bed of mixed greens with shredded carrots and cucumbers.
🍜 Noodle Version: Toss with cooked rice noodles for a variation similar to Pad See Ew.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overcooking the Beef: Cooking the beef for too long makes it dry and chewy.
❌ Skipping the Basil: Thai basil is the key flavor profile of Pad Gra Prow—don’t substitute with regular basil unless necessary.
❌ Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so only cook it for 30 seconds before adding the beef.
❌ Using Too Much Soy Sauce: Over-salting can overpower the dish; balance the flavor with sugar and oyster sauce.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
🥡 Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
❄️ Freezing:
- Freeze the cooked beef mixture (without the egg) in a sealed container for up to 1 month.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Thai Basil Beef (Pad Gra Prow) is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings the taste of Thailand to your kitchen. The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic garlic and chilies, and fragrant Thai basil creates an irresistible flavor profile. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
👉 Try this recipe and leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more authentic and easy recipes.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, but the flavor will be different. Thai basil has a spicy, licorice-like taste that sweet basil lacks.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more bird’s eye chilies or include a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the beef mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add the basil and fry the egg just before serving.
4. What’s the best type of rice to serve with Pad Gra Prow?
Jasmine rice is ideal because its floral aroma complements the savory flavors of the beef.
5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes—replace the soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free versions or tamari.