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Thai Basil Beef (Pad Kra Pao)

Fast, fragrant halal stir-fry with ground beef, garlic, chilies, and loads of fresh Thai basil in a glossy, savory sauce. Serve over jasmine rice and top with a fried egg for an authentic touch.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Stir Fry
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (halal) or thinly sliced flank steak
  • 2 Tbsp neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 Tbsp halal oyster sauce
  • 1 Tbsp halal fish sauce (or mushroom soy for vegetarian)
  • 1 tsp brown sugar or palm sugar
  • 2 Tbsp water or halal beef broth
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, packed
  • cooked jasmine rice, for serving
  • fried eggs, for serving (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, halal oyster sauce, halal fish sauce, brown sugar, and water (or broth); set aside.
  • Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add garlic and chilies; stir-fry 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add ground beef and cook 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned. Spoon off excess fat if desired.
  • Stir in onion and red bell pepper (if using) and cook 1–2 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Pour in the prepared sauce and white pepper; stir-fry 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly reduced.
  • Turn off heat and fold in Thai basil leaves until just wilted, about 30 seconds.
  • Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice; top with a fried egg if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 900mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g
Keyword Halal, Jasmine Rice, Meal Prep, Pad Kra Pao, Thai Basil Beef, Weeknight Dinner
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