Quick and Flavorful Thai Beef with Basil (Pad Gra Prow)
Discover an easy and authentic Thai Beef Recipe with Basil, also known as Pad Gra Prow. This vibrant stir-fry combines tender beef, aromatic Thai basil, and a rich blend of savory sauces for a delicious meal ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over jasmine rice.
Source inspiration: thewoksoflife.com
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Prep
10 min
Cook
5 min
Total
15 min
Servings
4
Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 12 oz. beef, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (for marinating beef)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, packed
- to taste cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Follow these steps in order for best results.
Step 1
Toss the sliced beef with 1 teaspoon of oil and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch until evenly coated.
Step 2
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
Step 3
Sear the beef in the hot oil until just browned, about 1-2 minutes, then remove and set aside.
Step 4
Add garlic and red bell pepper to the wok and stir-fry for about 20 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5
Add the sliced onion and continue stir-frying until the onion softens and begins to caramelize.
Step 6
Return the beef to the wok and pour in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar.
Step 7
Stir-fry everything together for a few seconds to combine the flavors.
Step 8
Add the Thai basil leaves and fold them in just until wilted, then remove from heat.
Step 9
Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of basil is best for Thai Beef Recipe with Basil?
Traditional Pad Gra Prow uses holy basil for its distinctive flavor, but Thai basil or even Italian basil can be used as substitutes if holy basil is unavailable.
Can I use other cuts of beef for this stir-fry?
Yes, tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak work best when sliced thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Is this recipe spicy?
This version includes red bell pepper for mild sweetness, but you can add fresh chilies or chili flakes to increase the heat according to your preference.
What can I serve with Thai Beef with Basil?
It is traditionally served over steamed jasmine rice, which complements the savory and aromatic flavors of the stir-fry.
