Authentic Thai Basil Beef Recipe (Pad Gra Prow)

Make this authentic Thai basil beef recipe (pad gra prow) in just 20 minutes using simple ingredients. This version comes really close to how we served it at my Thai restaurant, it’s easy to make at home with adjustable spice and a flavorful sauce.

Tip: You can easily swap the ground beef for any protein you like; try it with pork, chicken, or even shrimp. Don’t forget to adjust the cooking time based on what you’re using!

Quick introduction to the recipe

In Thailand, this dish is super popular with both locals and tourists. You’ll find it on nearly every street corner! It works for both lunch and dinner, and my husband even eats it for breakfast.

Before stir-frying, you start by pounding garlic and chilies into a paste. I always use a mortar and pestle because it really brings out the natural oils and aroma. A food processor works too if that’s easier.

After that, it’s just a matter of tossing everything into one pan. That’s it. It’s one of the easiest ways to make something truly Thai and perfect if you’re just starting out in Thai cooking.

What basil to use

The right type of basil for pad gra prow is holy basil (bai krapow in Thai). It has a peppery, slightly spicy flavor and a rougher texture than other types of basil.

You’ll really taste the difference, so try your best to find it. If you absolutely can’t, Thai sweet basil (bai horapa) is often recommended as a substitute in the West. In Thailand, we use that type of basil to make pad horapa.

Want to know more? I cover the differences in detail in my full Thai basil vs holy basil guide.

• Beef (9 oz) – You can use minced beef or thinly sliced steak. I prefer Thai basil ground beef because it soaks up all the flavor and feels extra saucy. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian version or pork belly for a variation!
• Holy basil (1 cup) – You can find this at some Asian grocery stores or markets.
• Fresh chili peppers (3) – I always use Thai Jinda chilies in my stir-fries. Use fewer or a milder chili if you want to keep the spice level down. You can also use dried chilies for a smoky depth.
• Garlic (3 cloves)
• Black soy sauce (1/2 tsp) – Adds a deep color to the meat and slightly sweet flavor. Get it on Amazon.
• Oyster sauce (1 tbsp) – Gives the stir-fry sauce a savory, slightly sweet flavor.
• Fish sauce (1 tbsp) – Salty and packed with umami. My go-to brand is Megachef.
• White sugar (1/2 tbsp)
• Oil (3 tbsp) – Use a neutral oil with high smoke point, like canola oil or vegetable oil.
• White pepper (a pinch, optional)

How to make Thai basil beef

Step 1: Use a mortar and pestle to pound the garlic and chilies into a coarse paste. A food processor works too if needed.

Step 2: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the chili-garlic paste and stir-fry for about 20 seconds, just until it’s golden and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the minced beef and stir-fry until fully cooked, breaking it up as you go. Don’t overcook, just until it’s no longer pink!

Step 4: Pour in the sauces and seasonings: black soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, white pepper (optional), and sugar. Toss everything well, so the beef is evenly coated and glossy.

Step 5: Turn off the heat and stir in the holy basil. It should wilt slightly from the residual heat. Serve right away with hot jasmine rice and a crispy fried egg on top. In Thailand, we also add prik nam pla!

More Thai beef stir-fry recipes to try

• Beef pad Thai
• Pepper beef
• Nua pad prik
• Hot and spicy beef

That’s everything you need to know to make this authentic Thai basil beef recipe! Please leave a comment below and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.