Nua Pad Prik (Thai Chili Beef Recipe)

Name: Nua Pad Prik (Thai Chili Beef Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 3 tablespoons water; 3 tablespoons oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 8.8 ounces beef; 2.5 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper; 1 teaspoon white sugar; 1/2 onion (chopped); 3.5 ounces chilies (large red and green chilies, Thai prik chi fa, sliced); 0.7 ounces green onions (roughly chopped)

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Nua pad prik, a Thai chili beef recipe, is one of the easiest stir-fries ever! It’s a spicy clean-out-your-fridge type of dish that’s super simple and completely customizable with your favorite vegetables.

Nua pad prik, a spicy Thai beef stir-fry served over steamed jasmine rice in a black bowl.

Don’t forget to check out my other recipes for stir-fried beef: Thai black pepper beef stir-fry and Thai hot and spicy beef.

What is nua pad prik

Nua pad prik is a classic Thai beef dish that combines tender beef strips stir-fried in a spicy and savory sauce. Brimming with chilies and traditional Thai spices, this dish is perfect for those who love a bit of heat.

Spicy beef stir-fry recipe

This is one of the easiest Thai dinner recipes ever! It’s a quick stir-fry with the most tender, juicy strips of beef you’ll ever make at home.

Close-up of Thai chili beef with crisp chilies and spring onions, picked up with chopsticks over steamed rice.

Don’t worry, you can swap out the beef for other protein like chicken or pork if steak is not your thing.

Pair it with steamed rice that soaks up all that saucy goodness, and you’ve got yourself the perfect at-home takeout.

Spicy beef stir-fry with green onions, red chilies, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, paired with jasmine rice.

It’s full of protein, garlic flavor, onions, and everything is coated in a rich sauce that’s a simple blend of Thai spices.

Why try this Thai steak recipe recipe

Super versatile and home-cook friendly: Neua pad prik is fantastic for using those leftover veggies in your fridge. Feel free to improvise with what’s on hand like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and even baby corn.
It’s nutrition-packed: Beef is high in protein, low-kcal, and loaded with nutrients. Coupled with health-boosting garlic and onions, this dish is as healthy as it is delicious
Perfect for any night: Whether it’s a busy weekday or a special weekend dinner, this Thai stir-fried beef with chili is ideal. It has minimal prep time and a quick cooking process for a stress-free meal.
Flexible: Honestly, Thai cooking isn’t about adding the perfect quantities. The sauce can be a little different each time, and that’s totally ok. More spice? Sweeter? It’s all up to you!

Thai chili beef stir-fry in a black dish on a banana leaf, served with rice for an easy dinner.

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post.

Beef – The best beef for stir-fry is tender cuts like sirloin, tenderloin, or flank steak. Important is to slice the beef against the grain into thin strips to ensure each slice is tender and easy to chew.
Large red and green chilies – Prik chi fa, large Thai chilies, add medium heat without overwhelming the other flavors. If you prefer a milder taste or are cooking for kids, substitute with bell peppers.
Onion & green onions – Onions add a natural sweet flavor when stir-fried, and green onions bring a mild, crisp bite.
Garlic – The base of most Thai stir-fries, adding aroma and a pungent flavor.
Light soy sauce
Dark soy sauce
Oyster sauce – This trio of sauces adds a salty and savory flavor with that authentic Thai taste we all love.
White sugar – A touch of white sugar is necessary for balancing the heat and saltiness. If your dish turns out too spicy, you can try adding a little bit of extra sugar.
White pepper
Cornstarch – Borrowed from Chinese cuisine, cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, perfectly coating the beef and the vegetables.
Water – To adjust the consistency of the sauce, ensuring it is not too thick nor too thin.

Cooking instructions

Mix cornstarch

Terracotta bowl of cornstarch and water mixture resting on a fresh green banana leaf, a thickening agent for sauces.

1. Thoroughly stir together the cornstarch and water in a mixing bowl.

Stir-fry beef

Step-by-step cooking stages of nua pad prik: seared beef slices in a pan, followed by beef simmering in sauces and finally tossed with chilies and vegetables.

1. Start by searing your beef slices in a hot pan over high heat until you get a crust.

2. Add garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant.

3. Stir in the cornstarch mixture, dark soy, light soy, oyster sauce, white pepper, and white sugar. Thoroughly mix and let it simmer and mingle with the beef.

4. Finally, add the sliced chilies, onions, and green onions. Cook until the vegetables are soft to your liking. Serve immediately with rice.

Kitchen tools

Mixing bowl for mixing the beef with cornstarch
Wok with spatula or large frying pan
Cutting board and chef’s knife
Measuring spoons and cups

Tips for stir-frying

Optionally let the beef marinate if you have time.
Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips.
Prep ingredients before cooking.
Avoid overcrowding your pan.
Stir-fry over high heat.

How to serve

Serve nua pad prik over rice. The rice absorbs the sauce and complements the spiciness.

Optional garnishes

Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a nutty note and crunch.
Chopped peanuts: For a bit of crunch and nutty taste.
Extra chilies: Serve with extra sliced chilies for those who love spicy food.
Fresh herbs: Freshly chopped cilantro, Thai basil, or other herbs add freshness and additional flavor.
Lime wedge: For a tangy note.

How to store and reheat

Let the leftovers of this Thai chili beef stir-fry cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions: Reheat in a pan over medium heat. Optionally, add a splash of oil or water. Avoid overheating, which will make the beef tough.

Frequently asked questions

How to pronounce nua pad prik?

Nua: Pronounced as “new-ah”.
Pad: Pronounced as “paht”.
Prik: Pronounced as “priek”.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat later, but I recommend stir-frying before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, nua pad prik is made with soy sauces, which are not gluten-free.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level depends on the type and amount of chilies used. Following the exact quantities and type of chilies, this recipe is medium spicy. Feel free to adjust the spiciness.

Can I make nua pad prik vegetarian?

Swap the beef for tofu and use a vegetarian oyster sauce alternative like mushroom sauce.

More Thai beef recipes you’ll love

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