Neua Pad Kra Pao or Neua pat bai grapao is a popular Thai dish that features stir-fried beef with holy basil and chili. This classic Thai dish is a favorite among locals and tourists alike and is bound to become a staple in any Thai food lover’s culinary repertoire.
Pad Kra Pao is typically served over steamed rice and often served with a fried egg on top, a popular addition in Thailand and adds another layer of texture and flavor. The name of the dish translates to “beef with basil leaves,” with “neua” meaning beef, “pat” meaning stir-fried, and “bai grapao” meaning holy basil leaves.
The key to making this beef Pad Kra Pao is to use high-quality beef that is sliced thinly and cooked quickly over high heat. The holy basil, which has a unique and slightly sweet flavor, is added towards the end of cooking to impart its distinct taste. Neua pat bai grapao is often served with steamed rice, which helps to balance out the dish’s strong flavors.
Neua Pad Kra Pao is a perfect example of Thai cuisine’s balance of flavors, including sweet, salty, spicy, and savory. The dish is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients, which makes it perfect for a weeknight dinner. It also makes a great lunch option as it is filling and satisfying.
Neua Pad Kra Pao recipe (Thai stir-fried minced beef and holy basil) by celebrity Chef David Thompson
Ingredients
Paste
Nahm pla prik
Instructions
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Chop the beef by hand as finely as possible. Don't be afraid to add some gristle; it needs to be rather fatty.
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Combine the garlic, salt, pepper, and basil to make a coarse paste.
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In a bowl, combine the nahm pla prik ingredients (this keeps for a few days).
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Fry the eggs in hot oil. Lift out and go somewhere warm.
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Leave only a few teaspoons of oil after draining the majority of it.
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If using, add the lard
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Add the paste and stir-fry for a short while
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Add the minced beef and stir-fry for another 30 seconds or more, until just done. Apply water to moisten.
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Season the meat with fish sauce, black soy sauce, and sugar. Take care not to salt it excessively. With the basil, it should taste rich, fiery, salty, and spicy.
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Serve with plenty of hot rice, the fried eggs, and a side bowl of nahm plaa prik. Enjoy youe Thai Neua Pad Kra Pao!
User Reviews
It was easy to cook and excellent when I made it tonight. I additionally included more vegetables, chicken stock, and a spicy pepper. extremely tasty
It was easy to cook and excellent when I made it tonight. I additionally included more vegetables, chicken stock, and a spicy pepper. extremely tasty