Description
Authentic pad kra pao blends spicy Thai basil chicken with aromatic ingredients for a quick street-style meal. Chefs can master this classic Bangkok dish through precise techniques and fresh components that deliver explosive flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1–2 jalapenos or serrano chili peppers
- ½ sweet onion
- 1 small bell pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 2 tbsps reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsps fish sauce
- 2 tbsps brown sugar
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp Asian chili sauce
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp white pepper
Instructions
- Sauce Preparation: Whisk sauce ingredients in a small bowl, allowing flavors to meld while preparing other components.
- Heating Surface: Position wok or large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until surface reaches optimal temperature.
- Protein Searing: Introduce ground beef to hot surface, strategically spreading to develop caramelized exterior. Break meat into refined fragments while ensuring uniform browning, then drain excess fat.
- Aromatic Integration: Swiftly add onions, bell peppers, chilies, and garlic, creating a dynamic flavor profile through continuous rapid stirring.
- Sauce Incorporation: Pour prepared sauce over ingredients, vigorously mixing to ensure comprehensive flavor distribution and precise ingredient integration.
- Final Flourish: Gently fold Thai basil leaves into mixture, cooking until beef reaches complete doneness and vegetables achieve desired tenderness.
- Plating Presentation: Serve over steamed jasmine rice, garnishing with optional chili condiment, fresh pepper slices, or lime wedge to enhance culinary experience.
Notes
- Sauce Preparation Timing: Whisk sauce ingredients early to allow flavors to meld and intensify while preparing other recipe components.
- Wok Temperature Mastery: Heat cooking surface to medium-high for optimal caramelization and flavor development of ground beef.
- Beef Browning Technique: Position meat strategically in hot pan, turning carefully to create a robust caramelized exterior and break into uniform small pieces.
- Herb Integration Trick: Fold Thai basil leaves gently at the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavor and aromatic qualities, ensuring maximum freshness and color retention.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 7minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg