Introduction

I’ve seen on social media that part of growing up is figuring out what to make with chicken or ground beef, and this Thai Basil Ground Beef Recipe solves that problem! This version was inspired by the classic Thai dish Pad Kra Pao but with simplified ingredients that are easier to find than Thai holy basil, for example. If ground beef ever starts to feel boring, I promise the aromatic flavors will help mix things up and brighten your day. It’s simple, high in protein, and perfect over a fresh bowl of rice, making it one of the easiest ways to throw together a delicious meal.  

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How This Thai Basil Ground Beef Recipe Maximizes Flavor

This Thai Basil Ground Beef Recipe was created to be simple but also build flavors from both the simple ingredients and cooking process. Instead of long marinating times and complicated preparation processes, all that’s needed is a couple aromatics and a very hot pan to create more flavor. Ground Beef is one of the best proteins to use because of its added surface area compared to a full piece of beef. It browns quickly and creates those caramelized bits that gives an extra depth of flavor once the sauce is added, and in the end, you get a dish that has a ton of flavor that can be made in under 15 minutes.

Why The Sauce Is So Important For This Thai Basil Ground Beef Recipe

This Thai Basil Ground Beef Recipe not only uses aromatics and heat to create flavor, but also relies on the sauce to help add those additional layers of flavor. For example, the light and dark soy sauce adds color and saltiness while the fish sauce gives the beef that signature umami flavor. As the sauce starts to reduce, it thickens around the beef and doesn’t taste heavy at all. The addition of Thai basil at the end gives the beef that signature aromatic flavor, completing one of the best dishes you can make in under 15 minutes.

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Thai Basil Ground Beef Recipe Ingredients

Ground beef – The main protein of the dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce very well.

Garlic + Thai chilies – These give the dish its primary flavors. The garlic adds its classic aroma while the chilies add spice to help balance the richness of the beef.

Thai basil – Added at the end for a fresh and peppery flavor that completes the dish.

Sauce (dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar) – A delicious blend that adds saltiness, umami, and sweetness.

Steamed rice + fried egg – The perfect way to serve this. The rice soaks up the sauce, and the egg adds extra richness.

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How to Make Thai Basil Ground Beef

Finely mince the garlic and thinly slice the Thai chilies.

In a small bowl, mix together dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.

Heat a pan over medium heat with oil and cook the garlic and chilies until fragrant.

Add the ground beef and break it apart, letting it cook until mostly browned.

Pour in the sauce and stir frequently as it thickens and coats the beef.

Add the Thai basil and cook just until wilted.

Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice. Top with a fried egg if desired.

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What to Serve with Thai Basil Ground Beef

This Thai Basil Ground Beef Recipe is best served over a bowl of steamed white rice because it can soak up all that sauce. Here are also a few of my favorite side dishes to serve it with:

• Fried egg. A classic Thai pairing with this dish, the egg not only adds some protein, but it also adds another layer of flavor and texture.
• Cucumber slices. Adding some cucumbers adds that fresh bite and crunchiness that helps balance the richness of the dish.
• Stir fried greens. Another classic Thai side dish with Thai basil ground beef. You can stir fry Chinese broccoli, spinach, or morning glory if you can find it.

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How to Store Thai Basil Ground Beef For Meal Prep

This Thai Basil Ground Beef Recipe can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. For meal prep, you can add the beef on top of the rice, which will soak up a little more of the sauce, but I always think the more the better! When reheating, I recommend reheating for 3 minutes on the medium high setting. That way, you can get your beef back to that steaming hot goodness!

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Thai Basil Ground Beef Substitutions

This Thai Basil Ground Beef Recipe is flexible, and you can substitute some ingredients like the protein or even the aromatics depending on whatever you have available. A few of my favorite substitutions are:

• Ground chicken or turkey. These are great options if you’d like a lighter protein that still absorb the sauce very well. It’s my parents’ favorite!
• Milder chilies or no chilies. If you’re sensitive to spicy foods, you can reduce, remove, or substitute the chilies with red pepper flakes. You’ll still get an amazing flavor from the sauce.
• Regular basil. If you can’t find Thai basil, regular basil works just fine and will have a similar flavor profile.
• Soy sauce and sugar. If you don’t have fish sauce or oyster sauce, you can simplify the sauce with this blend instead. You will lose some of the umami flavor, but it’ll still taste great.

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What to Make Next

Craving something with noodles? You’ll love my Chow Mein!

Want another meal prep idea? Try my Honey Cashew Chicken!

Feeling like fried rice instead? Cook my Garlic Pork Belly Fried Rice!