Easy Beef Krapow Recipe brings a flavorful and aromatic taste of Thai cuisine to your kitchen. The dish features tender beef stir-fried with garlic, chili, and a fragrant mix of soy sauce and fish sauce, offering a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and umami flavors. Served with steamed rice and topped with a fried egg, it’s a satisfying meal that can be made in under 30 minutes.
The key to this recipe’s success is using fresh basil, which adds a fragrant, slightly peppery kick that complements the bold flavors of the beef. Adjust the chili level to your preference, whether you like it mild or with a fiery heat. This quick and easy dish is perfect for busy nights when you crave something flavorful and comforting.
Not only is it a one-pan wonder, but it also offers a great way to enjoy a classic Thai street food dish at home without needing any specialized ingredients. With simple steps and minimal prep, it’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking to experiment with Thai flavors.
Easy Beef Krapow Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil vegetable or neutral oil works well
- 2 finely chopped shallots
- 6 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 pound of ground beef 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
- 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce dark or regular
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons of white sugar
- Leaves from 3 sprigs of Thai basil
- 2 Thai chilies thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups of cooked Thai jasmine rice optional, for serving
- 2 large eggs optional, for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet over high heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Let it heat for about 1 minute.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add minced shallots and garlic to the hot oil. Stir constantly for around 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let them burn.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart, and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned.
Step 4: Season the Beef
- Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
Step 5: Add Basil and Chilies
- Toss in Thai basil leaves and sliced chilies. Stir-fry everything together for another 30 seconds, just until the basil wilts.
Step 6: Serve with Rice
- Spoon the beef mixture over a bed of freshly steamed jasmine rice.
Step 7: Optional – Fry an Egg
- In the same pan, fry eggs using the leftover oil. Cook until the edges are crispy and the yolk remains runny.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Top with extra basil leaves or sliced chilies for added flavor and a burst of color.
