Name: Easy 15-Minute Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb extra-lean ground chicken or ground beef; 1 cup holy basil or Thai basil (stems removed); 1 shallot or ¼ cup onion, finely diced; 2 large red chili or bird’s eye chili, de-seeded and finely chopped; 5 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup chicken stock or beef stock, low-sodium; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or vegetarian stir-fry sauce; 2 teaspoons fish sauce; 1 teaspoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce; 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce; 2 teaspoons white granulated sugar or cane sugar / palm sugar; 2 fried eggs (optional); Cooked jasmine rice or any white rice of choice

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Introduction

This Easy 15-Minute Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry is a flavorful and quick meal that brings authentic Thai tastes to your dinner table. With fragrant basil, spicy chilies, and savory sauces, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

A white bowl holds a bed of white rice topped with stir-fried minced meat mixed with fresh green leafy vegetables and small red chili slices, creating a colorful mix of light brown, green, and red textures. On top of the minced meat, a fried egg with bright yellow yolk and white edges crispy to a golden brown is placed, sprinkled lightly with red chili flakes. A wooden spoon rests in the bowl, partially under the fried egg, all set against a white marbled surface with a green cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb extra-lean ground chicken or ground beef
1 cup Holy basil or Thai basil / Sweet Basil, stems removed
1 shallot or ¼ cup onion, finely diced
2 large red chili or bird’s eye chili, de-seeded & finely chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup chicken stock or beef stock, low-sodium
3 tablespoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil
1 tablespoon oyster sauce or vegetarian stir-fry sauce
2 teaspoons fish sauce
2 teaspoons white granulated sugar or cane sugar / palm sugar
1 teaspoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
2 fried eggs or as needed (optional)
Cooked jasmine rice or any white rice of choice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the sauce by combining oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, light soy sauce, and dark soy sauce in a small bowl. Stir well until the sugar dissolves, then set aside.
Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add finely diced shallot, minced garlic, and chopped red chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant and softened.
Step 3: Add the ground chicken or beef to the pan. Break up the meat with a spatula into small pieces. Cook until the moisture evaporates and the meat is slightly browned and fully cooked.
Step 4: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked meat and stir-fry for 30 seconds to blend the flavors. Then add the low-sodium stock, continuing to stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
Step 5: Add the fresh holy or Thai basil leaves to the pan. Stir-fry just until the basil softens and releases its aroma, about 15 seconds. Immediately transfer the dish to a serving plate.
Step 6: Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice. Optionally, top with a fried egg for a traditional touch. Enjoy your flavorful Thai holy basil stir-fry!

Tips & Variations

Use bird’s eye chilies for extra spice, or reduce chilies if you prefer a milder dish.
Substitute oyster sauce with vegetarian stir-fry sauce for a plant-based option.
Adding a fried egg on top is classic and adds richness to the dish.
If holy basil is unavailable, Thai basil or sweet basil works well as a substitute.
Cook the meat thoroughly but avoid overcooking to keep it juicy and tender.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. For best texture, add fresh basil leaves after reheating rather than during initial cooking.

How to Serve

A white plate with a mound of white steamed rice on one side and a layer of cooked minced meat mixed with green basil leaves and small red chili slices on the other side. On top of the minced meat, there is a fried egg with a bright yellow yolk and slightly crispy, light brown edges. A spoon rests on the plate near the rice on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other proteins besides ground chicken or beef?

Yes, ground pork or turkey are great alternatives that work well with this stir-fry. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

What can I substitute if I don’t have holy basil?

Thai basil is the closest substitute and will keep the dish authentic. Sweet basil is also acceptable if Thai varieties aren’t available, though the flavor will be milder.

Easy 15-Minute Thai Holy Basil Stir-Fry Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 134 reviews

A quick and flavorful Thai holy basil stir-fry featuring ground chicken or beef, fragrant garlic, chilies, and aromatic holy basil, finished with a savory sauce and served with jasmine rice. Ready in just 15 minutes, this classic Thai street food dish is perfect for a spicy and satisfying meal.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb extra-lean ground chicken or ground beef

Herbs and Aromatics

1 cup holy basil or Thai basil (stems removed)
1 shallot or ¼ cup onion, finely diced
2 large red chili or bird’s eye chili, de-seeded and finely chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Sauces

¼ cup chicken stock or beef stock, low-sodium
3 tablespoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil
1 tablespoon oyster sauce or vegetarian stir-fry sauce
2 teaspoons fish sauce
1 teaspoon regular soy sauce or light soy sauce
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce

Other

2 teaspoons white granulated sugar or cane sugar / palm sugar
2 fried eggs (optional)
Cooked jasmine rice or any white rice of choice

Instructions

Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, light soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. Stir well until the sugar has completely dissolved. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
Sauté aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the finely diced shallot, minced garlic, and chopped red chilies. Stir-fry these ingredients until they soften and become fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Cook the meat: Add the ground chicken or beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break up the meat into small pieces, avoiding large chunks. Continue cooking until the moisture evaporates and the meat is slightly browned and cooked through.
Add sauce and stock: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked meat and stir-fry for about 30 seconds to blend the flavors. Then add the low-sodium chicken or beef stock, continuing to stir-fry for another 30 seconds to combine all elements well.
Finish with basil: Add the fresh holy or Thai basil leaves to the pan. Stir-fry just until the basil softens and releases its aroma, approximately 15 seconds. Immediately transfer the dish to a serving plate to preserve freshness.
Serve: Serve the Pad Kra Pao hot with steamed jasmine rice. Optionally, add a fried egg on top for a classic touch. Enjoy your flavorful Thai holy basil stir-fry!

Notes

Use ground chicken for a lighter option or ground beef for a richer flavor.
Adjust chilies according to your spice preference—remove seeds for less heat.
Holy basil is preferred for authenticity, but Thai sweet basil works well as a substitute.
Oyster sauce can be substituted with vegetarian stir-fry sauce for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh aroma of the basil and crisp texture of the dish.
Adding a fried egg on top is traditional and adds extra protein and richness to the meal.

Keywords: Thai holy basil stir-fry, Pad Kra Pao, ground chicken stir-fry, Thai basil recipe, quick Thai dinner, spicy Thai stir-fry