Thai basil beef (pad krapow) | Paleo, keto, whole30 (2024)

Home » Course » Main Course » Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow Neua)

by ChihYu
August 15, 2018 (updated 7/20/23)
66 comments »

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4.98 from 45 votes

Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow) ) with tender beef, and crisp peppers, tossed in a sweet and savory Thai basil beef sauce. The beef is super tender and flavorful and this dish comes together in minutes!

Thai basil beef (pad krapow) | Paleo, keto, whole30 (2)

Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry (Paleo Whole30, Gluten-Free)

If you are familiar with my blog, you probably have guessed how much I adore stir-fry dishes – Paleo Beef with broccoli, chicken and broccoli, Chinese pepper steak, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Chinese Cashew Nut Chicken, Mongolian Beef featured in Whole30’s fast and easy cookbook …etc. The list goes on and on and with many more have yet to come to this blog.

Stir fries are the equivalent of soul food to many Chinese/Taiwanese people. As a Chinese immigrant growing up in Taiwan, stir-fried dishes remind us of mom’s/grandma’s cooking.

Although I’m not Thai, there are many Chinese immigrants and descendants living in Thailand. Many Chinese-influenced Thai stir-fry dishes, like today’s Paleo Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry, is just one example that shows how one culture influences another.

The Best Beef Stir-Fry

Many people love stir-fry dishes because they are easy and quick. However, the real difference between a good/authentic stir-fry and a mediocre one lies in the subtlety. It’s the temperate, the heat, and the speed in which ingredients are introduced to the wok. There’s a rhythm to it that you simply learn by watching and learning how it’s been done through centuries.

Thai basil beef (pad krapow) | Paleo, keto, whole30 (5)

In my opinion, Andy Ricker, the author or the cookbook Pok Pok, makes truly authentic Thai cuisine. He is probably the first Westerner that even locals agree his Thai cooking is legit. To come back to talk about today’s subject – Paleo Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry, if you can find Thai or Asian basil I highly recommend you use it for this recipe. It has a stronger fragrance and much more sturdy texture than Italian basil. In the recipe below, I adjusted cooking methods in order to accommodate Italian basil.

I also added bell pepper (which is not a common ingredient in real Thai cooking) to my Paleo Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry. I think it adds extra color and vegetables to balance a meat focused dish. Please watch the stir-fry/cook time some the peppers will remain crunchy.

This Pad Krapow Thai Basil Beef is –

Healthy
Easy
Savory beef
Fragrant with basil
Colorful vegetables
Paleo, Whole30 and Keto

4.98 from 45 votes

Thai basil beef recipe (Pad Krapow Neua)

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Author: ChihYu Smith

Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow Neua) ) with sweet & savory Whole30 Thai basil beef sauce. This basil beef comes together in minutes!

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Ingredients

Thai Basil Beef Marinade:

▢ 1 lb. skirt steak, beef flap, or sirloin
▢ 1 ½ tbsp coconut aminos
▢ ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
▢ 1 tbsp fish sauce, Red Boat brand preferred
▢ ¼ tsp baking soda
▢ 1 tsp arrowroot powder

Aromatics:

▢ 2 tbsp sliced garlic cloves
▢ 1 to 1 ½ tbsp fresh ginger, julienned
▢ 3 bulbs scallions, chopped and separate white and green parts
▢ 1-2 chili peppers, serrano, fresno, or jalapeño, seeds removed, optional

Other:

▢ 1 to 1 ½ whole bell pepper, slice to thin strips, any color you prefer
▢ 1 cup Thai/Asian basil or 2 cups Italian basil
▢ Cooking fat, ghee or avocado oil

Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry Sauce:

▢ ½ tbsp fish sauce, Red Boat brand preferred
▢ 1 ½ tbsp coconut aminos
▢ ½ tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

Thin slice the beef against the grain to less than ¼-inch thin. Combing and gently mix well the beef with all ingredients under ‘beef and marinade’. Set aside in the fridge. Prepare garlic, ginger, scallions, chili peppers (if using), bell pepper, basil, and set aside ‘stir-fry sauce’.
In a well heated large stainless steel skillet (or cast iron), add 2 tbsp cooking fat. Try to sear the beef over medium-high heat in one layer so they aren’t overlap with each other too much in the skillet. Sear the first side without disturbing for roughly 2 minutes or until golden brown then sear the flip side about 1 minute. Set aside in a large bowl along with the pan juice.
Use the same skillet, add 2 tbsp cook fat, saute garlic, ginger, white parts of scallions, and chili peppers. Season with a pinch of salt and saute until fragrant (about 10 seconds) over medium to medium-high heat. Add sliced bell pepper, season with another pinch of salt. Saute for 5-8 seconds. Add Italian basil and use the heat to extract the basil fragrance/oil. Saute for 5-6 seconds. Add beef back to the skillet and the ‘stir-fry’ sauce. Give a quick toss this dish is ready!
Serve the dish over cauliflower rice, broccoli rice, lightly sauteed zucchini noodles or steamed rice for a gluten-free meal.
See Also
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes Zeppole Di San Giuseppe Recipe on Food52 Salad Recipe : Vietnamese Noodle Salad w/Coconut Lemongrass BBQ Pork(Bun Thit Nuong) : Asian at Home - Seonkyoung Longest Healthy Turkey Salisbury Steak Recipe

Notes

If use Asian/Thai basil, add them at the beginning of Step 3 to saute with the garlic, ginger, scallions…etc. The texture of Asian/Thai basil is more sturdy and has stronger fragrant than Italian basil. They can take more heat in stir-fries.

Nutrition

Calories: 207kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 71mg, Sodium: 668mg, Potassium: 402mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 420IU, Vitamin C: 4.7mg, Calcium: 31mg, Iron: 2.4mg

Course: Main

Cuisine: Thai

Keyword: Keto Thai Basil Beef, Paleo Thai basil beef, Paleo Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry, Thai basil beef, Whole30 Thai Basil Beef

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Tag @iheartumami.ny on Instagram and hashtag it #iheartumami.

More Paleo and Whole30 Thai Recipes –

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Paleo Thai Peanut Sauce (peanut-free)!
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Thai beef salad
More Paleo Thai Recipes here

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posted by ChihYu on August 15, 2018

66 Comments / Leave a Comment »

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66 comments on “Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow Neua)”

Sharon — May 4, 2022 @ 12:55 AM Reply

Thank you for this recipe! I made this tonight and everyone LOVED it! The beef was so tasty and tender even after just about a 10 minute marinade time. I used Thai basil and I think it makes a difference. The flavor of this dish reminds me a bit of the Three Cups Chicken dish. This recipe is a keeper, and I will definitely be making this again!
- ChihYu — May 6, 2022 @ 12:32 PM Reply
  
  That’s awesome. Thanks, Sharon!
Shelly — March 2, 2021 @ 7:35 PM Reply

This was absolutely delicious, and so easy! I went with 1 jalapeño but will definitely up the heat next time. So fresh and light yet hearty at the same time, it’s a keeper – thank you !
- ChihYu — March 10, 2021 @ 1:21 PM Reply
  
  So happy to hear. Thank you!
Laurie — February 7, 2021 @ 4:37 PM Reply

Thank you so much for creating such healthy, whole 30, flavorful recipes. I never feel like I’m missing out with your dishes. My husband and I love this one!
- ChihYu — February 10, 2021 @ 12:36 PM Reply
  
  Thank you so much, Laurie for spending time and coming back here to leave reviews. I truly appreciate it!
Stephanie — January 19, 2021 @ 8:21 PM Reply
See Also
Whole30 Caesar Salad

Simple and so so delicious. I’m so happy I found this blog!
- ChihYu — January 21, 2021 @ 9:32 AM Reply
  
  Thank you~
Mila — September 27, 2020 @ 10:09 PM Reply

Love this recipe! The instructions were simple and detailed. The dish was so flavorful and easy to make. My boyfriend loved it and he doesn’t eat whole 30. The only thing I did differently was that I sautéed the bell peppers with the aromatics and softened them a bit before adding the basil. Just a personal preference. Can’t wait to make it again!!
- ChihYu — October 4, 2020 @ 8:58 AM Reply
  
  Awesome. Thank you!
karissa — August 31, 2020 @ 9:47 AM Reply

Thank you Chihyu! This was great and very flavorful. Would definitely recommend using Asian basil, it makes such a big difference to taste. Also used two Thai chilies for extra spice.
- ChihYu — September 2, 2020 @ 10:37 AM Reply
  
  Absolutely! If you can find Asian basil (Thai basil), that’s the best!
Brianne — March 1, 2020 @ 2:40 PM Reply

Hi! I have a couple of packages of steak tips in my freezer. Can I use these for your beef stir fry recipes??
- ChihYu — March 4, 2020 @ 3:48 PM Reply
  
  Hi Brianne! Yes! Please defrost them first and if they are in chunks, try to slice them thinner. :))
  - Brianne — March 4, 2020 @ 4:07 PM
    
    Thank you! I just made one of your other recipes last night. Going to add my comments on that one next. Can’t wait to make this one soon!
  - ChihYu — March 4, 2020 @ 5:06 PM
    
    Brianne! Thank you so much. Leaving a comment here helps me and my blog greatly. I appreciate it!
Maeve — January 23, 2020 @ 7:56 PM Reply

Another wonderful recipe, ChihYu! I especially love your tips on making beef stir-fry. Everything I make from your blog is delicious. Thank you for sharing your dishes with us!
- ChihYu — January 30, 2020 @ 11:15 AM Reply
  
  Very welcome, Maeve!
D — January 2, 2020 @ 1:27 PM Reply

My whole family loved it! Great flavors and easy to throw together when looking for a good quality meal
Natalia — November 11, 2019 @ 8:14 PM Reply

Made it today. Used regular basil. Came out amazing! So quick and easy too.
- ChihYu — December 4, 2019 @ 10:31 AM Reply
  
  Thanks so much. So happy to hear!
Brianne — October 28, 2019 @ 3:37 PM Reply

I made this dish last night and it was so good! I used flank steak that was in my freezer as well as Thai chili’s that were in my freezer from the farmers market. I will definitely be making this again. Thank you!
- ChihYu — October 30, 2019 @ 10:21 AM Reply
  
  So happy to hear and thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Tracy — September 3, 2019 @ 11:57 PM Reply

Used lean ground beef and it was excellent too.
- ChihYu — September 4, 2019 @ 11:40 AM Reply
  
  Awesome. Thanks for sharing!
Colleen — June 5, 2019 @ 2:20 AM Reply

OMG! I made this tonight and it was amazing! So delicious and I just love that it calls for such healthy and paleo ingredients. We ate it without rice and it was so tasty just the way it came out. I used Aloha red/yellow peppers which were so incredibly sweet and forgot the scallions so I used Vidalia onion. I also added green peppers and had some reaper chili peppers for an added kick (on the side). I will make this one again for sure!!
- ChihYu — June 21, 2019 @ 8:52 PM Reply
  
  Thank you, Colleen!
Jonathan — April 12, 2019 @ 8:51 AM Reply

We made this Paleo thai Basil Beef last night and my entire family enjoyed it very much, including my 4-year-old daughter. It’s the best Thai basil beef we’ve ever made. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
- ChihYu — April 18, 2019 @ 10:24 PM Reply
  
  Thanks so much, Jonathan. I so appreciate it!
Emily St Julian — February 24, 2019 @ 7:40 PM Reply

Just made this dish – excellent! I subbed in sriracha chili sauce instead of jalapeno (happened to forget that item at the grocery store). It gave a nice little heat. (Would NOT be Whole30 compliant with that sub though).
Thanks for sharing a great recipe and beautiful pictures!
- ChihYu — March 12, 2019 @ 10:41 AM Reply
  
  Yay! So happy to hear that. The Sriracha addition sounds great. I think there are many Whole30 compliant Sriracha recipes on the internet though if you want to do a little DIY. :))
Hima — October 10, 2018 @ 9:48 AM Reply

Hello! I just discovered your website and everything looks delicious! Would I be able to make this recipe with chicken instead of beef? Thank you!
- ChihYu — October 10, 2018 @ 2:28 PM Reply
  
  Hi Hima, thanks so much! Yes you should. I recommend using boneless and skinless chicken thighs. Slice them to bite sizes first. Let me know how it goes!
  - Hima — October 10, 2018 @ 2:58 PM
    
    Thank you! I can’t wait to try it!
  - Hima — October 12, 2018 @ 8:17 PM
    
    Hi Chih! It was delicious!! The only thing I modified is I added a tiny bit of pure maple syrup. And to make it a little extra spicy I added a tiny bit of this Paleo Thai hot sauce I found that’s called yai’s Thai. It’s made from Thai chilis 🙂
  - ChihYu — October 16, 2018 @ 1:41 PM
    
    That sounds fabulous. Thanks for sharing!
Michelle — September 18, 2018 @ 12:46 PM Reply

I made this dish last night. I am not much of a basil fan, but this may have changed my mind. This was fantastic. My husband said it’s the best thai basil beef he has ever had. Thank you for creating great flavors and reliable methods!
- ChihYu — September 19, 2018 @ 9:44 AM Reply
  
  I’m so happy to hear that. Thank you so much, Michelle!