Pad beef has become an internet sensation and one of the hottest new food trends This Thai stir-fry packs a flavorful, spicy punch that has captivated tastebuds around the world But what exactly is pad beef? Where did it originate from and how can you make it at home? This complete guide will explain everything you need to know about the rising star dish – pad beef.
Pad beef is a Thai dish that consists of stir-fried beef with Thai holy basil and chili peppers, served over rice and topped with a fried egg It’s sometimes referred to as “Thai basil beef”
The name “pad” comes from the Thai cooking technique called “pad cha” which means “to stir fry” The term “pad” is commonly used in the names of many Thai stir-fry dishes like pad thai or pad see ew
The key ingredients in pad beef are:
- Lean beef – usually flank or sirloin, sliced thinly against the grain
- Thai holy basil – provides distinctive licorice-like flavor
- Chili peppers – gives spicy kick
- Garlic and soy sauce – for umami flavor
- Rice – served under beef as base
When these ingredients are quickly stir-fried together in a hot wok and topped with a fried egg, the result is a dish that’s full of textures and intense, exotic flavors.
The Origins of Pad Beef
Pad beef has its roots in Chinese cuisine. The stir-frying technique used originated in China and was likely brought over to Thailand by Teochew immigrants from Guangdong province.
Over time, the Thais adapted the technique to suit local tastes. They added Thai holy basil and more chilies to give pad beef its distinctive spicy, aromatic flavor profile.
Though the exact origins are uncertain, pad beef emerged as a popular Thai street food dish. It’s now served at restaurants around Thailand and beyond as people all over the world are discovering this tantalizing taste sensation.
How to Cook Pad Beef at Home
One of the best parts of pad beef is that it’s actually quite easy to make at home. Here’s a simple pad beef recipe to try in your own kitchen:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Thai holy basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai chili peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- Vegetable oil for stir-frying
- 4 eggs, fried or poached
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Lime wedges, for serving
Directions:
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Slice the beef as thinly as possible against the grain. This helps it cook quickly while staying tender.
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Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tbsp oil and stir-fry the beef for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned but still pink inside. Remove beef from wok and set aside.
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Add a little more oil to skillet. Stir-fry the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the chilies and holy basil. Stir-fry just until the basil is wilted, about 30 seconds.
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Return beef to the wok. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce and sugar. Stir-fry for 1 minute to coat beef and blend flavors.
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Divide rice between serving bowls. Top with beef mixture. Garnish each with a fried or poached egg.
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Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish before eating.
The quick, high-heat stir-frying seals in the beef’s juices while also lightly charring the exterior. This gives you a wonderful contrast of textures. The holy basil adds its unique flavor while the chili peppers provide a nice fiery kick.
Serve with freshly steamed rice to soak up the rich, aromatic sauce. The fried egg enriches the dish while the lime brightens it up.
Tips for Making Perfect Pad Beef
Making restaurant-quality pad beef takes some finesse. Follow these pro tips for stir-fry success:
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Cut the beef thinly – This enables quick, even cooking. Aim for 1/8 inch thick slices. Partially freezing beef for 30 minutes makes slicing easier.
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Use flank or sirloin – These lean cuts have the best texture for pad beef. Filet mignon is too tender and can become mushy.
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Marinate beef – For 30 minutes to an hour in a bit of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. This amps up flavor.
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Get wok smoking hot – This helps sear the beef and gives that coveted wok hay “breath of the wok” flavor. Use a fat like vegetable oil that has a high smoke point.
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Stir-fry in batches – Avoid overcrowding. Cook just 1-2 servings worth of beef at a time.
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Rest finished beef – Let sit a minute after stir-frying to allow juices to redistribute. This makes beef juicier.
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Use Thai or holy basil – The signature flavor of pad beef comes from these aromatic basil varieties. Regular basil won’t give the same taste.
Follow these expert tips and you’ll be producing restaurant-quality pad beef in your own kitchen in no time!
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you master the classic recipe, there are many ways to put your own creative spin on pad beef:
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Switch up the protein – Try chicken, pork, shrimp or tofu instead of beef
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Add vegetables – Onions, peppers, broccoli, snap peas, etc.
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Spice it up – Add crushed red pepper flakes, sambal or sriracha for extra heat
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Use lemongrass – Adds bright, citrusy flavor
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Toss in peanuts or cashews – For crunch
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Sweet and sour – Add pineapple or mango for fruity twist
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Coconut milk – For richer, creamier sauce
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Thai curry paste – Green or red, for extra depth of flavor
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Cilantro – Fresh, bright garnish
So feel free to improvise and make pad beef your own! The basic stir-frying method remains the same while you customize the ingredients to your taste.
Health Benefits of Pad Beef
Aside from being delicious, pad beef offers some excellent health benefits. Here are some of the ways this Thai favorite nourishes your body:
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Lean protein – Beef provides high-quality, satisfying protein to support muscle growth and repair.
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Iron – The beef supplies a healthy dose of iron to prevent deficiency and boost energy levels.
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Zinc – Important for immune function and growth; especially beneficial for adolescents.
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Vitamin C – Chili peppers are loaded with immune-boosting vitamin C.
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Anti-inflammatory – Basil contains compounds shown to reduce inflammation.
Of course, balance and moderation are key, as with any meal. But enjoyed as part of an overall healthy diet, pad beef can be a nutritious choice.
Where to Find the Best Pad Beef
If you don’t feel like firing up the wok at home, go out and experience authentic pad beef at one of these top-rated Thai restaurants:
Nong’s Khao Man Gai – Portland, OR
This popular street food stall serves amazing pad beef alongside their famous chicken and rice dishes. Their pad beef packs some serious heat but is beautifully balanced.
Andy Ricker’s Pok Pok – Portland, OR and Brooklyn, NY
Celebrity chef Andy Ricker is famous for his authentic Thai cooking. His pad beef is raved about for its perfect wok char flavors.
Khun Pic’s Bahn Thai – Seattle, WA
A casual Thai mom-and-pop shop in Seattle offering pad beef with an amazing smoky, garlicky depth of flavor.
Lotus of Siam – Las Vegas, NV
This award-winning Thai restaurant does a stellar northern-style pad beef brimming with basil and spice.
So keep your eye out for exceptional versions of pad beef whenever you dine at quality Thai eateries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is best for pad beef?
Lean cuts like flank steak or sirloin are ideal, since they stay tender when sliced thinly. Fattier cuts can become chewy and tough.
Is pad beef spicy?
It can be, depending on how much chili pepper you use. For mild spice, use just 1-2 small chilies. For more heat, add more chilies or chili paste.
Can I make pad beef without Thai holy basil?
While Thai basil is preferred, you can substitute regular basil in a pinch. The flavor won’t be quite as authentic but still tasty.
Do I need a wok to make pad beef?
A wok is ideal to get that smoky “wok hay” flavor. But a large non-stick skillet also works well. Just make sure it’s preheated properly.
What sauce is used in pad beef?
The sauce is a simple blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and sometimes a touch of sugar. This brings out the natural flavors of the beef and basil.
Make flavorful, fragrant pad beef at home
With this complete guide, you have all the info you need to start enjoying sizzling, flavor-packed pad beef in your own kitchen.
Experiment with different ingredient variations until you create your ideal blend of tastes and textures. Part of the fun of pad beef is customizing it to your preferences.
So turn up the heat, grab those chopsticks and get ready to fall in love with this Thai sensation – pad beef! Garnish with a squeeze of lime and bask in the glorious mess of flavors dancing on your tastebuds. Pad beef is a quick, healthy dinner option that will ignite your senses and satisfy your appetite.