Name: Shortcut Pad Kra Pao (10‑Minute Thai‑Inspired Stir‑Fry)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, thinly sliced (or 1 serrano chili); 1 pound ground chicken, pork, or turkey; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon fish sauce; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 cup Thai basil leaves (or Italian basil if unavailable); Cooked jasmine rice, for serving; Fried eggs, for serving (optional)

Why You’ll Love Shortcut Pad Kra Pao Recipe

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave big, Thai‑style flavors without fuss. By using red curry paste as a shortcut, you skip laborious prep yet still get garlic, chili, lemongrass, and lime in every bite. It’s versatile, satisfying, and can be served with rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound lean ground beef (95% lean)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large shallot, thinly sliced
1–2 tablespoons red curry paste
1 cup fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, and/or mint), roughly chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges
Steamed jasmine rice, cooked rice noodles, or romaine leaves for serving

Directions

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium‑high heat until hot.
Add the ground beef along with a generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook until about half done (about 2–3 minutes).
Add the sliced shallot and red curry paste. Stir constantly until the beef is fully cooked and the curry paste becomes aromatic (about 3 minutes).
Pour in 2 tablespoons of water and continue cooking until it’s absorbed by the meat (about 2 minutes).
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the fresh herbs and squeeze lime over the top.
Serve immediately with your choice of rice, noodles, or in lettuce boats.

Servings and timing

Serves: 2–4
Prep time: about 2 minutes
Cook time: about 8 minutes
Total time: about 10 minutes

Variations

Protein swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, lean pork, chopped shrimp, or crumbled firm tofu in place of beef.
Herb mix: If holy basil isn’t available, Thai basil or even mint and cilantro add wonderful freshness.
Serving style: Swap jasmine rice for brown rice, cauliflower rice, or rice noodles to suit your tastes.
Heat level: Add a handful of sliced bird’s eye chilies or a pinch of red chili flakes for extra spice.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
To freeze: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months.
To reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. Microwaving works as well — cover and heat in 30‑second intervals.

FAQs

What does “Pad Kra Pao” mean?

“Pad kra pao” literally translates to “stir‑fried with holy basil,” referencing the key aromatic herb in this Thai dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute crumbled extra‑firm tofu or a plant‑based ground meat alternative instead of beef. Add a bit of neutral oil to help sear and prevent sticking.

What kind of basil should I use?

Traditional pad kra pao uses Thai holy basil, known for its peppery flavor, but Thai basil or even regular basil can be used in a pinch.

Is red curry paste a good substitute for traditional seasonings?

Yes — using red curry paste streamlines the recipe while still providing complex, aromatic flavors similar to garlic, lemongrass, and chili.

Can I adjust the spiciness?

Absolutely. Increase or decrease the amount of curry paste, or add fresh chilies to suit your heat preference.

What should I serve with pad kra pao?

It’s traditionally served with steamed rice and optionally topped with a fried egg, but rice noodles or lettuce wraps are also great.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

The meat mixture can be cooked ahead and refrigerated, then quickly reheated when you’re ready to eat.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Add a splash of water or a bit of oil when reheating in a skillet to keep the meat moist.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be, depending on the amount of curry paste and chilies used. Adjust to taste if you prefer milder flavors.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes — quick‑cooking veggies like bell peppers, green beans, or snap peas can be added after browning the meat.

Conclusion

Shortcut Pad Kra Pao brings the vibrant flavors of Thai basil stir‑fry to your table in just about 10 minutes. With simple ingredients and flexible options for proteins and herbs, it’s a perfect dinner solution when you want something fast, flavorful, and satisfying.