Entree: Thailand – Central Thailand – ผัดกะเพราเนื้อ ➤ Phat kraphao nuea (Stir-fried holy basil beef with a fried egg)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 15 min

Total 25 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
- 4 brown eggs, approx. 1.8 oz (50 g) each
- 1 medium white onion, about 6 oz (170 g), thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, about 0.4 oz (12 g), minced
- 2–4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fish sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) light soy sauce
- 1 tsp (5 ml) oyster sauce
- 1 tsp (4 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 cups (50 g) fresh holy basil leaves, packed
- Steamed jasmine rice for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat; add garlic and chilies and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
2. Increase heat to high, add 1 lb (454 g) ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spatula, until browned and just cooked through, about 4–6 minutes.
3. Add sliced white onion, 2 tbsp (30 ml) fish sauce, 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce, 1 tsp (4 g) sugar, and 1 tsp (5 ml) oyster sauce; stir-fry 1–2 minutes until onion softens and flavors meld. Stir in basil leaves until wilted, then remove from heat.
4. In a separate nonstick skillet, heat remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil over medium-high; crack 4 brown eggs and fry to preference (sunny-side up with runny yolks is traditional), seasoning lightly with salt.
5. Divide cooked rice among plates (if using), top with basil beef and a fried egg on each serving. Serve immediately.