Thai Basil Beef and Tofu
Thai Basil Beef and Tofu, often known as Pad Krapow, is a popular Thai stir-fry that combines savory minced beef with crispy tofu, garlic, and chili. The dish is defined by its generous use of holy basil, which imparts a peppery, aromatic flavor, and is typically served over jasmine rice with a fried egg on top.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a protein-rich meal, offering a substantial amount of protein from both the beef and tofu, while remaining relatively low in carbohydrates unless served with a large portion of rice. A typical serving provides a good balance of essential nutrients like iron and calcium, with a calorie count that generally falls between 400 and 600 calories per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbs | 15 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
| Calcium | 250 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 µg |
| Vitamin C | 20 mg |
| Magnesium | 60 mg |
| Zinc | 3 mg |
| Folate | 80 µg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The use of holy basil, or 'krapow', is what gives the dish its distinctive, slightly spicy and peppery aroma, which is different from the sweet Thai basil often found in Western cuisine. Nutritionally, the combination of beef and tofu is a unique way to blend animal and plant-based proteins, creating a more diverse amino acid profile in a single dish.
