Thai Beef Basil with Rice
Thai Beef Basil with Rice, known as 'Pad Krapow Neua' in Thailand, is a popular and aromatic stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of beef cooked with holy basil, garlic, chilies, and a savory-sweet sauce. It is traditionally served over steamed jasmine rice, often topped with a crispy fried egg. This dish is a staple of Thai street food and home cooking, celebrated for its bold flavors and quick preparation.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a balanced meal, providing a good source of protein from the beef and carbohydrates from the rice. It is rich in iron from the meat and offers vitamins and antioxidants from the basil and garlic. A typical serving with rice and egg generally ranges from 500 to 700 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbs | 65 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Potassium | 500 mg |
| Vitamin A | 80 µg |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg |
| Calcium | 80 mg |
| Magnesium | 60 mg |
| Zinc | 5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 µg |
Per 1 serving (350 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The use of holy basil (not sweet basil) gives the dish its distinctive peppery, clove-like aroma, which is essential to its authentic flavor. Nutritionally, it's a well-rounded one-plate meal that combines protein, carbs, and greens, reflecting the Thai culinary principle of balancing flavors and textures.
