Bring the bold, fiery flavors of Thailand straight to your kitchen with this Keto Thai Basil Beef — a fast, flavor-packed stir-fry inspired by classic street food. Juicy ground beef is cooked with garlic, chilies, and aromatic Thai basil, then tossed in a savory-sweet sauce that hits every note: spicy, salty, and just a little sweet. Served over cauliflower rice instead of the traditional white rice, it keeps the dish low-carb without losing that authentic Thai kick. Quick to make, full of vibrant flavors, and endlessly satisfying — it’s a go-to keto dinner that tastes like it came from a Bangkok night market.
About This Recipe
If you’ve ever experienced the vibrant chaos of Thai street food stalls, you know how incredible Pad Krapow is. Known for its fiery chilies, pungent garlic, and signature basil fragrance, this dish is a staple across Thailand. Traditionally served with rice and a fried egg, Pad Krapow is fast, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. For keto eaters, this Keto Thai Basil Beef recreates all the authentic taste but swaps high-carb rice for cauliflower rice, keeping the meal low-carb without losing its essence.
At the heart of Pad Krapow is the dynamic flavor profile: savory, spicy, slightly sweet, and aromatic from fresh basil. Ground beef makes this version hearty and protein-rich, but you can also use ground chicken, pork, or turkey. Garlic and Thai bird’s eye chilies bring heat and intensity, while soy sauce or coconut aminos provide a salty umami base. A touch of fish sauce adds depth, and a small amount of keto-friendly sweetener balances the spice without pushing up the carb count.
The magic really happens when fresh Thai basil is tossed in at the end. The leaves wilt slightly from the heat but release an intoxicating fragrance that defines the dish. If you can’t find Thai holy basil, sweet basil works as a substitute, but the flavor will be milder. Topped with a fried egg and served over cauliflower rice, you’ll get the same comforting feel of Thai street food in a keto-friendly way.
This recipe is also a fantastic weeknight dinner option because it comes together in under 30 minutes. Everything is cooked in one pan, making cleanup easy while still delivering restaurant-quality flavors. The dish is versatile too—dial up or down the spice, swap proteins, or add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans to bulk it up while keeping carbs low.
Nutritionally, this dish is balanced with plenty of protein, healthy fats, and minimal carbs, thanks to the cauliflower rice base. It’s high in flavor but light enough that you won’t feel weighed down. Plus, the basil and chilies add antioxidants and metabolism-boosting compounds, making it as nourishing as it is delicious.
Whether you’re craving authentic Thai street food, want a quick dinner, or need a flavorful meal prep recipe, this Keto Thai Basil Beef delivers. It’s bold, fiery, and satisfying—a true taste of Thailand without the carbs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Thai street food flavor 🇹🇭
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Keto-friendly with cauliflower rice
- Easy to customize proteins & veggies
- Perfect for busy weeknights
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or chicken/pork/turkey)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or coconut oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 red Thai chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves (or sweet basil)
- 4 cups cooked cauliflower rice
- Optional: 4 fried eggs, for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and chilies; sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Add onion and cook until softened.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned.
- Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, sweetener, and water/broth; simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Toss in basil leaves, stir until wilted, and remove from heat.
- Serve hot over cauliflower rice with a fried egg on top if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~340
- Fat: 24 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Net Carbs: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
FAQ
- Can I use another protein?
Yes—chicken, pork, or turkey all work well. - What if I can’t find Thai basil?
Use sweet basil; it won’t be as peppery but still delicious. - Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely—use fewer chilies for mild or more for extra heat. - Do I need a wok?
No, a large skillet works perfectly.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap beef for chicken, pork, or turkey
- Add bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans for more veggies
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for soy-free
- Top with avocado slices for extra healthy fats
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fried eggs for authentic Thai flair 🍳
- Pair with cucumber salad for freshness
- Add lime wedges for brightness
- Great for meal prep in lunch bowls
Keto Thai Basil Beef (Pad Krapow) – Low Carb Thai Street Food
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or chicken/pork/turkey)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or coconut oil
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2-3 red Thai chilies (chopped (adjust to taste))
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves (or sweet basil)
- 4 cups cooked cauliflower rice
Optional
- 4 fried eggs (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and chilies; sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
- Add onion and cook until softened.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned.
- Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, sweetener, and water/broth; simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Toss in basil leaves, stir until wilted, and remove from heat.
- Serve hot over cauliflower rice with a fried egg on top if desired.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!
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