Thai Nua Pad Prik
Nua Pad Prik, which means “beef stir-fry with chili,” is a classic Thai dish that exemplifies the balance of the five fundamental tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. This straightforward name perfectly describes what you can expect from the dish, where every ingredient is chosen to contribute to its rich flavor profile. The combination of seared beef, sharp chilies, and a blend of savory sauces offers a delicious introduction to the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine.
What is Nua Pad Prik?
As a classic staple in Thai cuisine, Nau Pad Prik is simple but has bold flavors. This dish is a delicious mix of tender beef strips sautéed with a mix of fresh chilies, providing a heat that is tasty and not overpowering. The beef is typically marinated and then stir-fried in a rich sauce made from a blend of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar, which caramelizes slightly to add a depth of sweetness, counterbalancing the heat from the chilies.
Nua Pad Prik is often garnished with herbs and served with a side of steamed rice, making it a hearty, satisfying meal that perfectly embodies everything great about Thai cooking: spice, aroma, and full-bodied flavor.
The History of Nau Pad Prik
Historically, Thai cuisine has evolved through various influences from neighboring countries. The use of beef in Thai dishes, such as Nua Pad Prik, reflects the influence of trade routes that brought goods and culinary practices, including different meats and cooking techniques, into Southeast Asia. The introduction of chilies into Thailand from the Americas through European traders in the 16th century marked a significant turn in Thai cooking, leading to the creation of spicier dishes.
Nua Pad Prik, in particular, showcases local ingredients like chilies, onions, and sauces that are staples in Thai pantries, melded together in a dish that is both accessible and traditional. This dish offers a taste of Thailand and puts the nation’s adaptability and culture on display, incorporating both local and foreign influences to produce something uniquely Thai.
Making Nua Pad Prik is Simple
If you’re looking to try Thai cooking at home, Nua Pad Prik is a great dish to start with. Making it is straightforward, so it’s a highly accessible dish for anyone interested in exploring the rich flavors of Thai cuisine.
This recipe calls for minimal preparation and uses easy to source or substitute ingredients. The cooking process involves a quick stir-fry technique, and with just a few key steps, including searing the beef and combining it with garlic, sauces, and fresh vegetables, you can create a flavorful dish in no time. Nua Pad Prik is delicious, quick, and easy, making it a great recipe for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Nua Pad Prik Recipe
Thai Nua Pad Prik
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 3 tbsp Water
- 3 tbsp Coconut Oil or Olive Oil
- 2 Garlic Cloves minced
- 8.8 oz Thinly Sliced Beef
- 2.5 tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 1/2 tsp White Ground Pepper
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 Red Onion Chopped
- 3.5 oz Red and Green Chilis sliced
- 3 Green Leaf Onions Chopped
Instructions
- 1. Prep the Cornstarch Solution: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water until fully dissolved.2. Sear the Beef: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the beef strips and sear them quickly until they develop a golden-brown crust.3. Cook the Garlic: Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the pan, and cook until it's golden and aromatic.4. Add Sauces and Seasonings: Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet along with the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, white pepper, and sugar. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer gently, letting the flavors meld with the beef.5. Introduce the Veggies: Add the chopped onion, sliced chilies, and green onions to the skillet. Continue to cook over medium heat until the vegetables are just tender.6. Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Nua Pad Prik hot, ideally over a bed of steamed rice.
Tips and Tricks to Making the Perfect Dish
To elevate your Nua Pad Prik to restaurant quality, incorporating a few tips and tricks can make all the difference:
- Select the Right Cut of Beef: Opt for tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak, which cook quickly and stay juicy. Slice the beef thinly against the grain, which helps tenderize the meat and ensures it cooks evenly and remains succulent.
- Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness: A brief marination in cornstarch and water thickens the sauce and helps to tenderize the beef. This simple step can dramatically enhance the texture of your dish, so don’t skip out on this ingredient!
- Control the Heat: Thai chilies pack a punch, so adjust the quantity according to your heat tolerance. You can slice the chilies or leave them whole for less spice, as breaking them releases more heat.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and green onions are essential for that burst of freshness. Similarly, fresh chilies rather than dried ones will provide a more vibrant heat and aroma.
- Proper Searing: Ensure your pan is hot before adding the beef to achieve a nice sear without overcooking. This not only adds flavor but also seals in the juices.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Once all ingredients are added, let them simmer gently. Boiling can make the beef tough and the vegetables mushy. A slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
By following these guidelines, you can master the art of making Nua Pad Prik and enjoy a dish that’s both authentic and tailored to your taste preferences.
