Crying Tiger Thai Basil Beef (Pad Krapow) with Zucchini Noodles

Ingredients

• 300 g ground beef (80% lean)
• 2 medium zucchini
• 3 Thai bird chilies
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• to taste black pepper(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Using a spiralizer, create noodles from the zucchini and set aside.

2. 2

   Finely mince the garlic and slice the chilies (keep seeds if you want extra heat).

3. 3

   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat; add the garlic and chilies, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. 4

   Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula; cook 6‑8 minutes until browned and cooked through.

5. 5

   Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice; continue cooking 1‑2 minutes to combine flavors.

6. 6

   Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh basil leaves; let them wilt from residual heat.

7. 7

   Quickly toss the zucchini noodles into the skillet just to coat them with the sauce—about 1 minute, keeping them crisp.

8. 8

   Season with black pepper if desired, then divide among three plates and serve immediately.