Description
Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender beef, fresh Thai basil, and a perfectly balanced savory, sweet, and spicy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it delivers authentic Thai flavors using simple, accessible ingredients. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s versatile, easily customizable, and perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced lean beef
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, rinsed
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1–2 fresh chilies or 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
Optional Vegetables
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- Additional options: baby corn, snap peas, or mushrooms (optional, quantity as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the garlic and shallots, slice any optional vegetables, and rinse fresh Thai basil leaves to ensure everything is ready for a fast, high-heat stir-fry.
- Cook the Beef: Heat the oil in a hot pan or wok over high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and allow to brown evenly, ensuring the beef stays juicy and flavorful.
- Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Stir in the chopped garlic, shallots, and any optional vegetables. Cook quickly, stirring constantly to release aromatic flavors without burning.
- Mix in Sauces and Sugar: Pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Toss everything to combine and let the savory, sweet, and salty flavors meld with the beef and vegetables.
- Toss in the Thai Basil: Just before serving, stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil slightly, releasing its distinctive aromatic and peppery notes that define the dish.
Notes
- Use high heat to lock in flavors and avoid sogginess.
- Cook beef in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even browning.
- Fresh Thai basil is crucial for authentic aroma and flavor; substitute with sweet basil only if necessary.
- Taste the sauce before finishing and adjust soy sauce, fish sauce, or sugar according to preference.
- Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Thai basil beef stir-fry, quick Thai recipe, spicy beef stir-fry, easy weeknight dinner, Thai cuisine, gluten-free stir-fry