Thai Basil Beef is a delightful and flavorsome dish that brings the vibrant and aromatic essence of Thai cuisine right to your dinner table. With its blend of spicy chili paste, sweet and salty sauces, and fresh basil, it promises a tantalizing meal that’s both simple to prepare and utterly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Thai Basil Beef dish can be whipped up in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of chili paste and fish sauce creates a bold, savory taste that is both complex and satisfying.
- Versatile Cooking: Whether served over rice or rolled in lettuce leaves, this dish offers flexibility in serving options.
- Vibrant Colors: With red bell pepper and fresh basil, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious, bringing color and life to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Thai Basil Beef lies in its simplicity, with a mere collection of fresh, vibrant ingredients that pack incredible flavor. Each ingredient brings a unique element that contributes to the overall taste, texture, or color, making this dish a feast for the senses.
- Chili Paste: Adds the perfect amount of heat; choose your preferred level of spiciness.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a salty depth of flavor. Opt for tamari if you need a gluten-free option.
- Fish Sauce: Slightly sweet and tangy, it gives a distinctive umami flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the heat and saltiness with a lingering sweetness.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: A must for authenticity, adding fresh, peppery notes and a touch of anise.
Variations
One of the fantastic aspects of cooking is the ability to tweak a recipe to fit personal tastes and dietary needs. This Thai Basil Beef can be easily adapted, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone at the table.
- Ground Chicken or Pork: If you’re not a fan of beef, ground chicken or pork are equally delicious alternatives.
- Vegetarian Version: Use firm tofu in place of ground meat for a vegetarian-friendly option, and substitute soy sauce with more lime juice to keep it flavorful.
How to Make Thai Basil Beef
Step 1: Make the Sauce
Start by whisking together chili paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. This powerhouse sauce will marry the flavors beautifully and become the backbone of our Thai Basil Beef. Set it aside to let the flavors blend.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s browned and cooked through. This process should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Stir in the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. These vegetables will soften in about 5 minutes, adding texture and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Step 4: Combine & Simmer
Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Add the fresh basil, reserving some leaves for garnish, and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer until the basil is just wilted—about 2 minutes—releasing its peppery aroma and melding into the dish.
Pro Tips for Making Thai Basil Beef
- Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce before adding it to the skillet, and adjust the sweet-salty balance with more lime juice or sugar if needed.
- Perfect the Heat: For those who love spicy food, consider adding a bit more chili paste or a few slices of fresh chili to the dish.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil for the best flavor—dried basil simply won’t provide the same vibrant taste.
- Texture Matters: Sauté the beef until it’s crisp, which adds texture and a deeper flavor profile to the dish.
How to Serve Thai Basil Beef
Garnishes
Top your Thai Basil Beef with extra fresh basil leaves and, if you like, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor. A squeeze of lime juice brightens everything up beautifully, tying all the elements together.
Side Dishes
Serve this delectable beef dish over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a lighter, carb-free option. It pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber salad or some steamed vegetables for added crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, consider serving the beef over individual rice portions molded into a ramekin and then flipped onto a plate. This creates a delightful dome of rice topped with the vibrant beef mixture, making for a stunning presentation sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes Thai Basil Beef a convenient make-ahead option for quick meals during busy weeks.
Freezing
Consider freezing for longer storage. Simply place in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cook gently over low to medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
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Can I use Thai holy basil instead of regular basil?
Yes, Thai holy basil will give an even more authentic flavor. It has a spicier, more licorice-like taste compared to sweet basil.
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What type of chili paste should I use?
Look for Thai chili paste or a flavorful sambal oelek, which will deliver just the right amount of kick and authentic taste.
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Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply swap the beef for firm tofu or seitan and use soy sauce or tamari for a flavorful vegetarian version.
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Is there a substitute for fish sauce?
If you need a substitute, soy sauce with a dash of lime juice can mimic some of the umami and tanginess fish sauce provides.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Basil Beef is a dish that brings joy to the table with its dynamic flavors and simplicity. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just find it becomes a regular feature in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the beautiful blend of textures and tastes, and feel free to put your unique spin on it!
Print
Thai Basil Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stir-Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
Thai Basil Beef is a quick and flavorful stir-fry combining tender ground beef with aromatic basil, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy, spicy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish captures the bold flavors of Thai cuisine in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
Stir-fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef (90/10 lean)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
For Serving
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
- Rice, cooked, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together chili paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and glistening, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add vegetables and garlic: Toss in the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Combine with sauce and basil: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Add the fresh basil leaves (reserve a few for garnish). Stir and cook for about 2 minutes until the basil wilts and flavors meld.
- Serve: Spoon the beef mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with the reserved basil leaves and optional cilantro, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the chili paste amount for more or less heat according to your preference.
- You can substitute the fish sauce with additional soy sauce for a vegetarian option, though it will alter the authentic flavor.
- Use jasmine rice or basmati rice for an authentic Thai experience.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
