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
Units
Scale
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
