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Thai Basil Beef

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-fry
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This classic Thai stir-fry is packed with bold flavors, featuring tender beef, fragrant Thai basil, and a savory-sweet sauce. Itโ€™s quick to make and perfect for serving over steamed rice!


Ingredients

Units Scale
For the Beef:
  • 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
For the Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color, optional)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce:ย In a small bowl, mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), brown sugar, and water. Set aside.
  2. Sautรฉ the aromatics:ย Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and Thai chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Cook the beef:ย Add the sliced beef and cook for 2โ€“3 minutes until browned.
  4. Add vegetables:ย Toss in the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  5. Sauce it up:ย Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well, coating the beef and veggies evenly. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
  6. Add Thai basil:ย Turn off the heat and stir in the basil leaves. They will wilt from the residual heat.
  7. Serve:ย Enjoy immediately over steamed jasmine rice.

Notes

  • Thai Basil vs. Regular Basil:ย Thai basil has a slightly spicy, anise-like flavor. If unavailable, substitute with Italian basil, though the taste will be slightly different.
  • Protein Swap:ย You can replace beef with ground beef, chicken, pork, or tofu for variations.
  • Spice Level:ย Adjust the number of Thai chilies to your heat preference.