Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry
Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry is a quick, bold, and delicious dish featuring tender beef, fragrant Thai basil, and a savory sauce packed with authentic Thai flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines simple ingredients for an effortless yet satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Beef
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced steak
Aromatics
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 fresh Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
Herbs
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
Sauces & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Cooking Oil
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop the garlic and slice the fresh chilies. Rinse and gently pluck the Thai basil leaves from their stems. If using steak, cut the beef into thin slices against the grain for tenderness.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar until well combined to create the flavorful stir-fry sauce.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sear until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes depending on thickness. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sliced chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, allowing their aroma to release without burning.
- Combine and Stir-Fry: Return the cooked beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir quickly to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to meld flavors, then fold in the Thai basil leaves until just wilted.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and plate the stir-fry with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Garnish with extra Thai basil, sliced chilies, and a lime wedge if desired.
Notes
- Use a wok or heavy skillet on high heat to lock in flavor and ensure quick cooking.
- Always use fresh Thai basil leaves for the signature aroma; dried basil is not recommended.
- Slice beef thinly against the grain for the most tender texture.
- Have all ingredients prepped and ready before cooking, as stir-frying is fast-paced.
- Taste and adjust the sauce before adding to beef, balancing soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar according to preference.
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: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry, Thai beef recipe, stir-fry, quick dinner, Thai basil, ground beef, beef stir-fry