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Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry

Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry
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Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and vibrant dish blending tender beef with fresh Thai basil, aromatic garlic and shallots, and a perfectly balanced sauce of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. Ideal for weeknights or entertaining, this flavorful stir-fry combines simple ingredients with authentic Thai flair, delivering a satisfying and aromatic meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced beef

Herbs and Aromatics

  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 2–3 fresh red chilies, finely sliced (adjust to taste)

Sauces and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 tsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar

Cooking Oil

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or peanut oil

Optional Vegetables

  • ½ cup sliced bell peppers
  • ½ cup green beans

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and finely chop garlic, shallots, and chilies. Slice the beef thinly or prepare ground beef, and pluck fresh Thai basil leaves. Having everything ready before cooking is key to quick stir-frying.
  2. Heat the Pan and Sauté Aromatics: Preheat a wok or large skillet on high heat, then add oil. Quickly sauté garlic, shallots, and chilies until fragrant but not burnt—this step builds the flavorful foundation.
  3. Cook the Beef Until Browned: Add your beef and stir constantly on high heat to brown the meat evenly, locking in juices and creating a caramelized exterior. This step is crucial for texture and flavor.
  4. Add Sauces and Sugar: Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Stir well to coat the beef evenly and develop a glossy, deeply flavored sauce.
  5. Toss in the Thai Basil: Turn off the heat and immediately add fresh Thai basil, stirring vigorously until wilted and fragrant. This preserves the herb’s bright aroma and boosts the dish’s signature flavor.
  6. Serve Immediately: Transfer the stir-fry to a plate and enjoy right away with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • High heat is essential to ensure quick cooking that locks in moisture and prevents tough beef.
  • Use fresh Thai basil for authentic aroma and flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to get a perfect sear.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, sugar, spice) at the end for perfect balance.
  • Prep ingredients carefully: thin slicing and minced aromatics ensure even cooking and flavor release.
  • Optional vegetables like bell peppers or green beans can be added for texture and color.
  • For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and verify oyster sauce labels.
  • Protein swaps such as ground chicken, turkey, or tofu work well.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil beef stir-fry, Thai stir-fry beef, basil beef, quick Thai recipe, gluten-free Thai recipe, spicy beef stir-fry

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