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- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain - 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces The beef sirloin is key here. It cooks fast and stays tender. Slicing against the grain helps keep it juicy. Fresh Thai basil adds a unique flavor that sets this dish apart. The bell pepper and green beans bring both color and crunch. - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 teaspoon sugar These sauces are the heart of the stir fry. They create a savory balance. The soy sauce gives depth, while fish sauce adds umami. The oyster sauce adds a hint of sweetness. A touch of sugar rounds off the flavors perfectly. - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon chili flakes Using vegetable oil allows for high heat without burning. This is crucial for a good stir fry. Chili flakes bring heat, which you can adjust to your taste. If you love spice, you can add more! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the sauce, take a small bowl. Whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Mix until you see no lumps. After that, set the sauce aside. Let it rest to help the flavors blend well. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. When the oil looks shiny, add the thinly sliced beef. Spread it in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef is brown and just cooked. Take out the beef and set it aside on a plate. Without cleaning the pan, add minced garlic. Stir fry for about 30 seconds to bring out the smell. Then, add the sliced red bell pepper and green beans. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes. You want the veggies to soften but stay crisp. Put the cooked beef back in the wok. Pour in the sauce you made earlier. Add the chili flakes on top. Toss everything together well for about 2 minutes. Make sure all ingredients are coated and heated through. Take the wok off the heat. Gently stir in fresh basil leaves. Mix just until they wilt and smell great, which takes about 30 seconds. Serve the Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry hot over fluffy jasmine rice. Garnish each plate with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of chili flakes. A lime wedge on the side adds a nice touch and fresh flavor. For this dish, I recommend using beef sirloin. It has great flavor and is tender. When you slice the beef, always cut against the grain. This makes the meat easier to chew and more enjoyable. If you don't know where the grain is, look for the lines in the meat. Fresh basil is key for this recipe. Try to get Thai basil if you can. It has a unique taste that really shines in your stir fry. When buying vegetables, look for crisp red bell peppers and green beans. Fresh veggies add a nice crunch and color to your dish. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. If you like heat, add more chili flakes. If you're not a fan of spice, use less. You can also add other ingredients for extra flavor. Try adding sliced mushrooms or baby corn for a fun twist. A splash of lime juice can brighten the dish too! Pro Tips Choose the Right Cut: For the best flavor and tenderness, use beef sirloin or flank steak. These cuts are ideal for quick stir-frying. Prep Ahead: Have all ingredients chopped and ready before starting to cook. Stir-frying is a quick process, and having everything prepared will make it easier. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the beef sears properly and doesn’t steam. This will give you a better texture. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your preference. You can also add fresh chilies for an extra kick! {{image_4}} You can easily swap the beef for chicken or tofu. Chicken works well, but tofu gives a nice texture. If using chicken, slice it thinly like the beef. Tofu needs a few extra minutes to fry until crispy. Adjust cooking time for each protein: - Chicken: Cook for about 4-5 minutes until it's no longer pink. - Tofu: Cook for 5-7 minutes until it's golden brown. To create a meatless stir fry, skip the beef and double the veggies. You can use mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. These vegetables add great flavor and texture. Recommended substitutes for meat: - Mushrooms: Use shiitake or button mushrooms for depth. - Tempeh: This is a great protein-rich option. You can play with the sauce to create new flavors. A simple change can make a big difference. Try adding hoisin sauce for a sweeter touch. Here are a few ideas for sauce variations: - Teriyaki sauce: Adds a sweet and savory mix. - Szechuan sauce: Gives a spicy kick. Using sauces from other cuisines can also enhance the dish. Think about adding a splash of soy sauce with a hint of sesame oil for depth. Store your Thai basil beef stir fry in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Place the containers in the fridge. The leftovers will stay good for up to three days. When it’s time to eat your leftovers, reheat them gently. The best methods are using a skillet or microwave. For a skillet, place the stir fry over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great choice. Divide the stir fry into portions before freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Thaw the dish in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method helps keep the texture and flavor intact. Enjoy your tasty meal even after a few weeks! You can use regular basil as a substitute. Sweet basil has a milder taste. You can also try mint or cilantro for a fresh twist. These alternatives will change the flavor but still work well. Expect a more herbal and less spicy taste. Yes, you can make it spicy! Start by adding more chili flakes. If you want more heat, try fresh chilies or hot sauce. Add them to the oil when cooking the beef. This way, the heat blends into the dish. Adjust the spice to fit your taste. This dish takes about 25 minutes to cook. You will spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking time is around 15 minutes. Stir-frying is quick, so keep an eye on the beef and veggies. Enjoy this fast and tasty meal any night! We explored the essential ingredients for Thai basil beef stir fry, including beef, fresh basil, and sauces. I guided you through step-by-step cooking methods. We discussed tips for selecting quality beef and ensuring freshness. I also highlighted variations for different dietary needs and provided storage info for leftovers. Try this dish; it’s full of flavor and easy to make. You can always adjust it to suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry

A flavorful stir fry featuring tender beef, fresh basil, and vibrant vegetables, served over jasmine rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, preferably Thai basil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (brown sugar works well)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or another high smoke point oil)
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust according to your heat preference)
  • 1 serving cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar until well combined. Set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Stir Fry the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  • Sauté the Vegetables: Without wiping the pan, add the minced garlic to the remaining oil and stir fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Next, add the sliced red bell pepper and green beans to the wok. Stir fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables have started to soften but still remain crisp.
  • Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked beef to the wok and pour in the prepared sauce. Sprinkle the chili flakes over the top. Toss everything together vigorously for about 2 minutes, or until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
  • Add the Basil: Remove the wok from heat. Gently fold in the fresh basil leaves, stirring just until they are wilted and aromatic, about 30 seconds.
  • Serve: Serve the Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry hot over a bed of fluffy cooked jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Notes

Garnish with extra basil leaves and chili flakes for presentation. A lime wedge on the side adds a refreshing touch.
Keyword beef, quick meal, stir fry, Thai basil