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- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced - 2 cups fresh basil leaves - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon chili flakes - Cooked jasmine rice When I make Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry, I gather the right ingredients first. The star of the dish is beef sirloin. I love using thin slices for a quick cook. Fresh basil leaves add a lovely aroma and flavor. Garlic brings a nice punch to the mix. Next, I prepare the sauce. Soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar create a rich taste. This sauce makes the dish shine. For garnishes, I often use chili flakes for heat. Cooked jasmine rice is a perfect base to soak up the sauce. It turns a simple meal into something special. {{ingredient_image_1}} To mix the sauce, grab a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir until everything blends well. This sauce adds depth and umami to your dish. For perfect stir-frying, use thinly sliced beef sirloin. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until it's browned. Keep the beef moving in the pan to avoid burning. Once cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Timing is key when sautéing vegetables. After removing the beef, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the hot wok. Stir for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Next, add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup of trimmed green beans. Cook these for 2-3 minutes, just until they start to soften. Now, return the cooked beef to the wok. Pour the sauce you mixed earlier over the beef and veggies. Sprinkle in chili flakes based on your heat preference. Stir everything together for about 2 minutes, ensuring the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. To finish, remove the wok from heat. Add 2 cups of fresh basil leaves and stir them in. The heat will wilt the basil and release its lovely aroma. This step brings your Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry to life. The best cuts for stir fry are thin and tender. I recommend using beef sirloin. It cooks quickly and has great flavor. Flank steak is another good choice. It is also tender when sliced thinly against the grain. Avoid tough cuts like chuck. They take longer to cook and won’t be as soft. To modify chili flakes, start small. Add one teaspoon of chili flakes to the stir fry. If you like more heat, add more flakes. Remember, you can always add heat, but you cannot take it away. Taste as you go. This way, you find the right spice level for you. You can enhance the flavor with a few extra seasonings. Consider adding a splash of lime juice for brightness. Fresh ginger adds a nice zing too. If you like a bit of sweetness, add a little more sugar. You can also try adding chopped scallions or a dash of sesame oil at the end for extra flavor. These simple tweaks can make your dish even better! Pro Tips Choose the Right Cut: For the best texture and flavor, use a tender cut of beef like sirloin or flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain. Prep Ingredients Ahead: To ensure a quick cooking process, prepare and chop all your ingredients before starting to stir fry. Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili flakes based on your heat preference—start with less and add more if desired. Fresh Basil Matters: Use fresh Thai basil if possible, as it provides a unique flavor that dried basil cannot replicate. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the protein, chicken, pork, or tofu work well. For chicken, use boneless thighs or breasts. Slice them thin just like the beef. Cook them the same way. Pork shoulder also adds a nice flavor. Slice it thin, and use the same cooking time. Tofu gives a great option for vegetarians. Firm tofu holds its shape well. Press it to remove moisture, then cube it before adding it to the stir fry. You can mix in other vegetables to make it colorful and tasty. Try adding broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. These will add crunch and more nutrients. For a bit of sweetness, add sliced bell peppers. You can even use mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Just remember to cook the veggies till they are tender but still crisp. If you need a gluten-free option, there are easy swaps. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. It has a similar taste but is gluten-free. Check your fish sauce and oyster sauce, as some brands may contain gluten. Always read the labels. Serve it over rice or quinoa instead of noodles for a lighter meal. With these swaps, everyone can enjoy this dish! You can store leftovers for up to three days in the fridge. Place the stir fry in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing it. This helps avoid moisture build-up, which can spoil the food. If you want to freeze your Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry, it’s best to do so within one day of cooking. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This will prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember, the texture may change after thawing. To reheat, use the stove for the best flavor. Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until warmed through. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely to avoid splatters. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Enjoy your meal without losing its tasty flavor! Thai basil is a type of basil with a distinct flavor. It has a hint of spice and anise. The leaves are darker and smaller than regular basil. This herb grows well in warm climates. Its unique taste shines in Thai dishes, making it a key ingredient in many recipes. Differences Between Thai Basil and Regular Basil Regular basil has a sweet and mild flavor. In contrast, Thai basil offers a peppery and aromatic taste. The leaves of Thai basil are also more sturdy. This makes them perfect for stir-fries. The two types of basil are not interchangeable in recipes. Using the right basil enhances the dish's flavor. You can use dried basil, but fresh is best. Dried basil lacks the vibrant taste of fresh. It also does not provide the same texture. Fresh basil adds a bright, fragrant finish to your meal. If using dried, use less than fresh, about one-third of the amount. Impact on Flavor and Texture Dried basil cannot mimic the crunch and aroma of fresh basil. Your dish may taste flat without the fresh herb's zest. If you want the best flavor, always choose fresh. Yes, this recipe is quite healthy. It includes lean beef and lots of vegetables. The mix of bell peppers and green beans adds vitamins. Fresh basil also has many health benefits. Nutritional Information and Benefits - Beef provides protein and iron. - Bell peppers are high in Vitamin C. - Green beans offer fiber and nutrients. - Soy sauce adds flavor but watch the sodium content. This dish is balanced and satisfying, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Thai basil beef stir fry. We explored the main ingredients like beef, fresh basil, and garlic. You learned to prepare the sauce, stir-fry the beef, and sauté the vegetables for the best flavor. We also discussed tips for choosing the right beef, adjusting spice levels, and adding your own twists. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly and reheat them to keep the taste strong. Now, you can enjoy this dish your way, making it a family favorite. Happy cooking!

Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry

A flavorful stir fry featuring tender beef, fresh basil, and vibrant vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 serving cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
  • In the same wok, add the minced garlic and stir fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the sliced red bell pepper and green beans, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Return the cooked beef to the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce and sprinkle with chili flakes. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
  • Remove the wok from heat, and stir in the fresh basil leaves until they are wilted and fragrant.
  • Serve the Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry hot over cooked jasmine rice.

Notes

Adjust chili flakes according to your heat preference.
Keyword basil, beef, quick meal, stir fry