Description
This Thai Basil Beef is an easy, flavorful 30-minute meal that perfectly balances savory, spicy, and aromatic notes with tender ground beef and fresh Thai basil. Ideal for busy weeknights, it combines accessible ingredients to deliver bold Asian flavors without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85%-90% lean)
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, washed and plucked
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, minced
- 1–2 fresh red chilies, thinly sliced (or 1 tsp chili flakes, adjust to taste)
Sauces & Seasoning
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (use low-sodium for low-sodium option)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (ensure gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
Other
- 1–2 tbsp vegetable oil or peanut oil for stir-frying
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Mince the garlic and shallots finely. Wash and pluck the Thai basil leaves, and slice the red chilies thinly. Preparing these ingredients ahead will ensure flavors meld beautifully during cooking.
- Cook the Beef: Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 4-5 minutes until browned but still juicy, locking in the beef’s natural flavor and texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, shallots, and sliced chilies to the pan with the beef. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, forming the aromatic base of the dish.
- Add Sauces and Seasoning: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the mixture and stir well to combine all the rich umami flavors while balancing the saltiness with sweetness.
- Stir in Thai Basil: Turn off the heat and toss in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Let them wilt in the residual heat for 1-2 minutes to release their signature aroma.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Thai Basil Beef hot alongside steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or your preferred base and enjoy.
Notes
- Always use fresh Thai basil for authentic flavor and aroma; dried basil will not provide the same taste.
- Don’t overcook the beef; keep it slightly moist for best texture and flavor absorption.
- Use a hot pan to sear the beef quickly and lock in juices.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving — you may want to add more sweetness, salt, or spice.
- Prep all ingredients in advance to ensure quick cooking and prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Thai basil beef, quick Thai recipe, 30-minute meal, stir-fry, easy dinner, authentic Thai, ground beef recipe, spicy Thai food