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To make Thai Basil Beef, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 Thai red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste) - 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves - Cooked jasmine rice, for serving These ingredients create a bold and tasty stir-fry. The beef gives a rich base, while the spices add heat and flavor. I always recommend using fresh ingredients when making Thai Basil Beef. Fresh garlic and chilies bring brightness and depth. Fresh Thai basil adds a unique aroma and taste that dried herbs can't match. Dried herbs lose their flavor over time. If you can, choose fresh. If you can't find Thai basil, use sweet basil as a substitute. It won't taste the same, but it still works well. For ground beef, ground chicken or turkey can be good options. If you want less heat, reduce the number of chilies or use sweet bell peppers. Adjust based on what you have at home! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You’ll need: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 Thai red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste) - 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves - Cooked jasmine rice for serving Next, wash and slice the bell pepper. Chop the chilies and mince the garlic. This makes cooking faster and easier. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want them fragrant but not burnt. Then, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook it until it turns brown, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Now, stir in the sliced bell pepper. Keep cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the pepper is soft but still crunchy. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Pour this sauce over the beef and veggies. Stir everything well to coat it. Let it cook for 2 more minutes. This helps the flavors mix nicely. Finally, take the skillet off the heat. Add the fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir until they wilt from the heat. - Make sure your oil is hot before adding garlic. This keeps it from burning. - Use a spatula to break up the beef. This helps it cook evenly. - Don’t rush the cooking time for the beef. Browning adds flavor. - Adjust the chilies to your spice level. You can add more or less. - Serve over jasmine rice for the best taste. The rice soaks up the sauce well. These steps will help you create a delicious Thai basil beef dish that impresses! To boost flavor, use fresh Thai basil. Fresh herbs add a bright taste. Add some lime juice for a zesty kick. You can also sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for crunch. For more depth, try using a mix of ground beef and pork. This adds richness to the dish. Always heat your pan before adding oil. A hot pan helps the beef sear. Stir-fry quickly to keep the meat juicy. Use a spatula to break apart the beef as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly. Add vegetables like bell peppers later in cooking. This keeps them crunchy and colorful. Don’t overcrowd the pan. This can cause steaming instead of frying. If your beef is too watery, drain some liquid. Lastly, avoid cooking the basil too long. Adding it at the end keeps its flavor and color bright. Pro Tips Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, remove the seeds from the Thai chilies before chopping or use less than the recipe calls for. Freshness Matters: Always use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with regular basil, but the taste will differ. Perfect Rice: For the best texture, rinse your jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear before cooking to remove excess starch. Quick Marinade: For extra flavor, marinate the ground beef in the sauce mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance its taste. {{image_2}} You can swap the ground beef for other meats. Ground chicken or turkey works well. If you prefer something richer, try pork. Thinly sliced beef or chicken breast also makes a great choice. Each protein brings its own flavor. Adjust the cooking time for different meats. For a vegetarian or vegan dish, you can use mushrooms or tofu. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well. Cut it into small cubes for easy cooking. Use the same sauces to keep the taste. Add extra veggies like zucchini or carrots for more texture. Want more spice? Use more Thai chilies. You can also add chili paste or hot sauce. For less heat, remove the seeds from the chilies. Another choice is to use sweet bell peppers. They add color and crunch without heat. Adjust to your liking for the perfect balance. To keep your Thai basil beef fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Store your leftovers in the fridge. They should last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you're ready to eat, take out your leftovers. You can reheat them on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, add a splash of water or oil to a pan. Heat it over medium heat until warm. Stir it often to prevent burning. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until hot. To freeze Thai basil beef, pack it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then reheat it as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy your tasty meal later! Thai basil is a unique herb. It has a sweet, spicy taste. The leaves are dark green and shiny. They also have a hint of anise flavor. This sets it apart from regular basil. You can find it in Asian markets. Thai basil holds up well when cooked, making it perfect for stir-fries. Yes, you can use ground chicken or turkey. These meats are leaner than beef. They will change the flavor a bit. Ground chicken gives a mild taste. Ground turkey is a good choice for a healthier dish. Just make sure to cook them well. To make your dish spicier, add more chilies. You can use Thai red chilies. Slice them up and add as many as you like. Another option is to use chili paste or sauce. Mix it in with the sauces. You can also serve it with a side of chili flakes for extra heat. This blog post covered the key ingredients for making Thai Basil Beef, including fresh and dried options. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect cooking, and common mistakes to avoid. We also explored variations, including protein swaps and vegan options, plus smart storage methods for leftovers. Remember, with the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious dish that suits your taste. Enjoy cooking confidently!

Sizzling Thai Basil Beef

A flavorful and aromatic dish featuring ground beef stir-fried with Thai basil and chilies, 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 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Thai red chilies finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 bell pepper sliced (any color)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
  • as needed cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped chilies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
  • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the sliced bell pepper and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the pepper is slightly tender.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar until well combined. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables.
  • Stir to coat everything evenly and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and add the fresh Thai basil leaves, stirring until they wilt from the residual heat.
  • Serve the sizzling Thai basil beef over cooked jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Notes

Garnish with extra basil leaves and thinly sliced chilies for an extra pop of color. Serve in a colorful bowl to enhance the dish's vibrant look.
Keyword beef, quick meal, stir fry, Thai basil