Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry

$For this tasty dish, you will need: - 500g beef sirloin, thinly sliced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste) - 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color) - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - Cooked jasmine rice for serving These ingredients work together to create a savory and fragrant meal. If you can't find something, don't worry! Here are some swaps: - Beef: You can use chicken, pork, or tofu for a different taste. - Fish sauce: Try soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian option. - Brown sugar: Honey or coconut sugar works well too. - Bell pepper: You can use any color or even snap peas. These substitutions still keep the dish delicious. Fresh basil is key for flavor. Here are my tips: - Look for bright green leaves. Avoid brown or wilted ones. - Smell the basil. It should have a strong, sweet scent. - Choose leaves that feel soft and smooth, not rough or dry. Using the best basil makes your Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry shine! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by mixing the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. This sauce gives your dish a rich, savory taste. Set it aside for now. It will blend perfectly with the beef and veggies. Next, heat the oil. Use a large wok or frying pan. Pour in the vegetable oil and turn the heat to medium-high. Let it get hot but not smoking. You want to create a nice sizzle when you add the beef. This step is key for a great stir-fry. Now it’s time to cook the beef. Add the thinly sliced sirloin to the hot oil in a single layer. Don’t stir right away! Let it sear for about 1-2 minutes. This gives it a nice brown color and locks in flavor. After that, stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until it’s nearly cooked through. Once the beef is almost done, add the garlic and chilies. Toss them in and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. The smell will be amazing! The garlic adds depth, and the chilies give a kick. You can adjust the chili if you like it milder. Now, add the sliced bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for about one minute. You want them to soften a bit but still stay crisp. This adds color and a nice crunch to your dish. Timing is important; don’t overcook them. It’s time to bring it all together. Pour the sauce over the beef and veggies. Then, add the fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes. The sauce should heat through, and the basil will wilt nicely. Now your dish is ready to serve! Stir-frying is quick and fun. Use a hot wok or pan. Heat the oil until it shimmers. This helps the meat sear well. Add the beef in one layer. Don't crowd the pan. Let it cook without stirring for a minute. This makes it brown nicely. Keep the food moving once you start stirring. This way, everything cooks evenly. Spice can make or break a dish. For a mild flavor, use one chili. If you love heat, add more. You can also remove the seeds from the chilies. This takes away some heat but keeps the flavor. Taste as you go. You can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it away. To keep beef tender, slice it thinly against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers. Marinate the beef for 15-30 minutes before cooking. A mix of soy sauce and a touch of sugar works well. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink. Overcooking makes it tough. Enjoy that perfect, juicy bite! Pro Tips Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat allows the beef to sear properly, locking in flavor and moisture, resulting in a juicy stir-fry. Fresh Basil is Key: Always use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor; the aroma and taste are unmatched compared to dried herbs. Customize Spice Level: Adjust the number of red chilies based on your preference for heat; you can also use milder peppers if desired. Rest the Beef: Allow the beef to rest for a few minutes after slicing; this helps retain juices for a more tender bite. {{image_2}} You can switch the beef for chicken or tofu. Chicken works well and takes about the same time to cook. Use thin slices of chicken breast for a quick stir-fry. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. Choose firm tofu, press it to remove water, and cut it into cubes. This way, it absorbs all the tasty sauce. To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, simply replace the beef with tofu or tempeh. For sauces, check that your oyster sauce is vegan or use a mushroom sauce. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or snap peas for extra nutrition. This keeps the dish flavorful while being meat-free. You can mix and match the veggies in this stir-fry. Try adding broccoli, carrots, or zucchini. Snow peas add a nice crunch. Use what you have at home or what is in season. Each veggie brings its own flavor and texture, keeping your meals exciting and fresh. To store your Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the meal fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep the rice separate. This way, it stays fluffy and doesn't get soggy. When you reheat the stir fry, do it gently. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often until it's heated through. If using a microwave, cover it with a lid to trap steam. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between for even warming. You can freeze the Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry too. Just cool it down completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Try to remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned above. This dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking takes another 10 minutes. It's quick, perfect for busy days. You can use dried basil, but fresh is best. Fresh Thai basil adds a bright flavor. If you must use dried, use less. About one tablespoon of dried for every cup of fresh works. I love serving this stir fry with jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the sauce nicely. You could also pair it with noodles or a simple salad for a lighter meal. Yes, it can be spicy due to the red chilies. To reduce the heat, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds. You can also add more bell peppers for sweetness and balance. Absolutely! You can mix the sauce a day ahead. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to cook. This saves time and lets the flavors blend well. In this blog post, we explored how to make Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry. We covered all the key ingredients and offered easy substitutes. I shared tips on picking the best fresh basil and step-by-step instructions to ensure great texture and flavor. We talked about various options, from proteins to veggies, and how to store your dish properly for later. Now you can confidently cook this dish, impressing yourself and others. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

A flavorful stir fry featuring tender beef, aromatic garlic, and fresh Thai basil.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Thai

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

500 g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 red chilies sliced
1 bell pepper sliced
1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
as needed serving cooked jasmine rice

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Set aside.
In a large wok or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced beef to the hot oil in a single layer. Let it sear for about 1-2 minutes without stirring to develop a nice brown color, then stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until nearly cooked through.
Toss in the minced garlic and sliced red chilies, and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced bell pepper and stir-fry for another minute until slightly softened.
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, then add the fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is heated through and the basil leaves are wilted.
Remove from heat and serve immediately over cooked jasmine rice.

Notes

Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice preference.

Keyword beef, quick meal, stir fry, Thai basil