I make this Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry when I want a quick, bold, and satisfying meal packed with flavor. Tender ground beef cooks with garlic, chilies, and savory sauce, then gets finished with fragrant basil for a fresh and aromatic touch. I love how this dish comes together fast while tasting like something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe delivers big flavor in very little time. The savory, slightly sweet sauce pairs perfectly with the richness of the beef, and the fresh basil adds brightness at the end. I also appreciate that it works beautifully over rice, noodles, or even tucked into lettuce wraps. Whenever I need a fast weeknight dinner that feels exciting and flavorful, this is one I enjoy making.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef
vegetable oil
garlic cloves, minced
fresh red chili, sliced
soy sauce
oyster sauce
fish sauce
brown sugar
beef broth or water
red bell pepper, sliced
fresh Thai basil leaves
black pepper
cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Directions
I begin by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. I add the minced garlic and sliced chili, stirring quickly until fragrant.
I add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. I drain excess fat if needed.
In a small bowl, I mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of beef broth or water. I pour this sauce over the cooked beef and stir well.
I add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for a few minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. I let the sauce simmer briefly so it thickens slightly and coats the beef.
I turn off the heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing them to wilt gently in the residual heat. I finish with a sprinkle of black pepper and serve the stir-fry hot over jasmine rice.
Servings and Timing
I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey. When I want extra vegetables, I add green beans or zucchini. For more heat, I include additional fresh chilies or a drizzle of chili oil. If I prefer a lighter option, I serve the beef in lettuce cups instead of over rice.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, I add a small splash of water to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, I can use regular basil if Thai basil is not available, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Is this dish very spicy?
I find it moderately spicy, but I can easily adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of chili.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, I use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives to keep it gluten-free.
What can I serve with Thai Basil Beef?
I enjoy serving it with jasmine rice, brown rice, or even rice noodles.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, I can cook it ahead and reheat before serving. I sometimes add a few fresh basil leaves after reheating to refresh the flavor.
Conclusion
I find this Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry to be one of the fastest ways to bring bold, satisfying flavors to the table. The savory sauce, tender beef, and fragrant basil create a dish that feels vibrant and comforting at the same time. Whenever I want a quick meal that never disappoints, this recipe is one I confidently turn to.
Print
Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Halal
Description
A bold and flavorful Thai-inspired stir-fry made with tender ground beef, garlic, chilies, and savory sauce, finished with fragrant basil. This quick 25-minute meal is perfect served over jasmine rice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 fresh red chilies, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons beef broth or water
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sliced chilies. Stir quickly until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth.
- Pour sauce over cooked beef and stir well to combine.
- Add sliced red bell pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Allow sauce to simmer briefly until slightly thickened and coating the beef.
- Turn off heat and stir in Thai basil leaves, letting them wilt from residual heat.
- Sprinkle with black pepper and serve hot over jasmine rice.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing fresh chilies.
- Substitute ground chicken or turkey if desired.
- Add green beans or zucchini for extra vegetables.
- Use gluten-free soy and oyster sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Refresh with additional fresh basil after reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (without rice)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
