Go Back
To make Spicy Thai Basil Beef, you need key ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color) - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or a vegetarian alternative) - 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian option) - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - 1 tablespoon lime juice - Cooked jasmine rice, for serving Each ingredient contributes to the dish's signature taste. The flank steak gives a rich flavor. Thai bird's eye chilies add heat. Fresh Thai basil offers a fragrant aroma. Using the right tools can make cooking easier and more fun. Here’s what I recommend: - Large skillet or wok - Sharp knife for slicing beef - Cutting board - Mixing bowl for marinating beef - Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring These tools help you stir-fry quickly and get the best results. To take your dish to the next level, consider these optional add-ons: - Sliced mushrooms for earthiness - Chopped green onions for freshness - Cashews or peanuts for crunch These add-ons can enhance the dish and give it a unique twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preparing the beef. Thinly slice 1 pound of flank steak against the grain. This helps the beef stay tender. In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. This mix gives the beef a great flavor. Add the sliced beef to the bowl, coating it well. Let the beef marinate for at least 15-30 minutes. This step adds depth to the taste. Grab a large skillet or wok. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 2-3 finely chopped Thai bird's eye chilies. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds. This step makes the kitchen smell amazing. Increase the heat to high and add the marinated beef to the skillet. Stir-fry the beef for about 3-5 minutes. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. Next, toss in 1 sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. The peppers should be tender but still crisp. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves and stir well. The basil will wilt quickly and mix in beautifully. Serve the spicy Thai basil beef hot over cooked jasmine rice. Make sure to combine everything well on the plate. Enjoy this flavorful and easy dish! To get real Thai flavors, focus on fresh ingredients. Use fresh Thai basil; its taste is key. Bird's eye chilies give heat and flavor. If you want more spice, add more chilies. Make sure to use a good fish sauce. It adds depth to your dish. Soy sauce can work in a pinch, but fish sauce is best. Lime juice brightens the dish, so don’t skip it. A common mistake is overcooking the beef. Cook it just until browned; this keeps it tender. Don’t let the garlic burn; it can turn bitter. Stir quickly when adding it to hot oil. Also, avoid using too much sauce. It can make the dish soggy. Stick to the measurements for balance. To ensure tender beef, slice it thinly against the grain. This breaks up tough fibers. Marinating the beef also helps. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, longer marination works wonders. High heat in the pan helps sear the beef quickly, keeping it juicy. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the flank steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes will enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Control the Heat: Adjust the number of Thai bird's eye chilies according to your heat preference, or substitute with milder chilies if desired. Fresh Basil is Key: Use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor; it adds a unique aroma that dried basil cannot replicate. Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the dish hot and fresh over jasmine rice right after cooking. {{image_2}} You can easily make Spicy Thai Basil Beef vegetarian or vegan. Replace the flank steak with a mix of vegetables or plant-based proteins. Good options include mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Use tofu for a protein boost. For sauces, swap fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan oyster sauce. This keeps the flavor bold without meat. Want to change the heat? You can adjust the spice level to fit your taste. If you prefer mild flavors, reduce or skip the bird's eye chilies. For more heat, add extra chilies or a dash of chili paste. Always taste as you cook to find the right balance for you. You can switch the beef for chicken, pork, or tofu. For chicken, use thinly sliced breast or thigh. Pork also works well, especially tender cuts like loin. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before cooking, which helps it absorb flavors better. Each protein brings its unique taste to the dish, so feel free to experiment! Store your Spicy Thai Basil Beef in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. Let it cool to room temperature first. It can stay in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat it within two days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir it often until hot. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir between each burst to avoid hot spots. You can freeze Spicy Thai Basil Beef for up to three months. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove for the best flavor. If you need a fish sauce substitute, use soy sauce. Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami. You can also mix soy sauce with a little lime juice. This helps mimic the tangy taste of fish sauce. Another good option is coconut aminos. It is a bit sweeter and not as salty. This choice works well for those avoiding fish. To reduce the heat in this dish, use fewer bird's eye chilies. Just one or two will still add flavor. You can also remove the seeds from the chilies. This helps cut back on the spice. Another tip is to add more bell pepper. The sweet taste will balance the spice. Lastly, serve with extra jasmine rice to help mellow the heat. Yes, you can use other vegetables! Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas work well. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces. This helps them cook quickly, like the bell pepper. You can also add mushrooms for a nice texture. Feel free to get creative with what you have in your kitchen! In this blog post, we explored making Spicy Thai Basil Beef. We covered key ingredients, cooking tools, and optional add-ons for flavor. You learned step-by-step how to prepare, cook, and serve this dish. I shared tips to enhance authenticity and avoid common mistakes. You discovered variations for different diets and storage methods to keep leftovers fresh. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Use these insights to create your own delicious dish!

Spicy Thai Basil Beef

A flavorful stir-fry featuring tender beef, spicy chilies, and aromatic Thai basil, served over jasmine rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 to 3 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped
  • 1 piece bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • as needed cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Start by marinating the sliced flank steak. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Add the beef slices, coating them well and let them marinate for at least 15-30 minutes.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and chopped bird's eye chilies, stirring quickly to avoid burning, for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to high and add the marinated beef to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through.
  • Toss in the sliced bell pepper and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.
  • Remove from heat and add the fresh Thai basil leaves, stirring until they are wilted and mixed in thoroughly with the beef and vegetables.
  • Serve hot over cooked jasmine rice, ensuring everything is well combined.

Notes

Adjust the number of chilies based on your heat preference.
Keyword beef, quick meal, spicy, stir-fry, Thai basil