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For this tasty dish, gather these main ingredients: - 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain - 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2-3 Thai bird chilies, sliced (adjust for heat preference) - 1 red bell pepper, sliced These fresh ingredients bring vibrant flavors. The beef gives the dish its heartiness. The Thai basil adds a sweet, aromatic touch. Garlic and chilies provide that kick we love in Thai food. Next, you’ll need some key sauces to make this stir fry pop: - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 teaspoon sugar - ½ teaspoon black pepper The vegetable oil helps cook everything evenly. Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth. Oyster sauce gives a rich flavor. A bit of sugar balances the salt and spice, while black pepper adds a nice bite. Feel free to customize your dish with these optional add-ins: - Sliced carrots - Snow peas - Mushrooms These extras can enhance texture and flavor. Carrots add sweetness, while snow peas bring crunch. Mushrooms offer umami, making the dish even more satisfying. You can mix and match these add-ins based on your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry, start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced - 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2-3 Thai bird chilies, sliced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 teaspoon sugar - ½ teaspoon black pepper - Cooked jasmine rice Next, slice the beef against the grain. This helps keep it tender. Mince the garlic and slice the chilies and bell pepper. Set everything aside. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. Then, add the minced garlic and sliced chilies. Stir quickly for about 15 seconds until fragrant. Now, increase the heat and add the sliced beef. Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes. You want it browned but not dry. Next, toss in the sliced red bell pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Keep stir-frying for another 2 minutes. Make sure everything is well-coated and heated through. Remove the skillet from heat. Gently fold in the Thai basil leaves. They will wilt quickly in the heat. This adds a fresh flavor to your dish. Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked jasmine rice. You can add more basil on top for garnish if you like. Enjoy your meal! Choose beef sirloin for its tenderness and flavor. Look for bright red color. The meat should have some marbling, which adds taste. Ask your butcher for thin slices if you don't find them. This cut cooks fast and stays juicy. Thai bird chilies pack heat. Start with one or two for a mild dish. If you crave more spice, add extra chilies. You can also remove seeds for less heat. Remember, you can always add more, but it's hard to take spice away. High heat is key for great stir-fry. It cooks beef quickly, keeping it tender. Heat your skillet or wok until it shimmers. This helps the beef sear and brown quickly. A hot pan also makes veggies crisp and bright. Stir quickly to avoid burning. Pro Tips Prep Your Ingredients: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as stir-frying happens quickly! Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat allows the beef to sear quickly, keeping it tender and juicy. Customize the Spice: Adjust the number of Thai bird chilies based on your heat preference, or substitute with milder peppers if desired. Fresh Basil Last: Add the Thai basil at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant flavor and color. {{image_2}} If you want a meat-free dish, you can replace beef with tofu or tempeh. Tofu soaks up flavors well. Tempeh has a nuttier taste and is great for texture. Use the same sauces as in the beef recipe. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or zucchini. These changes make the dish colorful and delicious. Besides beef, you can try chicken, pork, or shrimp. Chicken breast works well when sliced thin. Pork tenderloin also has great flavor and cooks quickly. Shrimp adds a nice touch and cooks fast, too. Just adjust cooking times as needed. All these proteins pair nicely with the Thai basil and sauces. To change the flavor, add different sauces or spices. You can try adding peanut sauce for a nutty twist. If you like it spicy, add more bird chilies or some chili paste. For a sweeter taste, increase the sugar a little. Lime juice can add a fresh zing too! Each change brings a new taste to this dish. To keep your Thai basil beef stir fry fresh, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, take them out of the fridge. You can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Stir often to heat evenly. This method helps keep the beef tender and the flavors strong. If you prefer, you can use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Place the cooled stir fry in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some space for expansion. This dish can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Thai basil has a unique flavor. It tastes sweet and spicy. Its leaves are darker and thinner than regular basil. The stems are purple and have an anise scent. You can use it in stir-fries, salads, and soups. Regular basil lacks that spicy kick. It works well in Italian dishes. If you want to add depth to your meal, use Thai basil. Yes, you can add different veggies. Carrots, snap peas, or baby corn all work well. You can also try broccoli or zucchini for more crunch. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Add harder veggies like carrots first. Softer ones, like bell peppers, should go in last. This way, everything cooks evenly. Serve your stir-fry with jasmine rice. It balances the bold flavors. You can also add a side of fresh cucumber salad. This adds freshness to your meal. For a more filling option, try it with noodles. They soak up the sauce nicely. You can even top it with a fried egg for extra richness. This blog covered how to make Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry. We talked about key ingredients like beef, sauces, and add-ins. I shared simple steps for cooking and combining flavors. You learned tips on selecting beef and adjusting spice levels. I also discussed options for vegetarians and how to store leftovers. Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry offers tasty and flexible options. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Happy cooking!

Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry

A flavorful and spicy stir fry featuring tender beef and aromatic Thai basil.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 to 3 Thai bird chilies, sliced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 serving cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering.
  • Add the minced garlic and sliced bird chilies to the pan, stirring quickly for about 15 seconds, or until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat, and add the sliced beef to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but not overcooked.
  • Add the sliced red bell pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes, ensuring everything is well-coated and heated through.
  • Remove the stir-fry from heat, and gently fold in the Thai basil leaves until just wilted.
  • Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked jasmine rice, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

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