Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Photo by Rob Pumphrey on Unsplash

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) thinly sliced beef (flank steak or sirloin work well)
• 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves (if unavailable, substitute with Italian basil)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spice)
• Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: If your beef isn’t already thinly sliced, place it in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm it up. This makes slicing easier. Then, slice it thinly against the grain.
2. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Set the sauce aside.
3. Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the pan evenly.
4. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Cook the Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes without stirring to allow it to sear and develop a nice color. Then, stir-fry the beef for an additional 2–3 minutes or until it’s mostly cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
6. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes until they start to become tender but still have a slight crispness.
7. Combine and Add Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the stir-fry sauce over everything.
8. Finish with Thai Basil: Add the fresh Thai basil leaves to the skillet. Stir-fry everything together for an additional 1–2 minutes until the basil wilts, the beef is fully cooked, and all ingredients are well coated in the flavorful sauce.
9. Serve: Serve your Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry hot over steamed jasmine rice.
10. Enjoy! Savor the aromatic and zesty flavors of this Thai-inspired dish that’s as quick to prepare as it is delicious.