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To make Spicy Thai Basil Beef, gather these fresh and tasty ingredients: - 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2-3 red Thai chilies, chopped (adjust for spice preference) - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced (any color) - 1/2 cup onion, sliced - Cooked jasmine rice, for serving Each ingredient plays a key role. The ground beef gives a hearty base. Fresh Thai basil adds a fragrant finish. Garlic and Thai chilies bring bold flavors. The sauces give depth and a touch of sweetness. Bell peppers and onions add color and crunch. Serving this dish with jasmine rice makes it complete. Enjoy the balance of flavors and textures! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heating the Oil Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Use medium-high heat for best results. - Sautéing Garlic and Chilies Next, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 2-3 chopped Thai chilies to the hot oil. Sauté them for about 30 seconds. This step fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma. - Browning the Ground Beef Now, increase the heat to high and add 1 pound of ground beef. Stir well to break it apart. Cook until the beef is browned and the liquid has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes. - Adding Vegetables Stir in 1/2 cup of sliced onions and 1/2 cup of sliced bell peppers. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the veggies start to soften. - Mixing the Sauce In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Pour this sauce over the beef and veggies, stirring to coat everything well. - Incorporating Thai Basil Finally, add 2 cups of fresh Thai basil leaves. Toss everything together for about 1 minute, until the basil wilts. This adds a fresh flavor to your dish. Serve your Spicy Thai Basil Beef hot over a bed of jasmine rice. Enjoy! - Perfecting the Spice Level Adjust the spice by changing the number of Thai chilies. Start with one for a mild taste. Add more for a spicier kick. Always taste as you go. This way, you can find your perfect heat. - Choosing the Right Ground Beef Use ground beef with 80% lean meat. This provides the best flavor and texture. Leaner beef can dry out too much. If you prefer, you can try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. - Ensuring Freshness of Ingredients Fresh Thai basil is key for flavor. Look for vibrant, green leaves without browning. Store your basil in water, like a bouquet, to keep it fresh longer. Fresh garlic and chilies also enhance your dish. - Pairing with Jasmine Rice Serve your spicy Thai basil beef over fluffy jasmine rice. The rice balances the spice and adds a nice texture. It also helps soak up all the tasty sauce. You can use brown rice for a healthier twist. - Garnishing Ideas Add sliced cucumbers or lime wedges to your plate. They offer a refreshing crunch. You can also sprinkle chopped peanuts or cilantro for added flavor. These toppings make your dish look even more appealing. Pro Tips Fresh Basil is Key: Always use fresh Thai basil for an authentic flavor. Dried basil will not deliver the same aromatic qualities. Adjust the Heat: Depending on your spice tolerance, adjust the number of Thai chilies. Remove the seeds for a milder dish. High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat ensures that the beef browns quickly, giving it a nice texture and flavor without steaming. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. The basil wilts quickly, so serve it right after cooking for optimal taste. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish for variety. Try chicken for a lighter option. Pork adds a nice richness, too. If you want a plant-based meal, use tofu instead of beef. It soaks up flavors well. You can also swap out the vegetables. Add snap peas or carrots for crunch. Broccoli works, giving a nice bite and color. Experiment with what you like. Each choice gives a new twist to the dish. To make a milder version, use less Thai chilies. You can start with just one or leave them out. Instead, add a dash of sweet chili sauce for flavor without heat. For extra spice, try adding more chilies or using chili flakes. You can also toss in some sriracha or chili paste. Just remember to taste as you go. Balance is key! To keep your Spicy Thai Basil Beef fresh, cool it quickly. After cooking, let it sit for no more than two hours at room temperature. This helps avoid bacteria growth. Divide the beef into smaller portions for faster cooling. Use airtight containers to store leftovers. Glass or plastic containers work great. Make sure the lid seals tight. Label the containers with the date. This way, you know when to eat them. To reheat, the best method is on the stove. Warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir it often to heat it evenly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to avoid cold spots. Enjoy your leftovers! Spicy Thai Basil Beef is a quick and tasty dish. It uses ground beef, fresh Thai basil, and spicy chilies. You cook it in a hot skillet with garlic, onions, and bell peppers. This dish packs a punch with bold flavors from sauces like soy and fish sauce. It’s simple, fast, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook the beef and vegetables, then store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove. Add fresh basil right before serving for the best flavor. This way, you keep the dish fresh and vibrant. To serve more people, simply double the ingredients. Use 2 pounds of beef and increase the sauces. Make sure to use a larger skillet or wok to cook everything evenly. You can also add more vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. Spicy Thai Basil Beef pairs well with jasmine rice. The rice helps balance the spice. You can also serve it with a side of fresh salad or steamed veggies. For a fun twist, try it in a lettuce wrap for a crunchy bite. This blog post guides you through making Spicy Thai Basil Beef. You learned about the key ingredients, from ground beef to fresh Thai basil. You saw step-by-step cooking instructions that make the process easy. We shared helpful tips on spice levels and ingredient choices. You also discovered variations to fit your taste. In closing, I hope you feel ready to try this dish. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy your meal!

Spicy Thai Basil Beef

A flavorful and spicy stir-fry featuring ground beef and fresh Thai basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
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 ground beef
  • 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 to 3 red Thai chilies, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 0.5 cup bell peppers, sliced
  • 0.5 cup onion, sliced
  • cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and chopped Thai chilies to the skillet, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to high and add the ground beef, stirring well to break it apart. Cook until browned and any liquid has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Pour this sauce over the beef mixture, stirring well to coat.
  • Add the fresh Thai basil leaves and toss everything together until the basil wilts, about 1 minute.
  • Remove from heat and serve immediately over a bed of jasmine rice.

Notes

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