Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry

Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, intricate aromas, and the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. Each dish tells a story of cultural heritage and regional influences, reflecting the diversity of Thailand's rich culinary traditions. Among the plethora of Thai dishes, Spicy Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry stands out as a beloved favorite, celebrated for its bold flavors and quick preparation. This dish encapsulates the essence of Thai cooking, showcasing how fresh ingredients and fast cooking methods can create a tantalizing meal that excites the taste buds.

Embark on a delicious journey into Thai cuisine with Spicy Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry, a favorite that combines tender beef, aromatic Thai basil, and colorful vegetables in a savory sauce. This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights, while its vibrant flavors will transport your taste buds to Thailand. Whether you're a novice or seasoned cook, our detailed recipe ensures you can create this mouthwatering meal at home. Discover the joy of cooking with fresh ingredients and traditional Thai flavors today!

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Ingredients

1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced

2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves, packed

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, sliced (adjust based on your heat preference)

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 medium onion, sliced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)

Steamed jasmine rice, for serving

Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Begin by slicing the beef thinly against the grain, and prepare the vegetables by slicing the red bell pepper and onion, along with mincing the garlic and bird's eye chilies. Having everything prepped and ready makes the stir-frying process quick and efficient.

Marinate the Beef: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the sliced beef, followed by 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (optional), and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes while you organize your other ingredients.

Heat the Wok: Place a large wok or a wide skillet over high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Heat the oil until it shimmers but does not smoke; this ensures optimal sautéing conditions.

Cook the Aromatics: Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sliced Thai bird's eye chilies to the wok. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant, being cautious to avoid burning it.

Stir Fry the Beef: Introduce the marinated beef to the wok in a single layer, allowing it to sear without stirring for about 1 minute. Then, stir-fry the beef until it is browned and cooked through, which will take approximately 2-3 minutes. Push the cooked beef to one side of the wok to make room for the vegetables.

Add Vegetables: In the cleared space, add the sliced onion and red bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry the vegetables for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp.

Combine Ingredients: Gently stir everything together in the wok, then pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Toss the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly coated with the savory sauce.

Finish with Basil: Just before removing from heat, add the packed Thai basil leaves to the wok. Toss them with the stir-fry for about 30 seconds, allowing them to wilt and release their aromatic flavors into the dish.

Plate and Serve: Serve the stir fry hot over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine rice. Garnish each plate with a wedge of lime on the side, adding a refreshing zesty kick to your spicy dish.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings