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- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced - 2-3 Thai red chilies, sliced - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking - Cooked jasmine rice, about 2 cups for serving - Lime wedges - Optional: Sesame seeds for topping This dish shines with a few simple yet bold ingredients. You want to start with beef sirloin. It’s tender and flavorful. Slice it against the grain for the best bite. Thai red chilies give heat and color. Adjust how many you use based on your spice level. Fresh Thai basil is key. It adds a sweet and peppery note that makes this dish special. For the sauce, use soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and oyster sauce. This mix creates a balanced flavor. Don’t forget the garlic and red bell pepper. The garlic adds depth, while the bell pepper adds crunch. Finally, jasmine rice is perfect to soak up all the tasty sauce. For garnishing, lime wedges brighten the dish. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish a delight. {{ingredient_image_2}} Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Set the heat to medium-high. Wait until the oil shimmers. This step is key for a good sear on the beef. Add the minced garlic and sliced Thai red chilies to the hot oil. Cook for about 30 seconds. Stir constantly until the garlic smells great and turns a light gold. Be careful not to burn it. Turn the heat up to high. Quickly add the thinly sliced beef to the skillet. Stir-fry the meat for about 3-4 minutes. Cook until it is browned and reaches your desired doneness. Make sure to sear it well for the best flavor. Toss in the sliced red bell pepper next. Stir-fry everything together for another 2 minutes. The bell pepper should soften a bit but still stay crisp. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and oyster sauce. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Pour this sauce over the beef and peppers. Mix thoroughly to coat everything well. Take the skillet off the heat and add the fresh Thai basil leaves. Gently fold them in. They will wilt a little from the heat. This keeps their bright color and fresh flavor. Serve the spicy basil beef over warm jasmine rice. Add lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch. Enjoy every bite of this delicious dish! For Spicy Thai Basil Beef, I recommend using beef sirloin. This cut is tender and has great flavor. Slice the beef against the grain. This helps keep the meat soft and easy to chew. Aim for thin slices, about 1/8 inch thick. This will cook quickly and absorb the sauce well. To adjust the heat, modify the number of Thai red chilies you use. If you want it mild, use just one chili. For medium heat, use two chilies. If you love spice, add three or more. You can also remove the seeds from the chilies for less heat. Always taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Stir-frying is the best technique for this dish. Start with a hot skillet or wok. Heat your oil until it shimmers. This ensures a nice sear on the beef. Keep the meat moving in the pan to avoid burning. Cook the beef in batches if your skillet is small. This helps it brown evenly. Always add vegetables after the beef is cooked. This keeps them crisp and bright. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh Thai basil and high-quality beef for the best flavor. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish significantly. Control the Heat: Adjust the number of Thai red chilies based on your spice preference. Start with fewer chilies and add more if you prefer it spicier. Perfect Your Searing: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the beef to achieve a good sear, which enhances the dish's flavor. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it right after cooking to maintain the vibrancy of the ingredients. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Just substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh. Both options work well. Use soy sauce and mushroom sauce instead of fish sauce and oyster sauce. This keeps the flavors rich and tasty. Want to add more color and crunch? Try adding broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. These vegetables cook quickly and add great texture. Just toss them in with the bell pepper for a few extra minutes. Your dish will look and taste even better. Jasmine rice is classic, but you have options. Quinoa or brown rice can be great substitutes. You could also serve it with rice noodles for a twist. Try these alternatives to keep things fresh and interesting on your plate. Store your Spicy Thai Basil Beef in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your beef soggy. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until the beef is heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. This method works well to keep the texture nice. You can freeze Spicy Thai Basil Beef for up to two months. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This method helps preserve flavors and texture. Avoid refreezing once thawed. I recommend using beef sirloin for this dish. It is tender and flavorful. Slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture. Other good cuts include flank steak or ribeye. They both offer a nice balance of flavor and tenderness. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the beef and veggies, then store them in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, just warm it in a skillet over medium heat. If you want, you can also freeze it for up to a month. To reduce the heat, use fewer Thai red chilies. You can also remove the seeds from the chilies. For a milder taste, try using sweet bell peppers instead. Another option is to add more sugar or soy sauce to balance the spice. This dish pairs well with jasmine rice. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. Try adding cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch. Lime wedges are a must for extra flavor! In summary, this Spicy Thai Basil Beef dish uses fresh ingredients and bold flavors. We discussed key tips, like cutting beef and adjusting spice levels. Remember to sauté garlic to enhance taste and finish with fresh basil. For variety, you can explore vegetarian options or add extra veggies. Proper storage helps maintain taste, and reheating correctly brings back that fresh bite. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Spicy Thai Basil Beef Delight

A flavorful stir-fry featuring tender beef, aromatic garlic, and fresh Thai basil, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2-3 pieces Thai red chilies, sliced
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, thinly sliced into strips
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, rinsed and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, for serving
  • as needed pieces lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Add the minced garlic and sliced Thai red chilies to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  • Increase the heat to high and swiftly add the thinly sliced beef to the skillet. Stir-fry for approximately 3-4 minutes until browned.
  • Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes until slightly tender yet still crisp.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and oyster sauce. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and pour over the beef and peppers.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing them to wilt gently.
  • Plate the spicy basil beef over a bed of warm jasmine rice and garnish with lime wedges.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls and provide chopsticks or forks for an authentic dining experience. Consider adding sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Keyword beef, quick meal, spicy, stir fry, Thai basil