Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Introduction

Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender beef is cooked with aromatic garlic, fresh bell peppers, and fragrant Thai basil, all brought together with a savory sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a delicious way to enjoy authentic Thai flavors at home.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (or sweet basil)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for thickening)
• Chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the beef sirloin thinly against the grain and set aside. Mince the garlic and slice the red bell pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, stir-fry garlic and bell pepper for 1-2 minutes until the peppers soften slightly.
4. Step 4: Return the beef to the skillet. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes if using. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through.
5. Step 5: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for an additional minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves until wilted.
7. Step 7: Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked jasmine rice.

Tips & Variations

• For more heat, increase the chili flakes or add fresh sliced chilies.
• Substitute beef with chicken or tofu for different protein options.
• If fresh Thai basil is unavailable, sweet basil works as a good alternative.
• Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness in the dish.

Storage

Store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid reheating multiple times to keep the beef tender and the basil fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?

Yes, sweet basil is a suitable substitute if you can’t find fresh Thai basil, though the flavor will be milder and slightly different.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the stir-fry at the end and cook for an extra minute; this will help thicken the sauce nicely.

Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.4 from 82 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender sliced beef sirloin stir-fried with garlic, red bell peppers, and fresh Thai basil in a savory sauce made with soy, oyster, and fish sauces. Enhanced with a touch of brown sugar and optional chili flakes for heat, it’s perfect served hot over fragrant jasmine rice for an authentic Thai meal ready in just 20 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 lb beef sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)

Vegetables & Herbs

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (or sweet basil)

Sauces & Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for thickening)
• Chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Serving

• Cooked jasmine rice (for serving)

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Thinly slice the beef sirloin against the grain and set aside. Mince the garlic cloves and slice the red bell pepper into strips.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Cook the Beef: Add the sliced beef in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic and Peppers: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced red bell peppers. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until the peppers become slightly tender and the garlic is fragrant.
5. Combine Ingredients and Sauce: Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients, cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes until the beef is cooked through.
6. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixed with water to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
7. Add the Basil: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves, stirring until wilted and fragrant.
8. Serve: Serve the Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry hot with cooked jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• For more authentic flavor, use fresh Thai basil if available.
• Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
• Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Use a hot skillet or wok for best stir-frying results to quickly sear the meat and vegetables.
• This dish is best enjoyed immediately to keep the basil fresh and vibrant.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Thai

Keywords: Thai basil beef stir-fry, beef sirloin recipe, Thai stir-fry, easy dinner, quick beef recipe, Asian beef stir-fry