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
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
- 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.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the Basil: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves, stirring until wilted and fragrant.
- 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
