Thai Basil Beef
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
5
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Calories
295 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Thai
Thai Basil Beef
Description
In this Thai Basil Beef recipe, the ground beef is browned alongside sautéed shallots, garlic, ginger, and red bell pepper strips. The sauce combines brown sugar, fish sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, beef broth, and cornstarch, which thickens while simmering to coat the beef evenly. Once the mixture reduces and thickens, chopped holy basil is stirred in, adding a fresh, peppery note integral to the dish. The texture balances tender beef with slightly crisp vegetables. Served over steamed rice, this meal captures a balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors common in Thai cooking. Chopped green onions top the dish for a fresh finish. Variations in protein or vegetables are possible without changing the core flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 shallot chopped
- 8 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 Tablespoon ginger minced, fresh
- 1 red bell pepper , thinly sliced
- 1.5 lbs ground beef lean
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce low-sodium
- 1.5 Tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 or 3 Tablespoons chili paste with garlic
- 3/4 cup beef broth low-sodium
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1.5 cups holy basil chopped, leaves
- 3 green onions chopped, for garnish
- 5 cups rice hot cooked
Instructions
- In a wok or large skillet over medium high heat, add the oil, shallots, garlic, ginger and bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Push the veggies off to the side and add the ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. (I like to use a meat chopper to break up the meat in very small pieces.)
- In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, cornstarch, beef broth, and water and add to the pan. Simmer for 5-10 minutes
- Add the basil and stir. Serve over hot steamed rice, with chopped green onion on top.
Notes
- Oyster sauce can be replaced with hoisin sauce or additional soy sauce if preferred.
- Holy basil is recommended, but Thai or sweet basil are acceptable substitutes.
- Ground chicken, pork, or firm tofu can be used instead of beef for different dietary preferences.
- Sriracha can substitute the Asian garlic chili paste for heat.
- Additional vegetables like shredded carrot, zucchini, water chestnuts, or mushrooms can be added for variety.
- Serve this dish with any kind of rice or for a low-carb option in lettuce wraps.
- Adding a fried egg on top is a traditional accompaniment.
- For gluten-free adaptation, use gluten-free soy sauce.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 5Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 295 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 295kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 11g | 4% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 84mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 1854mg | 77% |
| Potassium | 818mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1219IU | 24% |
| Vitamin C | 45mg | 50% |
| Calcium | 59mg | 6% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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