Authentic Thai Spicy Basil Beef Stir-Fry
Experience a vibrant taste of Thailand with my take on Spicy Basil Beef Stir-Fry. This dish balances the rich flavors of beef, fragrant basil, and spicy peppers, creating a symphony of flavors that transport you straight to a bustling Thai market. Traditionally made with Thai basil and fresh Thai chilies, this recipe can be easily adapted with regular basil and jalapeño or serrano peppers if those aren't available. I recommend lightly freezing the beef for about 10 minutes to make it easier to slice thinly. Perfect when served hot over fluffy steamed jasmine rice for a delightful meal any night of the week.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
2 tablespoons (none)
garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
beef
1/2 lb (thinly sliced)
chile
1 tablespoon (chopped)
onion
1/4 cup (sliced)
red bell pepper
1/4 cup (sliced)
fresh basil leaf
1 cup (packed, whole)
oyster sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
fish sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
sugar
1/2 tablespoon (none)
white pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
cilantro
for garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by placing the beef in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm it up, which makes slicing easier.
2
2. Once firm, thinly slice the beef against the grain and set it aside.
3
3. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
4
4. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped chilies to the wok. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
5
5. Quickly add the sliced beef to the wok. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until the beef is browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside.
6
6. Add the sliced onions and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
7
7. Add the fresh basil leaves to the wok and continue to stir for about 30 seconds or until the basil wilts.
8
8. Pour in the oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well-coated with the sauce.
9
9. Continue to cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
10
10. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
11
11. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice for an authentic dining experience.
Nutrition Information
8
Fat
10
Carbs
9
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Thai Spicy Basil Beef Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant dish that balances the rich flavors of beef, fragrant basil, and spicy peppers, reminiscent of Thai market cuisine.
How do I make the beef easier to slice thinly?
Lightly freeze the beef for approximately 10 minutes to firm it up before slicing against the grain.
Can I substitute Thai basil if I cannot find it?
Yes, you can easily adapt the recipe by using regular basil if Thai basil is not available.
What peppers can be used if Thai chilies are unavailable?
Jalapeño or serrano peppers are recommended substitutes for fresh Thai chilies.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served hot over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine rice.
How long should I stir-fry the beef?
Stir-fry the beef for about 1 minute until it is browned on the outside but still slightly pink inside.
What kind of oil should be used for the stir-fry?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of oil suitable for high-heat cooking in a wok or skillet.
How much garlic is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
What is the calorie count for this stir-fry?
This recipe contains approximately 150 calories per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
There are 9 grams of protein in this Thai Spicy Basil Beef Stir-Fry.
What are the main sauce ingredients?
The sauce is a combination of oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and white pepper.
When should I add the fresh basil leaves?
Add the basil leaves after the onions and peppers have been stir-fried for 1-2 minutes, then stir until the basil wilts.
How much beef is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of thinly sliced beef.
What vegetables are included in the stir-fry?
The dish includes 1/4 cup of sliced onions and 1/4 cup of sliced red bell pepper.
How long does it take to sauté the garlic and chilies?
They should be sautéed for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
What garnish is recommended?
Fresh chopped cilantro is used as a garnish before serving.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick meal and an Asian cuisine comfort food.
How much fish sauce is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fish sauce.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 8 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the recipe?
The recipe contains 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Should the heat be high for cooking?
Yes, a wok or large skillet should be heated over medium-high heat for the best results.
How much sugar is added to the sauce?
A half tablespoon of sugar is added to help balance the savory and spicy flavors.
What type of pepper is used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients including the oil and garnish.
Can I use a regular skillet?
Yes, if you do not have a wok, a large skillet will work for this stir-fry.
What is the texture of the vegetables?
The onions and bell peppers should be stir-fried until they are slightly tender.
How much basil is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of packed, whole fresh basil leaves.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is placing the beef in the freezer for 10 minutes to make slicing easier.
How long is the final cooking stage after adding the sauce?
Continue to cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
How much oyster sauce is included?
The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce.