Spicy Thai Basil Beef Delight
This Spicy Thai Basil Beef Delight is a quick and vibrant dish perfect for summer meals, making excellent use of fresh basil. Crafted from versatile ingredients, this recipe allows you to swap ground beef for alternatives like ground pork, ground turkey, tofu, or sliced chicken, catering to various dietary preferences. The combination of savory and aromatic elements, enhanced by the crunch of fresh vegetables and the heat of chili, creates a lively flavor profile. Serve this dish over fluffy jasmine rice and add garnishes like grated carrot, fresh cilantro, and a zesty squeeze of lime for a refreshing finish. It's an unforgettable meal that's as adaptable as it is delicious!
4
Servings
160
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (none)
sesame oil
2 teaspoons (none)
garlic cloves
3-4 (minced)
small onion
1 (finely diced)
bell pepper
1 (finely sliced)
red chili pepper
1-2 (sliced (to taste))
fresh basil leaves
1 cup (none)
oyster sauce
1 tablespoon (can substitute with soy sauce)
fish sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
chicken stock
1/4 cup (or water)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
grated carrot
to taste (for garnish (optional))
cilantro
to taste (for garnish (optional))
lime wedges
to taste (for garnish (optional))
Instructions
1
1. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add sesame oil. Once hot, sauté onions, bell peppers, and red chili peppers until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the sautéed vegetables from the pan and set aside.
2
2. In the same pan, add ground beef and minced garlic. Season with black pepper and crumbled the beef into small pieces. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
3
3. Return the sautéed vegetables back to the pan with the cooked beef. Stir to combine.
4
4. Pour in chicken stock, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir the mixture well, allowing it to cook for an additional 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
5
5. Remove the pan from heat, and fold in the fresh basil leaves until well combined.
6
6. Serve the spicy basil beef over a bed of rice. For a delightful finish, top with grated carrot, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Nutrition Information
7.5
Fat
8.75
Carbs
13
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Thai Basil Beef Delight?
It is a quick and vibrant stir-fry dish featuring ground beef, fresh basil, and a savory sauce, perfect for summer meals.
Can I use proteins other than ground beef?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground pork, ground turkey, tofu, or sliced chicken to suit your dietary preferences.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 13 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
Each serving contains 7.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 8.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, quick meal option.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you do not have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce.
Can I use water instead of chicken stock?
Yes, water can be used as a direct substitute for chicken stock in the sauce mixture.
When should I add the fresh basil?
Fold in the fresh basil leaves after removing the pan from the heat to keep them from overcooking and to preserve their aroma.
How long does it take to cook the beef?
The ground beef should be cooked for about 8-10 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked.
Why are the vegetables removed from the pan after sautéing?
Removing the vegetables while browning the beef prevents them from becoming too soft, maintaining a crunchy texture.
What is the best way to serve Thai Basil Beef?
It is best served over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice with fresh garnishes.
What garnishes are recommended?
The recipe suggests using grated carrot, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing finish.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it features red chili peppers for a lively heat, though you can adjust the amount to your taste.
What kind of oil is used for cooking?
Sesame oil is used to sauté the vegetables and beef, adding a nutty flavor to the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with tofu and ensure your oyster and fish sauces are vegetarian-friendly.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 to 4 minced garlic cloves.
What types of peppers are used?
The dish uses both bell peppers for crunch and red chili peppers for heat.
Is there sugar in the sauce?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of sugar is used to balance the savory and salty flavors of the fish and oyster sauces.
Can I use dried basil if I don't have fresh?
While fresh basil is preferred for its vibrant summer flavor, you can use dried basil in smaller quantities if necessary.
How should I prepare the onion?
The onion should be finely diced before sautéing.
What is the purpose of lime juice in this recipe?
Lime juice provides a zesty squeeze that adds a refreshing finish and balances the savory heat.
Is this a good meal prep recipe?
Yes, it is a quick and adaptable stir-fry that holds up well for later meals.
How do I adjust the heat level?
To make it less spicy, remove the seeds from the red chili peppers or use only one pepper instead of two.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, this is an adaptable recipe where you can add other stir-fry vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
How much fish sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of fish sauce.
How do I prevent the beef from clumping?
Crumble the beef into small pieces with your spatula while it is browning in the pan.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 15 ingredients used in this recipe, including optional garnishes.