Description
Basil Beef is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish combining lean ground beef with fresh basil, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory sauce made from soy, fish, and oyster sauces. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and spice, it serves as a satisfying meal when paired with steamed rice and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon (packed) brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (sliced fairly thin)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced fairly thin)
- 1 cup (loosely packed) fresh basil (torn)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
To Serve
- Cooked rice
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the low sodium soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, sriracha sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and minced garlic. Mix well to create a flavorful sauce base.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon while cooking until fully browned, approximately 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and transfer the beef onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb remaining grease.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add olive oil, sliced onions, and red bell peppers. Sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp with some charred spots to enhance flavor.
- Combine beef and sauce: Remove the skillet from heat, add the cooked beef back in, then pour the prepared sauce over the mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Finish cooking with basil: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the torn fresh basil leaves. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the basil wilts and the mixture is heated through. Season with salt and pepper as needed, tasting first due to the saltiness of the sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the basil beef over cooked rice if desired. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, additional sriracha sauce, and lime wedges for a fresh, tangy finish.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less sriracha sauce according to your preference.
- If oyster sauce is unavailable, the sauce will still have great flavor but adds extra umami if included.
- For a lower sodium version, reduce soy and fish sauce amounts and compensate with a splash of lime juice.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and drain any excess grease thoroughly after cooking.
- Fresh basil is essential for authentic flavor; avoid using dried basil as it won’t provide the same aromatic impact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
