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Here’s what you need for Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry: - 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced - 2 cups fresh basil leaves (Thai basil preferred) - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fish sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Steamed jasmine rice (for serving) If you can't find something, don’t worry! Here are some swaps: - For beef sirloin, try flank steak or chicken. - You can use regular basil if Thai basil is hard to find. - Swap green beans with snap peas or broccoli florets. - Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. When you shop, look for fresh, vibrant colors. - Choose beef that is bright red and firm to the touch. - Fresh basil should smell fragrant and have no wilting leaves. - Bell peppers should feel firm and shiny, without blemishes. - Green beans should snap easily and look bright green. These tips help ensure your stir-fry tastes great. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! To start, you need to marinate the beef. Take 1 pound of thinly sliced beef sirloin. In a bowl, mix the beef with 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. This mix gives the beef amazing flavor. Let the beef sit for about 15 minutes. This helps it soak up the taste. While the beef marinates, you can prepare the vegetables. Slice 1 red bell pepper into thin strips. Trim the ends of 1 cup of green beans and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Next, mince 4 cloves of garlic. Fresh garlic adds a great taste. Keep the vegetables ready for the stir-fry. Now it's time to cook! Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot and shimmering. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not burned. Increase the heat to high and add the marinated beef. Stir-fry it for 2-3 minutes until the beef turns brown but stays tender. Next, toss in the sliced bell pepper and green beans. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender. For a spicy kick, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes over the stir-fry. Finally, add the fresh basil leaves. Stir-fry just until the basil wilts, which takes about 1 minute. Remove from heat and serve it hot over steaming jasmine rice. Enjoy your flavorful Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry! For the full recipe, check the complete list above. To get great texture, start with hot oil. Heat your skillet or wok until it shines. Add the garlic first and let it sizzle. Then, add the beef quickly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this keeps the beef from steaming. Stir-fry in small batches if needed. This method keeps the beef juicy and tender. Seasoning is key in Thai basil beef stir-fry. Use fish sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce for depth. Each adds a unique flavor. Taste as you cook. If you like it sweeter, add a pinch of sugar. For heat, adjust the crushed red pepper flakes. The goal is to create a balanced dish that sings with flavor. One common mistake is overcooking the beef. It should be browned but still tender. Another mistake is not using enough sauce. The sauce gives flavor and moisture. Lastly, don’t skip the basil. It adds freshness and aroma. For the full recipe, refer back to the cooking instructions. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh. Use soy sauce or tamari instead of fish sauce. Add more colorful veggies like carrots or mushrooms. This way, you keep the flavor and make it plant-based. Even without meat, it stays tasty and satisfying. If you want to switch proteins, try chicken or shrimp. Thinly slice chicken breast for a similar cook time. Shrimp cooks quickly, about 2-3 minutes. For a fun twist, use seitan for a meaty texture. Each option brings a unique taste to the dish. To change the spice level, start with fewer crushed red pepper flakes. You can always add more if you like it hot. For a milder flavor, omit the flakes and use sweet bell peppers. If you love heat, add fresh chilies or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick. After your meal, let the Thai basil beef cool down. Use an airtight container to keep the leftovers. This helps maintain their flavor and freshness. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you have a lot, divide into smaller portions. This way, it’s easier to reheat just what you need. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for one to two minutes. Check if it’s hot throughout before eating. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. Place the leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Label the container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your Thai basil beef stir-fry again! You can serve Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry with steamed jasmine rice. This rice soaks up the sauce well. You may also add a side of fresh cucumber salad. This salad adds a nice crunch and coolness. Another option is a simple stir-fried vegetable mix. Broccoli, carrots, and snap peas work great here. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the beef and vegetables, then store them in the fridge. Just keep the basil separate until you serve it. The basil wilts quickly and loses flavor. You can reheat the dish on the stove or in the microwave when ready to eat. The beef should be browned on the outside but still tender. It should take about 2-3 minutes to cook. Use a thin slice to check the center. It should not be pink. If it is, cook it for another minute or two. Always aim for a temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safety. In this blog post, I covered key elements for making a tasty Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry. You learned about essential ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect seasoning. I shared ways to make it vegetarian, suggested protein swaps, and outlined storage methods. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference. Experiment with flavors and enjoy your dish. With these tips, you can create a delicious meal that pleases everyone. Happy cooking!

Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry

Savor the vibrant flavors of Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry with this quick and easy recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender beef sirloin, fresh Thai basil, and colorful veggies for a meal that's both delicious and nutritious. With just 30 minutes from prep to plate, you can enjoy this authentic taste of Thailand any night of the week.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced

2 cups fresh basil leaves (Thai basil preferred)

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fish sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Steamed jasmine rice (for serving)

Instructions
 

Begin by marinating the sliced beef. In a bowl, combine beef with fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

    While the beef is marinating, prepare your vegetables: slice the red bell pepper, trim the green beans, and mince the garlic.

      Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.

        Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.

          Increase the heat to high, then add the marinated beef to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but still tender.

            Add the sliced bell pepper and green beans to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

              Sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes over the stir-fry for added spice, and toss in the fresh basil leaves. Stir-fry just until the basil wilts, about 1 minute.

                Remove from heat and serve immediately over steaming jasmine rice.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4