Spicy Thai Basil Beef

$- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2-3 Thai red chilies, sliced (adjust for spice level) - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - Cooked jasmine rice (for serving) - Lime wedges (for garnish) To make Spicy Thai Basil Beef, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. Start with beef sirloin. This cut is tender and cooks fast. Next, grab some vegetable oil to fry everything up. Garlic adds a nice flavor, while Thai red chilies bring the heat. You can adjust the number of chilies based on how spicy you want it. Red bell pepper adds color and sweetness. Fresh Thai basil leaves give the dish a unique taste. For the sauces, you will use soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and oyster sauce. These combine to make a rich sauce that coats the beef and veggies perfectly. Don't forget the jasmine rice to serve! This rice is fluffy and pairs well with the stir-fry. Finally, lime wedges add a fresh zing when you squeeze them over the dish. Each ingredient plays an important role. Together, they create a vibrant and flavorful meal that will impress anyone! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Sauté garlic and chilies: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced cloves of garlic and 2-3 sliced Thai red chilies. Cook for about 30 seconds. The garlic should smell nice but not burn. - Stir-fry beef: Raise the heat to high. Add 1 pound of thinly sliced beef sirloin. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes. Look for the beef to brown and cook fully. - Add peppers and sauces: Toss in 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until it softens a bit. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. Pour the sauce over the beef and peppers. Stir well to coat everything. - Incorporate basil: Take the skillet off the heat. Fold in 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves. Let them wilt slightly before serving. - Ideal heat settings: Start with medium-high heat to sauté. Then switch to high heat for stir-frying. This helps cook the beef fast and keeps it tender. - Cooking times for beef: Cook the beef for 3-4 minutes until it is browned. This timing ensures it is juicy and not overcooked. - Best ways to serve with rice: Serve the spicy basil beef hot over cooked jasmine rice. The rice soaks up all the flavors. - Garnishing for presentation: Add lime wedges to the plate. A squeeze of lime adds a fresh taste and brightens the dish. To get your spice level just right, start with the Thai red chilies. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. If you want less heat, remove the seeds from the chilies. For more spice, add a few extra chilies. You can also try using chili paste or sriracha for a different kick. Both add great flavor without too much fuss. To make your dish more flavorful, consider adding seasonings like black pepper or fresh lime juice. These will brighten your stir-fry. Adding textures with vegetables is also key. Try including snap peas or carrots for crunch. These veggies not only taste great but also make your dish look more vibrant. When cooking, the right tools make a big difference. A good skillet or a wok is best for this dish. Woks heat evenly and allow for quick cooking. For slicing beef, a sharp knife is a must. Aim for thin slices, which will cook faster and absorb more flavors. Practice your knife skills to make this easier. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cut: For the best texture and flavor, use beef sirloin or flank steak, which are tender and absorb the flavors well. Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, remove the seeds from the Thai red chilies or reduce the number of chilies used. Fresh Basil is Key: Always use fresh Thai basil for the best aromatic flavor, as dried basil will not give the same results. Serving Suggestions: Serve with lime wedges to add a zesty punch and balance the spiciness of the dish. {{image_2}} To make this dish vegetarian, you can use tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well. Firm tofu works best. Press it to remove excess water before cooking. Cut it into cubes and sauté it like the beef. Tempeh adds a nutty taste. Slice it thin and cook it until golden. For sauces, you may want to use soy sauce or mushroom sauce instead of fish sauce. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste. For mild, use one chili or none at all. Instead, add a dash of sweet chili sauce. For medium heat, two chilies work well. If you love spice, use three or more. You can also add chili flakes for extra heat. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Besides beef, you can try chicken, pork, or seafood. For chicken, use thinly sliced breast or thigh. Cook it just like the beef. Pork tenderloin is another great choice. Slice it thin and stir-fry until cooked. For seafood, shrimp or fish fillets are tasty options. Just make sure not to overcook them. Each protein option brings a unique flavor to the dish. To keep your spicy Thai basil beef fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container. Place in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps the beef safe and tasty for later. - Freezing instructions: For longer storage, freeze the beef. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last up to three months without losing flavor. To enjoy your leftovers, reheat them properly: - Best practices for reheating leftovers: Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. How long can you store spicy Thai basil beef? - In the fridge, it lasts for about 3 to 4 days. If frozen, it can last up to 3 months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you can't find Thai basil, you can use regular basil. Sweet basil is a good choice. If you want a stronger flavor, try using mint or cilantro. These herbs can give you a different taste but still work well in the dish. Yes, you can make Spicy Thai Basil Beef gluten-free. Just swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce. Check the labels on fish sauce and oyster sauce to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without any gluten. To dial down the spice, you can use fewer Thai red chilies. Remove the seeds from the chilies for less heat. You can also add more sugar or bell pepper. This will balance the flavors and keep it tasty without the heat. Spicy Thai Basil Beef tastes great with jasmine rice. The rice helps soak up the sauce. You can also serve it with a side of steamed veggies or a simple salad. This adds freshness and crunch to your meal. In this blog post, we covered how to make a tasty Spicy Thai Basil Beef dish. We went through the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Cooking tips, serving ideas, and variations provided options for everyone. Proper storage and reheating advice ensured your leftovers stay fresh. Experiment with flavors and spice levels to suit your taste. Try substituting proteins or adjusting the spices. Enjoy your delicious meal and impress your friends with your new skills!$

A flavorful stir-fry featuring beef, Thai basil, and a spicy sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Thai

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 to 3 Thai red chilies, sliced
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
as needed serving cooked jasmine rice
as needed garnish lime wedges

Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the minced garlic and Thai red chilies; sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
Increase the heat to high and add the sliced beef to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes until slightly softened.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and oyster sauce. Pour this sauce over the beef and peppers, stirring to coat everything evenly.
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves, allowing them to wilt slightly.
Serve the spicy basil beef hot over cooked jasmine rice, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice preference.

Keyword beef, spicy, stir fry, Thai basil