Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry

Keyphrase: Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry

Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner? Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry is a savory, aromatic dish that comes together in minutes. Juicy ground beef is stir-fried with garlic, chilies, onions, and fresh Thai basil, then served over fluffy jasmine rice. It’s the perfect weeknight meal—simple, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2–3 Thai chilies, finely sliced (or 1 jalapeño, for milder heat)
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (regular basil works in a pinch)
  • Steamed jasmine rice, for serving
  • Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
  4. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for another 2 minutes, until slightly softened.
  5. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water. Pour this sauce into the skillet.
  6. Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves until just wilted.
  8. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with lime wedges if desired.

Tips

  • For extra heat, add more chilies or a dash of chili flakes.
  • Swap ground beef for ground chicken or pork if you prefer.
  • Regular basil can be used if Thai basil isn’t available, but the flavor will be slightly different.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead? Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Where can I buy Thai basil? Thai basil is often available at Asian grocery stores or online. Find Thai basil on Amazon.

Love this recipe? Try our One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Rice or Baked Honey Lime Garlic Chicken Wings for more easy dinners!