Description
A flavorful and quick Thai Basil Beef recipe featuring ground beef sautéed with red bell pepper, onion, garlic, and a savory sauce made from chili paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. This dish is garnished with fresh basil and cilantro, and served over rice for a satisfying meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef (90/10)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
For Serving
- Rice, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the chili paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice until well incorporated. Set aside.
- Brown the beef. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add the vegetables. To the browned beef, add the thinly sliced red bell pepper, sweet onion, and minced garlic. Stir and cook until the vegetables begin to soften, approximately 5 minutes.
- Finish with sauce and basil. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Add the fresh basil leaves, reserving a few for garnish. Stir everything together and cook until the basil just starts to wilt, about 2 minutes.
- Serve. Spoon the Thai basil beef over cooked rice and garnish with the reserved basil leaves and fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for the beef if preferred.
- Adjust the chili paste quantity according to your desired spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Serve with jasmine rice for an authentic Thai experience.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
