Thai Basil Beef

Ever wanted to bring the aromatic streets of Bangkok right into your kitchen? With this Thai Basil Beef recipe, you’re just a cast iron skillet away from doing just that. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but a party in your mouth, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good party?

Ingredients

1 pound of beef steak (thinly sliced against the grain, because nobody likes a chewy affair)
2 tablespoons of soy sauce (it’s the base of our flavor pyramid)
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (for that umami punch)
1 tablespoon of fish sauce (smelly but necessary, like exercise)
2 teaspoons of brown sugar (to sweeten the deal)
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (we’re cooking, not deep-sea diving)
3 cloves of garlic, minced (vampires, beware)
1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (for color and crunch)
1 onion, thinly sliced (let’s face it, onions are in everything)
1 cup of Thai basil leaves (the star of the show, don’t skimp on these)
Jasmine rice, cooked (for serving, because you need something to soak up all that goodness)

Instructions

First, let’s marinate that beef. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar until the sugar has dissolved and everything looks like a happy family. Add your sliced beef to this mix, toss to coat, and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Or longer if you get distracted.

Heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. When it’s hot enough to make a drop of water dance, add the garlic and onions. Sauté until they start to soften and become fragrant. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing.

Add the beef, leaving any excess marinade behind (don’t worry, it’s done its job). Stir-fry until the beef is just cooked through. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Remember, we’re not making jerky here.

Toss in the bell peppers and stir-fry for another minute or two, just until they’re tender-crisp. We’re looking for a bit of crunch, not mush. Finally, add the Thai basil leaves and stir until they’re just wilted. It’s like adding a little bit of magic at the end.

Serve your Thai Basil Beef hot, over a bed of jasmine rice. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a journey to Thailand, minus the jet lag.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a cold beer or a crisp white wine. It’s like they were made for each other. For an even bigger flavor party, serve with a side of cucumber salad to cool down the heat and cleanse the palate.

Nutritional Information

While this dish brings bold flavors and a bounty of colors, it’s also kind on your waistline. Each serving contains roughly 300 calories, with 25g of protein, 15g of fat, and a sprinkle of carbs from the veggies. Just remember, balance is key, like in yoga, but tastier.

And there you have it, a Thai Basil Beef recipe that’s sure to impress, whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd. It’s quick, it’s easy, and most importantly, it’s delicious. Because at the end of the day, we all need a little spice in our lives!

Use the right cookware

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Using the right cookware is part of getting the recipe right. If you already have cast iron cookware, that is great! If you are looking to buy an iron pan, skillet or Dutch oven, compare offers from specialised brands on our comparison page. Enjoy the cooking process and the tasty meal!