Thai Basil Beef

Helga Glaesel de BlandingAugust 23, 2025

This post is also available in ESPAÑOL (SPANISH)

Ground beef is such a kitchen staple, yet so often it ends up in the same familiar dishes—meatballs, chili, or a simple bolognese. While those are classics, sometimes it’s fun to give this ingredient a bold twist. That’s where Thai Basil Beef comes in: a quick stir-fry that proves ground beef can be just as exciting as any fancy cut. With layers of savory, sweet, spicy, and fresh flavors, this dish transforms your everyday weeknight dinner into something that feels special.

Here, the beef gets tossed with garlic, onion, and bell pepper, then bathed in a sauce of soy, fish, and oyster sauce balanced with lime and a touch of heat from sriracha. A generous handful of fresh basil leaves finishes it off with that signature fragrant pop. Spoon it over warm jasmine rice, and you’ve got a fast, vibrant meal that’s way more exciting than your usual ground beef routine. Trust us—once you try it, you’ll be adding Thai Basil Beef to your regular dinner lineup.

Note: Traditionally, Thai Basil Beef gets its punch of umami from fish sauce. If you can find it, it’s worth keeping in your pantry, it lasts forever and a little goes a long way. But if it’s not available at your local supermarket, don’t worry. You can swap it with soy sauce plus a squeeze of lime for brightness or even use Worcestershire sauce (which has anchovies in it) for a similar savory depth. And if you prefer, you can just leave it out, the dish will still be delicious.

Helga

Thai Basil Beef

Yields: 4-5 servings

Ingredients, for the sauce:
4 tbsp soy sauce
4 tbsp fish sauce
4 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tablespoon lime juice
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp sriracha or other hot sauce of choice
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 tsp cornstarch

Ingredients, for the Stir Fry:
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2-pound lean ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup fresh basil leaves

Directions:

Whisk together the Sauce ingredients together in small bowl, set aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a work or large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot and rippling, add the ground beef. Break up the beef a little then flatten it against the pan; cook undisturbed for about 45 seconds. The beef will start to sear, turn over once, press flat against the pan and cook for another 30 seconds, then crumble the meat into small pieces while cooking. Drain excess grease. (The beef will not be all the way cooked through at this point.)
Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and stir fry for 2 minutes.
Give the Sauce a stir to recombine then add to the skillet; stir fry for another 2 minutes.
Add the basil and cook until the beef is thoroughly cooked and the onions are slightly tender or tender to your liking. Serve over rice with additional chili sauce, peppers or lime if desired.

Have you made this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share a picture with the hashtag #thefoodieskitchen!

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