Name: Basil Beef Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 500g ground beef; 1 tbsp oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 red Thai chilies, sliced (adjust to heat preference); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp fish sauce; 1/2 tsp sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 cup Thai basil leaves; 2 eggs; Steamed jasmine rice, for serving; Optional chili sauce:; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 red chili, sliced; 1 green chili, sliced

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A bold and savory Thai-inspired stir-fry made with minced beef, garlic, chilies, and fresh Thai basil, served over jasmine rice and topped with a crispy fried egg. This dish is fiery, fast, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Basil Beef Stir-Fry is the perfect answer to weeknight dinner dilemmas. It comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers robust flavor with minimal effort. The tender ground beef is stir-fried with punchy garlic and chilies, balanced by a salty-sweet sauce and the aromatic freshness of Thai basil. The final touch of a crispy fried egg takes it to another level—rich, spicy, and deeply comforting.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
oil
garlic
red Thai chilies
soy sauce
oyster sauce
fish sauce
sugar
water
Thai basil leaves
eggs
steamed jasmine rice (for serving)

Optional Chili Sauce:

soy sauce
lime juice
red chili
green chili

directions

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sliced chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
Add Thai basil leaves and toss through until wilted. Remove from heat.
In a separate pan, fry the eggs until the edges are crispy and the yolks remain runny.
Serve the beef stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice, topped with a fried egg.
Optional: Serve with a chili dipping sauce made by combining soy sauce, lime juice, and sliced red and green chilies.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories per Serving: 430 kcal

Variations

Poultry Option: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Vegetarian Alternative: Use crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.
Extra Veggies: Stir in green beans, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
Less Heat: Use fewer chilies or substitute with mild peppers.
Low-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each. Fry the eggs fresh when reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

What kind of basil should I use?

Thai basil is traditional for its unique aroma and flavor, but Italian basil can be used in a pinch.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, the stir-fry can be prepared in advance, but fry the eggs fresh when serving.

Is this dish very spicy?

It can be, depending on how many Thai chilies are used. Adjust to suit your heat tolerance.

Can I use another type of meat?

Yes, ground pork, chicken, or even tofu are excellent substitutes for beef.

What does fish sauce add to the dish?

Fish sauce provides depth and umami. If unavailable, substitute with soy sauce, though the flavor will differ.

How do I keep the egg yolk runny?

Fry the eggs on medium-high heat without flipping and remove from the pan once the whites are set and edges crisp.

Can I omit the fried egg?

Yes, but it adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the spicy beef beautifully.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring all sauces are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just ensure your pan is large enough to handle the increased quantity without overcrowding.

What pairs well with this dish?

A side of cucumber salad, Thai iced tea, or a simple vegetable stir-fry complements it well.

Conclusion

Basil Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and flavor-packed dish that captures the essence of Thai home cooking. With its spicy kick, aromatic herbs, and savory-sweet sauce, it’s a comforting yet exciting meal best enjoyed over steaming jasmine rice and topped with a runny fried egg. Simple to make and full of bold character, this stir-fry is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Basil Beef Stir-Fry

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Author: Mia
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

A bold and savory Thai-inspired stir-fry made with minced beef, fiery chilies, garlic, and fresh Thai basil, served over jasmine rice and topped with a crispy fried egg — a fast, flavorful, and satisfying dish.

Instructions

Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and chilies, stir-fry for 30 seconds.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water. Cook until liquid reduces slightly.
Add Thai basil and toss until wilted. Remove from heat.
In a separate pan, fry eggs until edges are crispy and yolks are runny.
Serve beef stir-fry over steamed rice, topped with a fried egg and optional chili sauce on the side.