Thai Basil Beef

Thai Basil Beef is a popular dish in Thailand and is loved by many around the world for its delicious combination of flavors and textures. This dish is made with tender beef, fresh basil leaves, and a savory sauce that is both sweet and spicy. It’s a quick and easy recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

As a personal story, I remember the first time I tried this dish at a Thai restaurant and I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. I immediately knew I had to recreate this dish at home and after a few experiments, I finally perfected my own recipe. Now, I make it at least once a month and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2-3 Thai chilies, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
2. In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat.
3. Add garlic and Thai chilies and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add the beef and stir-fry until it’s browned on the outside, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the red bell pepper and onion and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar.
7. Pour the sauce into the wok and stir-fry for another minute.
8. Add the basil leaves and stir-fry until they are wilted, about 30 seconds.
9. Finally, add the cornstarch slurry and stir-fry for another minute until the sauce has thickened.

Serving Suggestions

Thai Basil Beef is best served with a side of steamed white rice. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch with friends. You can also customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of Thai chilies you use. Enjoy!