Experience the rich flavors of Thai street food at home with this Spicy Thai Basil Ground Beef Stir-Fry. A delightful combination of aromatic herbs and spices, it offers a burst of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. This one-pan dinner is perfect for an easy weeknight meal, infusing your dining experience with the vibrant essence of Thai cuisine recipes. Read on to discover a step-by-step guide to creating your own delicious stir-fry masterpiece, rounded off with a crispy fried egg.

Ingredients

Ground Beef Stir-Fry

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 Thai bird chilies, sliced (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

Crispy Fried Egg

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Notes on Ingredients

• Thai Basil: Opt for fresh Thai basil over regular basil for an authentic taste. If unavailable, Italian basil can be used as a substitute.
• Chilies: Adjust the number of chilies to match your spice tolerance; the dish should be spicy but balanced.
• Ground Beef: Choose grass-fed beef for a richer flavor. If you’re watching your fat intake, opt for lean ground beef.
• Vegetable Oil: Peanut oil can be used for a more authentic flavor, as it has a higher smoke point and adds slight nuttiness.

Steps / Instructions

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Before starting, ensure all ingredients are prepped as instructed. This makes the cooking process smooth and efficient. Arrange them in the order they’ll be used to save time.
2. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of garlic sizzles on contact.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and sliced Thai bird chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn as it will make the dish bitter.
4. Cook Ground Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The meat should be in small crumbles for even flavor distribution.
5. Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until they begin to soften. The vegetables should retain a slight crunch for texture.
6. Flavor the Stir-Fry: Lower the heat to medium and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and ground white pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the beef is well coated with the sauce.
7. Incorporate Thai Basil: Just before removing from heat, fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir gently until the leaves are wilted and fragrant. The basil should be added last to preserve its aromatic oils.
8. Fry Eggs: In a separate small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Crack eggs into the pan, season with salt and pepper, and fry until the edges are crispy and whites are set, about 2-3 minutes. The yolk should remain runny for added richness.
9. Serve: Plate the stir-fry and top each serving with a crispy fried egg. Serve hot and enjoy! The runny yolk acts as an additional sauce that enriches the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• Make-Ahead: The stir-fry mixture can be prepared a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator. Reheat and add fresh basil just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the dish.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to refresh the flavors.
• Pro Tip: For extra crispiness in the fried egg, use slightly more oil and spoon hot oil over the yolk while cooking. This technique, called ‘basting,’ helps cook the top of the egg without flipping it.
• Common Mistake: Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking ground beef; it should cook evenly and brown properly. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain high heat and prevent steaming.
• Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of sesame oil at the end of cooking for a nutty aroma that complements the dish.

Variations

• Vegan Option: Substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat alternatives. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture for better texture.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free. Double-check all sauces for hidden gluten ingredients.
• Flavor Variations: Add a splash of lime juice for a tangy twist or include other vegetables like green beans for added texture. Freshly chopped cilantro can also be sprinkled on top for an extra herbaceous flavor.
• Additional Spice: Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer an extra kick of heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair the stir-fry with steamed jasmine rice for a traditional Thai meal experience. The fragrant rice balances the spiciness and savory flavors of the stir-fry.
• Consider a side of crispy French fries to complement the dish’s flavors. The crunchy texture provides a delightful contrast to the tender stir-fry.
• For a refreshing drink, serve with iced Thai tea or a light, crisp white wine. The sweetness of Thai tea can mellow the spices, while a chilled wine refreshes the palate.
• Garnish with additional fresh Thai basil leaves for a vibrant touch and added aroma. A few slices of fresh cucumber or tomato can also be added for a refreshing side.

FAQ

• What can I use instead of Thai basil? If Thai basil is unavailable, sweet basil or even mint can provide a different but delightful flavor. Keep in mind that each herb will impart its own unique taste.
• How do I reduce the spiciness? You can reduce the number of Thai chilies or remove the seeds to lessen the heat. Alternatively, serve with a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream to cool the palate.
• Can I use another type of protein? Yes, chicken or pork can be excellent substitutes for ground beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly, ensuring the meat is fully cooked through.
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! Prepare the stir-fry ahead and store it with rice. Add the crispy fried egg fresh for best results. This makes for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner option.
• How can I make the dish less salty? Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of fish sauce if needed. Taste as you cook and adjust the seasoning gradually.

Print

Spicy Thai Basil Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Fried Egg

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: Thai Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 4 +

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

15 min

🔥

Calories

—

Experience the rich flavors of Thai street food at home with this Spicy Thai Basil Ground Beef Stir-Fry. A delightful combination of aromatic herbs and spices, it offers a burst of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. This one-pan dinner is perfect for an easy weeknight meal, infusing your dining experience with the vibrant essence of Thai cuisine recipes.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 Thai bird chilies, sliced (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1.

Prepare Ingredients: Before starting, ensure all ingredients are prepped as instructed. This makes the cooking process smooth and efficient. Arrange them in the order they'll be used to save time.

2.

Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of garlic sizzles on contact.

3.

Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and sliced Thai bird chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn as it will make the dish bitter.

4.

Cook Ground Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The meat should be in small crumbles for even flavor distribution.

5.

Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until they begin to soften. The vegetables should retain a slight crunch for texture.

6.

Flavor the Stir-Fry: Lower the heat to medium and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and ground white pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the beef is well coated with the sauce.

7.

Incorporate Thai Basil: Just before removing from heat, fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir gently until the leaves are wilted and fragrant. The basil should be added last to preserve its aromatic oils.

8.

Fry Eggs: In a separate small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Crack eggs into the pan, season with salt and pepper, and fry until the edges are crispy and whites are set, about 2-3 minutes. The yolk should remain runny for added richness.

9.

Serve: Plate the stir-fry and top each serving with a crispy fried egg. Serve hot and enjoy! The runny yolk acts as an additional sauce that enriches the dish.