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This original recipe has been featured in Costco Connection U.S., Canada, and UK!
I’ve lost track of the days. Sometimes I think Tuesdays are Fridays. Being at home doesn’t bother me because I work from home regularly (even before the pandemic) but it’s the non-social aspect that makes this extrovert struggle just a bit.
And also not being able to just hop in my car and go to a store or to run an errand.
I digress — let’s chat about this basil beef stir fry! It’s one dish I can safely say that I’ve made countless times during this quarantine because it’s so easy and delicious!
Basil Beef Stir Fry
As you search the web for new recipes to try, I hope you give this basil beef stir fry a chance! It hardly takes any time at all to put together. A little backstory on this recipe:
The flavors and ease of my Korean beef recipe inspired this recipe.
I love the sauce that was used in the Korean beef (and quite frankly many of you do too as it’s one of the trending recipes to date!) but I decided to change it up slightly for the basil beef stir fry. There are also other ingredients added into give the dish more flavor and color.
As with many of my recipes, this one is another quick and flavorful one. There is nothing more disappointing than making a recipe and then having it fall flat on flavor so I can guarantee you that this won’t!
What kind of ground beef can I use?
I’ve used 85/15, 80/20, and even 90/10 – it is whatever you prefer.
Can I add other vegetables to it?
Yes, you can. I thought about adding string beans to it, as another option.
Can I use another ground meat?
Yes, definitely. Ground turkey or ground chicken would work well here too but I do enjoy the heartier flavor of ground beef so I would say if you can, use ground beef.
If you love the Asian-inspired flavors, then this basil beef stir fry is one to try!
Other Asian-inspired recipes
Basil Beef Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454 g) 85/15 ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ large yellow onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large handfuls of fresh basil leaves
For the sauce
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons sambal oelek, (chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together ingredients for sauce and set aside.3 tablespoons dark brown sugar, 5 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 teaspoons fish sauce, 2 teaspoons sambal oelek, 2 tablespoons water
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown and break up ground beef into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Cook until ground beef is cooked through and vegetables are tender, about 7 minutes.1 pound (454 g) 85/15 ground beef, 1 red bell pepper, 1/2 large (½ large) yellow onion, 3 garlic cloves
- Add in the basil leaves then pour in the sauce. Toss to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.2 large handfuls of fresh basil leaves
- Remove from heat and enjoy over a bowl of white rice!
I want to try this, but how fishy is the fish sauce? I do not like any seafood, so I’m hesitant to try this. Is there something I could substitute? Thanks
Hi Laura, it’s not super fishy when it’s mixed with everything else. It gives it a umami flavor but truthfully, if you don’t like any seafood, you’ll likely be ultra sensitive to the flavor so I would just omit it and the dish will still taste fine.
Every time I make this I want to slap somebody because it’s so good. I used lettuce cups to save carbs and it’s just as delicious. I also steamed some green beans and tossed them in. So damn good.
LOL thank you!
Your recipes are always a hit with my littles. They asked for a second serving and raved about how delicious and colorful their plate was. They have asked me to make this recipe often. Thank you! 😊
How much fresh basil is a large handful? It comes in 2 and 5 ounce containers at my local grocery store. How much should I use? Thanks
i would say use the 2 ounces!
22 weeks pregnant and this meal nailed my craving!! So simple and so delicious. Yum yum yum. Thank you!
nice!! thank you!!
Have made this twice now and it is so delicious, fast and easy! Wouldn’t mind if the sauce came out a bit thicker though, any tips?
Add a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder to the sauce prior to adding it to the skillet
Looks amazing! I make your “Korean Beef” alllll the time, this looks like a yummy step up :-) I LOVE fresh basil.