Basil Beef Stir Fry

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

Honey soy chicken

Korean galbi bowls

Thai tuna salad

Ground pork mapo tofu

4.5 from 2 votes

Print

Basil Beef Stir Fry

Asian flavors of this basil beef stir fry will make everyone wanting seconds for dinner!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Servings (adjustable, but please note that results, timing, and cookware may vary when adjusting servings): 4

Calories: 280kcal

Author: Julie Chiou

5 Hassle-Free Ways to Simplify MealtimeSign up here for all the secrets!

Ingredients

• 1 pound 85/15 ground beef1 pound 85/15 ground beef
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 large yellow onion, sliced1/2 large yellow onion, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large handfuls of fresh basil leaves2 large handfuls of fresh basil leaves

For the sauce

• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons soy sauce5 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons fish sauce2 teaspoons fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons sambal oelek (chili paste)2 teaspoons sambal oelek (chili paste)
• 2 tablespoons water2 tablespoons water

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, whisk together ingredients for sauce and set aside.
  In a medium bowl, whisk together ingredients for sauce and set aside.
• 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.
  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.
• Add in the basil leaves then pour in the sauce. Toss to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  Add in the basil leaves then pour in the sauce. Toss to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
• Remove from heat and enjoy over a bowl of white rice!
  Remove from heat and enjoy over a bowl of white rice!

Notes

Nutrition Facts

Basil Beef Stir Fry

Amount Per Serving (1 Serving)

Calories 280 Calories from Fat 117

% Daily Value*

Fat 13g20%

Carbohydrates 14g5%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 11g12%

Protein 27g54%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate.