Skip to Content

Basil Beef Stir Fry

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Jump to Recipe | Save Recipe

This original recipe has been featured in Costco Connection U.S., Canada, and UK!

This basil beef stir fry is an explosion of Asian flavors and so incredibly easy to put together!

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.

This basil beef stir fry is an explosion of Asian flavors and so incredibly easy to put together!

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!

This basil beef stir fry is an explosion of Asian flavors and so incredibly easy to put together!

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.

This basil beef stir fry is an explosion of Asian flavors and so incredibly easy to put together!

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!

This basil beef stir fry is an explosion of Asian flavors and so incredibly easy to put together!

Other Asian-inspired recipes

Honey soy chicken

Korean galbi bowls

Thai tuna salad

Ground pork mapo tofu

Why is this recipe locked?

Some content is reserved for TFT Premium (TFT+) members. Membership is FREE and you can read more about it here or sign up below!

Basil Beef Stir Fry

Asian flavors of this basil beef stir fry will make everyone wanting seconds for dinner!
4.75 from 4 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Julie Chiou
Save Rate Print

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound 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

The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.

Instructions

  • 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.
  • 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!

NUTRITION FACTS

Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 280 kcal | Carbohydrates: 14 g | Protein: 27 g | Fat: 13 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 11 g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: basil, bell pepper, ground beef
Recipe Rating




Nina

Friday 24th of June 2022

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.

Julie Chiou

Saturday 25th of June 2022

LOL thank you!

Ang

Monday 23rd of May 2022

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! 😊

M

Monday 11th of January 2021

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

Julie Chiou

Thursday 14th of January 2021

i would say use the 2 ounces!

Hannah Lockhart

Wednesday 3rd of June 2020

22 weeks pregnant and this meal nailed my craving!! So simple and so delicious. Yum yum yum. Thank you!

Julie Wampler

Thursday 4th of June 2020

nice!! thank you!!

Andrea Burke

Thursday 28th of May 2020

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?

Julie Wampler

Monday 1st of June 2020

Add a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder to the sauce prior to adding it to the skillet