Craving a quick, flavorful, and intensely satisfying meal? Look no further than this simple stir-fried beef with chili and basil recipe, inspired by the vibrant tastes of Thailand. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you're short on time but don't want to compromise on deliciousness. The combination of tender beef, fiery chilies, and fragrant basil creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. We use readily available ingredients and simple techniques, making this recipe accessible to even the most novice cooks.
Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this stir-fry comes together in minutes. The intense flavors are achieved through a perfectly balanced sauce and quick cooking method that seals in the juices of the beef, resulting in a succulent and unforgettable dish. Ready to dive into the culinary adventure? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mortar and pestle
- Pan
- Boiling pot
Ingredients
- Beef: 300 grams
- Yardlong beans
- Basil leaves
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Garlic (Thai garlic)
- Red chili peppers
- Peppercorns
- Sugar
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Fish sauce
- Green-capped seasoning sauce
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Marinate Beef
- Cut the beef horizontally into thin slices to reduce toughness.
- Prepare the yardlong beans by cutting them into pieces and boiling until cooked.
- Wash basil leaves and kaffir lime leaves, set aside.
- Pound garlic, chili peppers, and peppercorns (or Thai chili powder) in a mortar and pestle. Add a little water to create a paste.
- Marinate the beef with the pounded chili-garlic mixture, sugar, soy sauce, and a small amount of the other seasonings.
- Let the beef marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Blanch the yardlong beans in boiling water with salt for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Aromatics and Beef
- Heat the pan and add cooking oil.
- Stir-fry the pounded chili-garlic mixture until fragrant and slightly yellow.
- Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until almost cooked.
Step 3. Add Vegetables and Sauces
- Add the blanched yardlong beans and stir-fry.
- Add the water used to rinse the mortar, then add fish sauce, green-capped seasoning sauce, and oyster sauce. Add kaffir lime leaves.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add basil leaves and stir-fry until cooked.
- Serve hot with rice.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- If using Chinese garlic, reduce the amount.
- Add more chili for extra spiciness.
- For crispier yardlong beans, boil for 2 minutes. For softer beans, boil for 3-5 minutes.
- Adding a little salt and using a yellow brass pan when blanching vegetables helps maintain their vibrant color.
- Feel free to add MSG or shrimp powder to taste.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-500
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 15-25g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of beef?
Yes! Sirloin, flank steak, or even thinly sliced ribeye will work well. Just ensure it's thinly sliced for quick cooking.
2. What if I don't have all the ingredients?
Feel free to substitute! If you're missing a chili, use a little more pepper flakes. No fresh basil? Dried basil works, but use less.
3. How can I make this dish spicier or milder?
For spicier, add more chilies or a dash of chili garlic sauce. For milder, reduce the amount of chilies or omit them entirely.
This simple stir-fried beef with chili and basil is a testament to the power of fresh ingredients and quick cooking techniques. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, it's sure to become a new weeknight favorite. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!