Easy Spicy Thai Basil Beef

Craving bold, aromatic flavors in minutes? This Easy Spicy Thai Basil Beef delivers an authentic taste of Thailand with its perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes. The combination of tender beef, fresh basil, and a fiery sauce creates an irresistible dish that’s faster to make than takeout—and far more satisfying.

I discovered this dish while backpacking through Bangkok, where street vendors served it sizzling hot over rice. Determined to recreate that explosive flavor at home, I perfected this simplified version that keeps the authentic taste while using easy-to-find ingredients. Now it’s my family’s most-requested weeknight meal.

What makes this recipe special is its flexibility. Adjust the spice level to your preference, swap the protein, or add extra veggies—it’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps, it’s guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Why This Easy Spicy Thai Basil Beef?

Selling Points:

• 15-minute meal – Faster than delivery
• Authentic Thai flavors – Just like street food
• Customizable heat – Mild to fiery
• Versatile serving options – Rice, noodles, or lettuce cups
• Meal-prep friendly – Tastes great reheated

What You Need for Easy Spicy Thai Basil Beef

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak or ground beef, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2-3 Thai chilies (or 1 tsp chili flakes)
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup holy basil or sweet basil leaves
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Optional Additions:

• 1 egg (fried or scrambled)
• ½ cup green beans
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for thicker sauce)

How to Make Easy Spicy Thai Basil Beef

1. Prep ingredients – Slice beef, chop veggies, mix sauces
2. Make sauce – Combine oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar
3. Stir-fry aromatics – Heat oil, cook garlic, shallot, and chilies 30 seconds
4. Cook beef – Add beef, stir-fry until 80% done
5. Add vegetables – Toss in bell pepper, cook 1 minute
6. Sauce it up – Pour sauce mixture, stir to coat
7. Finish with basil – Add basil, cook just until wilted
8. Adjust seasoning – Add lime juice, more chili if needed
9. Serve hot – Over jasmine rice with fried egg

Tips for Perfect for Easy Spicy Thai Basil Beef

• High heat is key – Gets that authentic wok char
• Prep everything first – Cooking goes fast
• Don’t overcook beef – Stays tender at medium
• Use fresh basil – Adds authentic aroma
• Taste as you go – Balance sweet/salty/spicy

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetarian – Use tofu or mushrooms
• Gluten-free – Tamari instead of soy sauce
• Milder version – Omit chilies
• Pork or chicken – Works great too

Make a Healthier Version

• Use lean ground turkey
• Reduce sugar to 1 tsp
• Add extra veggies
• Serve with cauliflower rice

Closing for Easy Spicy Thai Basil Beef

This Easy Spicy Thai Basil Beef brings the vibrant flavors of Thai street food to your kitchen in minutes. With its perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and umami flavors, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your takeout cravings while being healthier and more budget-friendly. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at weeknight dinners the same way again.

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Spicy Thai Basil Beef

1. Where to find holy basil?
   Asian markets or substitute sweet basil
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Best fresh but keeps 2 days refrigerated
3. How to reduce the spice?
   Use fewer chilies or remove seeds
4. Ground beef vs sliced?
   Both work – sliced has better texture
5. Vegetarian alternative?
   Use extra-firm tofu or mushrooms
6. What rice pairs best?
   Jasmine rice is traditional
7. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes for up to 1 month
8. No oyster sauce?
   Substitute hoisin or more soy sauce
9. Is fish sauce necessary?
   Yes for authentic flavor – can’t be omitted
10. How to make it saucy?
    Add ¼ cup broth with 1 tsp cornstarch
11. Best cut of beef?
    Flank steak or sirloin work well
12. Can I use dried basil?
    Fresh is essential for authentic flavor

This Easy Spicy Thai Basil Beef proves that incredible flavors don’t require complicated techniques. In the time it takes to wait for delivery, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s bursting with authentic Thai flavors. The combination of tender beef, aromatic basil, and that perfect spicy-sweet sauce creates a meal that’s exciting enough for special occasions yet easy enough for busy weeknights. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again—it’s that good. Serve it with steamed rice and a cold beer for the ultimate Thai street food experience at home.

Easy Spicy Thai Basil Beef

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak or ground beef, thinly sliced

• 3 tbsp oyster sauce

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 2-3 Thai chilies (or 1 tsp chili flakes)

• 5 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 shallot, sliced

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 1 cup holy basil or sweet basil leaves

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• Optional Additions:

• 1 egg (fried or scrambled)

• ½ cup green beans

• 1 tsp cornstarch (for thicker sauce)

Directions

• Prep ingredients – Slice beef, chop veggies, mix sauces
• Make sauce – Combine oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar
• Stir-fry aromatics – Heat oil, cook garlic, shallot, and chilies 30 seconds
• Cook beef – Add beef, stir-fry until 80% done
• Add vegetables – Toss in bell pepper, cook 1 minute
• Sauce it up – Pour sauce mixture, stir to coat
• Finish with basil – Add basil, cook just until wilted
• Adjust seasoning – Add lime juice, more chili if needed
• Serve hot – Over jasmine rice with fried egg