Spicy Thai Basil Beef Flavorful and Simple Recipe

December 10, 2025April 12, 2025 by Emma

Are you ready to spice up your dinner with a delicious, easy recipe? Spicy Thai Basil Beef packs bold flavors and simple steps, making it perfect for any night. I’ll guide you through each stage, from selecting fresh ingredients to cooking them to perfection. Trust me, this dish will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the world of Thai cooking and create a meal that’s sure to satisfy!

Why I Love This Recipe

Bold Flavors: This dish is packed with bold flavors from the combination of garlic, chilies, and sauces, making every bite a taste sensation.
Quick to Prepare: With a total cooking time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious.
Customizable Spice Level: You can easily adjust the number of chilies to suit your spice tolerance, making it suitable for everyone.
Fresh Ingredients: The addition of fresh Thai basil not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful aroma to the dish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Spicy Thai Basil Beef

– 1 pound beef flank steak, thinly sliced

– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced

– 1 red bell pepper, sliced

– 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves

The beef flank steak gives this dish a nice tender bite. It cooks quickly and pairs well with bold flavors. The bird’s eye chilies add heat. You can adjust them based on your spice level. The red bell pepper adds sweetness and crunch, making it a colorful dish. Fresh Thai basil gives that unique flavor you expect in this meal.

Essential Condiments and Seasonings

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

– 1 tablespoon fish sauce

– 1 tablespoon brown sugar

These sauces create a delicious umami base. Soy sauce brings saltiness, while oyster sauce adds depth. Fish sauce adds a rich, savory taste that is key in Thai cooking. The brown sugar balances the salty flavors with a hint of sweetness.

Substitutions and Alternatives

If you can’t find some ingredients, don’t worry. You can use:

– Flank steak: Substitute with sirloin or ribeye.

– Thai bird’s eye chilies: Use red pepper flakes for heat.

– Thai basil: Regular basil or mint can work in a pinch.

These swaps will change the flavor slightly, but your dish will still be tasty. Cooking is about making it work for you!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Jasmine Rice

First, rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step helps remove extra starch. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. When it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After the water is gone, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Preparing the Sauce Mixture

Next, grab a small bowl to mix your sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. This mix adds depth and flavor. Set the sauce aside while you cook the beef.

Cooking the Beef and Vegetables

Now, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2-3 sliced Thai bird’s eye chilies. Stir them briefly to release their aroma. Then, add the thinly sliced beef flank steak. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes. Cook until the beef is just done and starts to brown. Next, toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender.

Combining and Finishing the Dish

Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and peppers. Stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1 more minute to let the sauce thicken slightly. Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves. Let the heat wilt the basil. Serve the spicy Thai basil beef hot over a bed of jasmine rice. Enjoy the mix of flavors!

Tips & Tricks

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

For Spicy Thai Basil Beef, I recommend using flank steak. Flank steak is tender and has good flavor. Slice it thin against the grain. This helps keep the beef tender. You can also try sirloin or ribeye if you prefer. Both options will work well in this dish.

Adjusting Spice Levels

The spice level is key in this recipe. Use 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies for a strong kick. If you like it milder, start with one chili. You can always add more later. For a different flavor, use sweet bell peppers instead of chilies. This gives a nice balance of heat and sweetness.

Best Practices for Cooking Thai Basil Beef

Use a hot skillet or wok for cooking. This helps sear the beef quickly. Stir-fry in small batches to avoid steaming the meat. Add garlic and chilies first to release their aroma. Finally, remember to add the basil at the end. It wilts quickly, adding a fresh flavor. Serve the dish hot over jasmine rice for the best taste.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Beef: Flank steak is ideal for this recipe due to its tenderness and ability to absorb flavors. However, you can also use sirloin or ribeye for a richer taste.
Control the Spice Level: Adjust the number of Thai bird’s eye chilies according to your spice preference. For a milder dish, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds.
Fresh Basil is Key: Always use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor. If unavailable, regular basil will work, but it won’t provide the same aromatic profile.
Let the Rice Rest: After cooking the jasmine rice, allow it to rest covered for a few minutes. This helps it become fluffy and prevents it from becoming gummy.

Variations

Alternative Proteins to Use

You can use different proteins in this dish. Chicken, pork, or shrimp work well. For chicken, use thinly sliced breast or thigh. For pork, go for tenderloin or shoulder slices. Shrimp cooks quick and adds a nice texture. Just cook them until they turn pink, and then follow the same steps.

Vegetarian Version of Thai Basil Dish

To make this dish vegetarian, swap beef for tofu. Firm tofu is best. Press and slice it into cubes. Sauté the tofu until it’s golden brown. You can also add tempeh or seitan for a meat-like texture. Use vegetable broth instead of fish sauce to keep it flavorful.

Adding Additional Vegetables

Feel free to add more veggies to your dish. Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots are great options. Slice them thin for quick cooking. Add them to the pan with the bell pepper so they cook evenly. This not only adds color but also boosts nutrition.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Spicy Thai Basil Beef fresh, place it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. This will help keep the flavors intact.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the beef moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Freezing Tips for Thai Basil Beef

If you want to save your spicy beef for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled beef in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavor and texture as good as new.

FAQs

What is the origin of Spicy Thai Basil Beef?

Spicy Thai Basil Beef, or Pad Krapow, comes from Thailand. It is a popular street food. Cooks often make it quick and flavorful. The dish highlights fresh basil, garlic, and chilies. Thai basil adds a unique taste. It has a sweet and slightly peppery flavor. This dish reflects Thailand’s love for bold flavors.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. Cook the jasmine rice and store it in the fridge. You can also slice the beef and veggies in advance. Just mix the sauce and store it in a jar. When you are ready to eat, stir-fry everything together. This keeps your meal quick and fresh.

What can I substitute for Thai basil?

If you cannot find Thai basil, regular basil works well. Other options include mint or cilantro. These herbs will change the flavor a bit but still taste great. Experiment with what you have; cooking is about creativity!

This blog post covered how to make Spicy Thai Basil Beef, including key ingredients and substitutions. We detailed cooking steps, from jasmine rice to beef and veggies. You learned tips for choosing beef and spice levels, plus variations for proteins and storage.

As you try this dish, I hope you experiment and adjust as needed. Cooking should be fun and tasty! Enjoy every bite of this flavorful mea

$- 1 pound beef flank steak, thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, sliced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves The beef flank steak gives this dish a nice tender bite. It cooks quickly and pairs well with bold flavors. The bird's eye chilies add heat. You can adjust them based on your spice level. The red bell pepper adds sweetness and crunch, making it a colorful dish. Fresh Thai basil gives that unique flavor you expect in this meal. - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 tablespoon brown sugar These sauces create a delicious umami base. Soy sauce brings saltiness, while oyster sauce adds depth. Fish sauce adds a rich, savory taste that is key in Thai cooking. The brown sugar balances the salty flavors with a hint of sweetness. If you can't find some ingredients, don't worry. You can use: - Flank steak: Substitute with sirloin or ribeye. - Thai bird's eye chilies: Use red pepper flakes for heat. - Thai basil: Regular basil or mint can work in a pinch. These swaps will change the flavor slightly, but your dish will still be tasty. Cooking is about making it work for you! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step helps remove extra starch. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. When it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After the water is gone, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Next, grab a small bowl to mix your sauce. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce. Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. This mix adds depth and flavor. Set the sauce aside while you cook the beef. Now, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2-3 sliced Thai bird's eye chilies. Stir them briefly to release their aroma. Then, add the thinly sliced beef flank steak. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes. Cook until the beef is just done and starts to brown. Next, toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and peppers. Stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1 more minute to let the sauce thicken slightly. Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in 1 cup of fresh Thai basil leaves. Let the heat wilt the basil. Serve the spicy Thai basil beef hot over a bed of jasmine rice. Enjoy the mix of flavors! For Spicy Thai Basil Beef, I recommend using flank steak. Flank steak is tender and has good flavor. Slice it thin against the grain. This helps keep the beef tender. You can also try sirloin or ribeye if you prefer. Both options will work well in this dish. The spice level is key in this recipe. Use 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies for a strong kick. If you like it milder, start with one chili. You can always add more later. For a different flavor, use sweet bell peppers instead of chilies. This gives a nice balance of heat and sweetness. Use a hot skillet or wok for cooking. This helps sear the beef quickly. Stir-fry in small batches to avoid steaming the meat. Add garlic and chilies first to release their aroma. Finally, remember to add the basil at the end. It wilts quickly, adding a fresh flavor. Serve the dish hot over jasmine rice for the best taste. Pro Tips Choose the Right Beef: Flank steak is ideal for this recipe due to its tenderness and ability to absorb flavors. However, you can also use sirloin or ribeye for a richer taste. Control the Spice Level: Adjust the number of Thai bird's eye chilies according to your spice preference. For a milder dish, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds. Fresh Basil is Key: Always use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor. If unavailable, regular basil will work, but it won't provide the same aromatic profile. Let the Rice Rest: After cooking the jasmine rice, allow it to rest covered for a few minutes. This helps it become fluffy and prevents it from becoming gummy. {{image_2}} You can use different proteins in this dish. Chicken, pork, or shrimp work well. For chicken, use thinly sliced breast or thigh. For pork, go for tenderloin or shoulder slices. Shrimp cooks quick and adds a nice texture. Just cook them until they turn pink, and then follow the same steps. To make this dish vegetarian, swap beef for tofu. Firm tofu is best. Press and slice it into cubes. Sauté the tofu until it's golden brown. You can also add tempeh or seitan for a meat-like texture. Use vegetable broth instead of fish sauce to keep it flavorful. Feel free to add more veggies to your dish. Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots are great options. Slice them thin for quick cooking. Add them to the pan with the bell pepper so they cook evenly. This not only adds color but also boosts nutrition. To keep your Spicy Thai Basil Beef fresh, place it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. This will help keep the flavors intact. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the beef moist. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to save your spicy beef for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled beef in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavor and texture as good as new. Spicy Thai Basil Beef, or Pad Krapow, comes from Thailand. It is a popular street food. Cooks often make it quick and flavorful. The dish highlights fresh basil, garlic, and chilies. Thai basil adds a unique taste. It has a sweet and slightly peppery flavor. This dish reflects Thailand's love for bold flavors. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead of time. Cook the jasmine rice and store it in the fridge. You can also slice the beef and veggies in advance. Just mix the sauce and store it in a jar. When you are ready to eat, stir-fry everything together. This keeps your meal quick and fresh. If you cannot find Thai basil, regular basil works well. Other options include mint or cilantro. These herbs will change the flavor a bit but still taste great. Experiment with what you have; cooking is about creativity! This blog post covered how to make Spicy Thai Basil Beef, including key ingredients and substitutions. We detailed cooking steps, from jasmine rice to beef and veggies. You learned tips for choosing beef and spice levels, plus variations for proteins and storage. As you try this dish, I hope you experiment and adjust as needed. Cooking should be fun and tasty! Enjoy every bite of this flavorful meal.$