Stir-Fried Spicy Beef with Basil

This Thai-style beef stir-fry is a quick and flavorful dish that will satisfy your taste buds in no time. With tender cuts of flank or sirloin steak, aromatic basil, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The recipe allows for variations, so you can customize it according to your preferences. Serve it over rice for a complete meal. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make Thai-inspired beef stir-fry!

MAKES: 4 to 6 servings

TIME: 15 minutes, plus time to freeze or marinate the meat

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 pounds flank or sirloin steak
• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon peanut oil, plus 1 teaspoon for marinating
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or nam pla (Thai fish sauce)
• Juice of 1/2 lime

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Slice the beef across the grain as thinly as possible. If it’s easier, you can freeze the beef for 15 to 30 minutes before slicing. Cut the slices into bite-sized pieces.
2. Wash and dry the basil leaves. If the leaves are large, chop them coarsely. If you have time, mix the beef, basil, and 1 teaspoon of peanut oil in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for an hour to allow the basil flavor to infuse the meat.
3. When you’re ready to cook, ensure you have all the ingredients prepared, including a serving dish and rice if you’re serving it with the stir-fry. If you haven’t mixed the beef and basil yet, do so now.
4. Heat a large skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke (approximately 3 to 4 minutes). Lower the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of peanut oil. Swirl it around the skillet and add the minced garlic. Stir the garlic once or twice.
5. As soon as the garlic starts to color (about 15 seconds), increase the heat to high and add the beef and basil mixture. Stir quickly and add the red pepper flakes. Stir frequently until the meat loses its red color, which should take a minute or two longer.
6. Add the soy sauce (or nam pla) and lime juice to the skillet. Give it a good stir, turn off the heat, and serve the stir-fry immediately. If desired, serve it over rice.

 VARIATIONS:

• Super-Spicy Beef with Orange Flavor: In Step 2, substitute the basil with the zest of 1 large orange. Mince about 1 tablespoon of the zest and leave the rest in larger pieces. Combine the minced zest with the meat. In Step 4, add 10 to 30 small dried hot red chiles (adjust according to your spice preference) along with the garlic. Continue following the recipe, adding some of the orange juice along with the lime juice at the end. Serve it immediately, with or without rice.

• Stir-Fried Curry Beef: Omit the basil and red pepper flakes. In Step 2, marinate the meat in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice wine, dry sherry, stock, or water, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. In Step 4, add 1 1/2 tablespoons of minced fresh ginger and 1 thinly sliced onion along with the garlic. Cook until the onion is softened (approximately 5 to 10 minutes). Stir in 3 tablespoons of curry powder and cook for 30 seconds. Add the meat and cook until browned. Then, add 1/4 cup of water instead of soy sauce and lime juice. Cook until the liquid evaporates (about 2 minutes). Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Thai-style beef stir-fry! Serve it as a main dish with rice or alongside other Thai-inspired dishes for a complete meal.