Thai Basil Beef
If you are tired of hamburgers, tacos or meatloaf and are looking for something different to make with a pound of ground beef this speedy, savory Thai beef basil stir fry that’s just a bit spicy and really hits the spot. It takes about 15 minutes (honest!) to cook.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil1 lb ground beef 90/10
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, divided
fresh cilantro (optional)
Thai Basil Beef Sauce
1 tbsp chili paste*
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free alternative)
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
In a small bowl combine chili paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar and lime juice until incorporated, set aside.Heat oil in a large skillet set over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon and stirring often, about 6 minutes.
Add the bell pepper, onion and garlic to the beef and cook until vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
Pour the sauce mixture along with the fresh basil (reserving a fresh few leaves for the top) and continue cooking until basil starts to wilt.
Serve over rice topped with fresh basil and fresh cilantro.
Note: If using low sodium soy sauce, add ½ tsp salt to ground beef.
*If you don't have chili paste on hand, there are several good substitutes that can be used in its place. Sriracha sauce is a chili sauce that has a similar flavor and consistency to chili paste. My favorite is Tajin chile lime sauce. It comes in various levels of hot-ness.