🐄🌿🥥🔥 Thai Basil Coconut Beef Stir Fry
🍽️ Servings:
4 servings
⏰ Time:
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 10–15 min
Total: ~25–30 min
🛒 Ingredients:
🥩 For the beef stir fry:
1 lb beef (flank steak, sirloin, or rib-eye), thinly sliced against the grain 🐄
2 tbsp vegetable oil (or coconut oil for extra flavor) 🛢️
1 medium onion, sliced 🧅
1 bell pepper, sliced (optional for color) 🌶️
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1–2 fresh Thai chilies, sliced (adjust to your spice preference) 🌶️
1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves 🌿
🥥 For the coconut sauce:
1/2 cup coconut milk 🥥
2 tbsp soy sauce or fish sauce (for a more authentic flavor) 🐟
1 tbsp oyster sauce 🍜
1 tbsp brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option) 🍯
1 tbsp lime juice 🍋
1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prepare the beef 🥩
Thinly slice the beef against the grain into bite-sized strips. Set aside.
2. Make the coconut sauce 🥥
In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and cornstarch (if using). Set the sauce mixture aside.
3. Stir-fry the beef 🐄
Heat vegetable or coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, searing it for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the aromatics 🧅
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the onion, bell pepper (if using), garlic, and chilies. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
5. Combine beef and sauce 🍲
Return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour the coconut sauce over the beef and veggies, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly (add a little water if it gets too thick). Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime juice or soy sauce if needed.
6. Add the basil 🌿
Turn off the heat and toss in the fresh Thai basil leaves, stirring them into the stir fry until they wilt and become fragrant.
🍽️ Serve it up:
Serve the stir fry with steamed jasmine rice 🍚 for a complete meal.
Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and lime wedges for an added burst of freshness 🌿🍋.
Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for extra texture and crunch 🌰.
🌟 Tips & Variations:
Add veggies: Feel free to throw in other stir-fry favorites like mushrooms, carrots, snap peas, or zucchini for extra color and nutrients 🥕🍄.
For extra heat: Add a few dashes of chili sauce or a squeeze of sriracha into the coconut sauce for a spicy kick 🔥.
Vegetarian option: Swap the beef for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version 🌱.
This Thai Basil Coconut Beef Stir Fry is a bold, aromatic dish that combines the rich flavors of coconut, the zesty brightness of lime, and the warmth of Thai basil and chilies — a true taste of Thailand right in your kitchen! 🌶️🍛🌿