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There's something incredibly satisfying about a bowl filled with perfectly cooked rice, tender beef, and the unmistakable fragrance of Thai basil. My first encounter with this dish was at a small, family-run restaurant in Bangkok—the memory of that meal stayed with me, inspiring countless recreations in my own kitchen. I'm so excited to share my take with you all!
This Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowl isn't just about the incredible taste; it's also about the ease and speed of preparation. Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 30 minutes. I’ve tweaked it a little over the years to get it juuuust right, and I think you'll love the result!
What makes this dish special? It's the harmony of flavors. The umami-rich beef, the peppery bite of Thai basil, the subtle sweetness of soy sauce, and the kick of chili—all come together to create a symphony of tastes that will dance on your palate. Serve over jasmine rice, and you've got yourself a complete and balanced meal. Trust me, this will be a new go-to for busy weeknights! I totally forgot to mention that my husband's obsessed with this dish, he always asks me to make it when he’s feeling down!
Craving a quick and flavorful meal? This Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowl is your answer! Packed with savory beef, aromatic Thai basil, and a hint of spice, it's a delightful dish ready in minutes.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:2 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prepare the Rice: Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions. This usually involves rinsing the rice, adding water, and simmering until tender. I usually use a rice cooker, it makes life so much easier! You can also use pre-cooked rice if you're really in a rush.
Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef sirloin thinly against the grain. This ensures that the beef is tender and easy to chew. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick.
Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step adds flavor and helps tenderize the beef. Make sure every piece of beef is coated!
Prepare the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and water. Set aside. This sauce will be added to the beef later.
Prepare the Aromatics: Mince the garlic and finely chop the Thai chili (if using). Set aside. Remember to be careful when handling chili, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards!
Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until it is browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
Add Aromatics: Push the beef to one side of the wok or skillet. Add the minced garlic and chopped chili (if using) to the cleared space. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. The aroma should fill your kitchen!
Combine Everything: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and garlic mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Keep stirring to make sure the sauce coats the beef evenly.
Add Thai Basil: Remove the wok or skillet from the heat. Add the fresh Thai basil leaves and stir until they are wilted and fragrant, about 30 seconds. Don't overcook the basil, as it can lose its flavor.
Assemble the Rice Bowl: Divide the cooked jasmine rice among bowls. Top with the Thai basil beef. Garnish with a fried egg (optional), sliced cucumber, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Serve Immediately: Serve your Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowl immediately and enjoy! I like to drizzle a little sriracha sauce on top for an extra kick.
📝 Notes
Adjust the amount of chili to your spice preference.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with tofu or mushrooms.
Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced cucumber for added flavor and texture.