Thai Basil Beef with Jasmine Rice is a bold, aromatic dish that captures the essence of Thai street food in a simple, home-cooked format. This recipe features tender beef cooked quickly over high heat with garlic, chilies, and a savory-sweet sauce, then finished with fragrant Thai basil that releases its signature peppery, slightly anise-like aroma.

Paired with soft, fluffy jasmine rice, the dish feels comforting yet vibrant. It is fast enough for busy weeknights but rich and flavorful enough to satisfy cravings for authentic Thai flavors without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings bold, authentic Thai flavors to the table in a matter of minutes. The combination of savory beef, fragrant garlic, spicy chilies, and fresh Thai basil creates a dish that is vibrant, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Every bite feels balanced—salty, slightly sweet, spicy, and herbaceous—especially when spooned over soft, fluffy jasmine rice that soaks up all the delicious sauce.

What makes this recipe especially close to my heart is how quick and dependable it is. It’s perfect for busy days when I want something comforting yet exciting without spending hours cooking. With simple ingredients and a fast stir-fry method, it delivers restaurant-style results at home. It’s one of those meals that never feels boring and always leaves everyone at the table wanting seconds.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

Thai Basil Beef with Jasmine Rice is a must-try dish because it delivers big, bold flavor in an incredibly quick and satisfying way. The rich, savory beef paired with garlic, chilies, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh Thai basil creates a perfectly balanced dish that is both comforting and exciting. When served over fragrant jasmine rice, every bite is infused with a delicious sauce that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

This dish also stands out for its simplicity and versatility. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough to serve to guests who love vibrant, global flavors. With easy-to-find ingredients and a fast cooking process, it proves that you don’t need complicated steps to achieve authentic-tasting results. If you enjoy meals that are fresh, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, this Thai Basil Beef with Jasmine Rice absolutely deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, and Servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 25 minutes

Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 520 calories per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

For the Jasmine Rice

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste

For the Thai Basil Beef

• 450 g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2–3 Thai chilies, finely sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Finishing

• 1 packed cup fresh Thai basil leaves

Cooking Directions

The jasmine rice is cooked first and kept warm. The beef is then stir-fried quickly over high heat with garlic and chilies, followed by vegetables and sauce. Thai basil is added at the end to preserve its aroma and freshness.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs clear, then cook it with water and a pinch of salt according to package instructions. Keep warm.
2. Slice the beef thinly against the grain and set aside.
3. In a small bowl, mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and cornstarch slurry.
4. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
5. Add garlic and chilies and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the beef and cook quickly, stirring constantly, until just browned.
7. Add onion and bell pepper and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until slightly tender.
8. Pour in the sauce and cook until it thickens and coats the beef evenly.
9. Turn off the heat and stir in the Thai basil until just wilted.
10. Serve immediately over jasmine rice.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Thai basil beef hot over a bed of jasmine rice. It pairs well with a fried egg on top for a traditional street-style touch. A side of cucumber slices or a light Thai-style salad helps balance the richness of the dish.

Recipe Tips

• Slice the beef very thinly for the most tender texture.
• Cook over high heat to achieve proper stir-fry flavor.
• Add basil at the very end to prevent it from losing its aroma.
• Taste the sauce before adding and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.

Variations in Detail

Chicken or Pork Basil Stir-Fry: Substitute beef with thinly sliced chicken or pork.
Vegetarian Version: Use firm tofu or mushrooms with vegetarian oyster sauce.
Extra Spicy Version: Add chili paste or extra fresh chilies.
Low-Sodium Option: Reduce soy sauce and fish sauce and balance with a splash of water.
Thai Holy Basil Version: Use holy basil if available for a more traditional flavor.

Freezing and Storage Time

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze the beef mixture for up to 2 months. Rice is best stored refrigerated rather than frozen. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large skillet
• Rice cooker or saucepan with lid
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder and less peppery than traditional Thai basil.

What cut of beef works best?
Sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye are ideal because they cook quickly and stay tender.

Is this dish very spicy?
It can be adjusted easily by increasing or reducing the number of chilies.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well for quick meals.

Conclusion

Thai Basil Beef with Jasmine Rice is a fast, flavorful dish that brings authentic Thai-inspired taste to your home kitchen. With tender beef, aromatic basil, and perfectly balanced sauce, it is a reliable recipe for weeknights or special cravings. Simple ingredients, quick cooking, and bold flavors make this dish one you will want to prepare again and again.