This Thai-Inspired Basil Beef is a quick and flavorful dinner made with ground beef, crisp vegetables, fresh basil, and a simple stir fry sauce. It’s the perfect easy weeknight meal when you want takeout-style flavors at home in under 20 minutes.

I love recipes like this because they’re fast, satisfying, and made in one skillet. The combination of garlic, ginger, coconut aminos, lime, and Thai basil creates a sweet, savory, slightly spicy sauce that coats the beef and veggies perfectly. Served over jasmine rice, it’s one of those simple meals that tastes like something you ordered from your favorite Thai restaurant but is surprisingly easy to make at home.

If you love my other quick takeout style recipes, like my Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls, Saucy Beef Udon Noodles or other stir fry-style meals this one is about to become part of your weekly rotation. It’s great for weeknights, meal prep, or when you just want a flavorful dinner without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

How to Make

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.

Stir in garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant.

Add bell pepper, snow peas, and green onions. Cook until tender-crisp.

Whisk together coconut aminos, maple syrup, vinegar, lime juice and chili flakes.

Pour into the skillet and cook until slightly thickened and glossy.

Turn off heat and stir in the fresh thai basil until wilted. Serve with rice and a lime wedge! 

Tips and Tricks

• Use high heat. Stir fry recipes cook best over medium-high heat so the beef browns quickly and the vegetables stay crisp.
• Don’t overcook the veggies. Snow peas and bell peppers should stay slightly crisp for the best texture.
• Add the basil last. Stir it in after turning off the heat so it gently wilts and keeps its fresh flavor.
• Adjust the heat. Start with ½ tsp red pepper flakes and add more if you like things spicy.
• Swap the protein. This recipe also works well with ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu.

How to Serve and Store

Serve this Thai-inspired basil beef warm over jasmine rice with an extra squeeze of lime and additional fresh basil if you have it. It’s also great topped with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for extra flavor.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This recipe also works well for meal prep, especially when portioned with rice into individual containers.

**this post may contain affiliate links, which means I will make a small commission for products purchased through my link.

If you make the Thai Basil Beef, I would really appreciate a comment and rating down below the recipe card. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me over on Instagram, Tiktok, or Pinterest!

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Super Flavorful Thai Basil Beef (20 Minute)

5 from 2 ratings

Hannah Kling

A quick Thai-inspired basil beef stir fry made with ground beef, garlic, ginger, crisp vegetables, and a simple sweet and savory sauce. Ready in about 20 minutes, this easy skillet dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and great served over jasmine rice.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients  

1x2x3x

For the beef

• 1 lb ground beef (85-90% lean, if using 85% soak up grease with paper towel)
• 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp minced ginger (from a jar, or 1 inch of fresh ginger, grated)
• 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup snow peas
• 3 green onions (sliced)

Easy Stir Fry Sauce

• ⅓ cup coconut aminos (can sub low sodium soy sauce)
• 1½ tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• Juice from 1/2 lime (about 2 tsp)
• ½-1 tsp red pepper flakes (depending on heat preference)

To Finish

• 1 cup fresh thai basil leaves
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice

Instructions

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart until browned. Soak up extra grease with a paper towel if necessary.
• Lower to medium low heat, Stir in garlic and ginger and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add bell pepper, snow peas, and green onions. Cook 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Whisk together coconut aminos, maple syrup, vinegar, lime juice and chili flakes.
• Pour into the skillet and cook 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
• Turn off heat and stir in the fresh thai basil until wilted. Serve with rice and a lime wedge!

Notes

• Coconut aminos create a slightly sweeter flavor than soy sauce. If using soy sauce, choose low sodium.
• Fresh Thai basil gives the most authentic flavor, but regular basil will still taste great if that’s what you have.
• For extra vegetables, try adding shredded carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• This recipe works great for meal prep and reheats well throughout the week.

Did you make this recipe?Don’t forget to tag @lovelydelites across all social media platforms!