| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 495 | 26g | 6g | 16g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 3g | 45g | 0.93g |
Let’s talk about this exceptional Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry recipe that has absolutely stolen my heart. Why is this culinary creation deserving of my undivided attention, you ask? Well, not only does it encompass my love for fusion foods, but it also beautifully integrates the essence of wholesome West Coast ingredients with a touch of tropical allure.
Why This Recipe Shines
What artfully sets this Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry apart is how it dances between worlds. There’s the comfort food heartiness of the beef steak, the aromatic Thai basil that triggers your wanderlust, and the west-coast favorite – colorful bell peppers and green beans. Refreshingly, it brings in a dash of the tropics with the inclusion of pineapple and mango chunks, adding a delightful sweet contrast to the savory elements.
Hearty Health Benefits
There is an array of prominent health benefits nested within this recipe. From providing high-quality protein through beef, to serving a wide spectrum of vitamins and antioxidants from the rainbow of vegetables and fruits, this meal celebrates health in every bite. Not to mention, compared to common stir-fry recipes, pineapple offers a unique enzyme called bromelain, believed to aid digestion and fight inflammation. Similarly, mango is known for its high vitamin C content and potential to boost immune function.
As a California native who treasures health-conscious cuisine and as a devoted mother, the combination of flavors packed with potent nutrients in this Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry is, without a doubt, a family favorite.
Culinary Companionship
Further enhancing the allure of this dish is its versatile pairing potential. Much like a California Spread Salad or perhaps a Napa Valley Grilled Chicken, this recipe can be the star of the show or a drool-worthy accomplice. Whether served alongside a hearty brown rice bowl or an avocado tossed summer salad, it truly shines.
Moreover, if you’re partial to the classics like Beef and Broccoli or Sweet and Sour Chicken, this Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry will feel both familiar and refreshingly new. Its layers of flavor and generous use of fruits offer an innovative update to traditional stir fry recipes, making it a great way to mix up your food routine without straying too far from comfort.
Between its enticing mix of flavors, the undeniable health benefits, and its adaptability, this Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry has a special place on my dinner table, and I hope it finds a home on yours too.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs beef steak, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup of pineapple chunks
- 1 cup of mango chunks
Method
Step One:
Start by preparing all your ingredients to ease the cooking process. Thinly slice the beef steak, mince the garlic, slice the bell peppers, dice the onions and carrots, and chop the green beans. Set the pineapple and mango chunks aside.
Step Two:
In a large pan or wok, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the minced garlic and sauté it until it becomes fragrant. It should take about one minute.
Step Three:
Add the thinly sliced beef to the pan. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Stir fry the beef until it is properly browned and cooked through. This should take about five to seven minutes.
Step Four:
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the diced onions, sliced bell peppers, chopped green beans, and diced carrots. Stir fry the vegetables for about five minutes until they become tender.
Step Five:
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, white sugar, and chicken broth. Stir everything together well and let it simmer for about five minutes.
Step Six:
After allowing everything to simmer, add the cup of pineapple chunks and the cup of mango chunks to the pan. Stir everything together once more.
Step Seven:
Just before turning off the heat, add the Thai basil leaves to the pan and give everything a final stir. The heat of the stir fry will wilt the basil leaves.
Step Eight:
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Once everything is to your liking, turn off the heat and serve your Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry hot. It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
