Name: Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry (Healthy & Quick)
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce (vegetarian if desired); 1 tsp brown sugar; 2 tsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp avocado oil or canola oil; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (or regular basil if unavailable); 1 small jalapeño or Thai chili, thinly sliced (optional)

Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry (Healthy & Quick)

SeededFig5089

This Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry is designed for weeknight speed and healthy eating, without sacrificing the bold flavors of Thailand. Thin slices of lean beef are flash-seared for tenderness, then tossed with crisp bell peppers, aromatic garlic, and a punchy, umami-rich sauce. The trick to keeping the beef juicy is a quick cornstarch marinade—an insider’s par-cooking move for stir-fries. A generous handful of basil leaves adds a fresh, herbal finish. This dish is light on calories, loaded with veggies, and comes together in less than 30 minutes—perfect for a healthy lifestyle in sunny California.

Ingredients

Instructions

In a bowl, toss sliced beef with 1 tsp soy sauce and 2 tsp cornstarch. Let sit while prepping vegetables (par-cooking tip for tenderness).
In a small bowl, mix remaining soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar to make the stir-fry sauce. Set aside.
Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 tbsp oil. When hot, add beef in a single layer. Sear for 1-2 minutes until just browned (don’t overcrowd). Remove beef to a plate.
Add remaining oil to the pan. Add onion and garlic, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell peppers and cook 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender (par-cooking for ideal texture).
Return beef to the pan along with the stir-fry sauce. Toss to coat everything well. Stir in basil leaves and chili, cook for 30 seconds until basil just wilts and everything is glossy.
Remove from heat. Serve hot with a squeeze of lime (optional) and extra basil leaves for garnish. Enjoy with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.