Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Thai Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A savory keto stir-fry combining tender eggplant and spiced ground beef with fragrant Thai basil for an aromatic meal. This thai-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs 85% lean ground beef, medium, cut into 1-inch cubes eggplant, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through; remove beef and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil to the same skillet. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 medium cubed eggplants and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; stir-fry for 6-7 minutes until eggplant is tender and golden in spots.
  5. Step 5: Return ground beef to the skillet. Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp erythritol, cooking for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the mixture.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and fold in 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves until wilted.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Thai Basil take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Thai Basil?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 85% lean ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Thai Basil?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Thai Basil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Eggplant Stir-Fry with Ground Beef and Thai Basil keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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