Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Thai Basil

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried rapidly with aromatic garlic and fragrant Thai basil for a savory, satisfying dish. This thai-inspired beef ready in about 18 minutes pairs vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced, red chili, thinly sliced 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.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 thinly sliced small red chili, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry rapidly for 2-3 minutes until the beef is mostly browned but still tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Toss continuously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves and 2 chopped scallions. Toss gently until basil wilts and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Thai Basil take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic 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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic 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 Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic 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.

What goes well with Quick Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Thai Basil?

Thai beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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