Stir-Fried Lemongrass Beef with Thai Basil

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

A fragrant stir-fry featuring tender slices of beef infused with bright lemongrass and fresh Thai basil, served over jasmine rice. This thai-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, fresh Thai basil leaves, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 2 finely minced stalks of the white part of lemongrass and 4 minced garlic cloves, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced sirloin beef to the wok, spreading it out and stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned but still tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 small thinly sliced red chili (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves and 2 sliced green onions, tossing until the basil is wilted but vibrant.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately over 2 cups cooked jasmine rice for a fragrant and flavorful meal.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Lemongrass Beef with Thai Basil take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Stir-Fried Lemongrass Beef with 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Lemongrass Beef with 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 Stir-Fried Lemongrass Beef with 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 Stir-Fried Lemongrass Beef with 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.

Related recipes