Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Beef and Thai Basil
A savory wok-tossed dish featuring tender beef slices and rice noodles infused with fragrant Thai basil and a savory sweet sauce. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs wide rice noodles, thinly sliced beef sirloin, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz wide rice noodles
- 10 oz, thinly sliced beef sirloin
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped Thai basil leaves
- 3, sliced green onions
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Soak 8 oz wide rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until softened, then drain well.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 10 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin to the wok, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until just browned.
- Step 4: Add the drained noodles, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Toss continuously for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped Thai basil leaves, 3 sliced green onions, and 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Toss for another 30 seconds until the basil is wilted and fragrant.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Beef and Thai Basil take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Rice Noodles with 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 wide rice noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with 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 Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Beef and Thai Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Rice Noodles with Beef and Thai Basil?
Vietnamese 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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