Stir-Fried Thai Basil Beef with Jasmine Rice

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

A quick and flavorful Thai stir-fry featuring ground beef cooked with garlic, chili, and fresh basil served over aromatic jasmine rice. This thai-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 550 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine with 2 1/4 cups water in a medium pot, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 chopped Thai bird’s eye chilies (if using), sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spatula, for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp sugar. Cook for 2 minutes until sauce is well incorporated and slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves until wilted.
  6. Step 6: Fluff cooked jasmine rice with a fork and serve topped with the stir-fried beef mixture. Garnish with lime wedges for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Thai Basil Beef with Jasmine Rice?

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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Thai Basil Beef with Jasmine Rice?

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 Thai Basil Beef with Jasmine Rice 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 Thai Basil Beef with Jasmine Rice?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes