Thai Stir-Fried Beef with Holy Basil
This Thai stir-fried beef with holy basil is a quick and easy weeknight meal that is packed with flavor. The beef is seared until browned, then cooked in a flavorful sauce made with red curry paste, coconut milk, holy basil leaves, fish sauce, honey, and lime juice. The result is a dish that is both savory and slightly sweet, with a hint of heat from the curry paste. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
The origins of this dish are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have originated in Thailand in the early 19th century. The dish was originally made with water buffalo meat, but beef has become the more common ingredient in recent years. Holy basil is a key ingredient in this dish, and it is believed to have medicinal properties. The dish is typically served with rice or noodles, and it is often accompanied by a side of pickled vegetables.
Thai Stir-Fried Beef with Holy Basil Thai Stir-Fried Beef with Holy Basil Thai Stir-Fried Beef with Holy Basil Thai Stir-Fried Beef with Holy Basil
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound flank steak, sliced against the grain
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon red curry paste
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup holy basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
  1. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides.
  3. Add the red curry paste and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Stir in the coconut milk, holy basil leaves, fish sauce, honey, and lime juice.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through.
  6. Serve over rice or noodles.
Why It Works
  • Searing the beef before adding it to the sauce helps to develop a rich, flavorful crust.
  • The combination of red curry paste, coconut milk, and holy basil leaves creates a flavorful sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet.
  • The addition of fish sauce adds a umami flavor to the dish.
  • The honey adds a touch of sweetness to the dish, which helps to balance out the heat from the curry paste.
  • The lime juice adds a touch of acidity to the dish, which helps to brighten the flavors.