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Thai-Inspired Basil Beef Bowls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 142 reviews

A flavorful Thai-inspired dish featuring ground beef cooked with a savory and slightly sweet sauce, fresh vegetables, and aromatic basil, served over steamed white rice and topped with a perfectly cooked fried egg.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Sauce

  • 1 lb. (90% lean) ground beef
  • 4 tbsp. neutral oil, divided
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/4 cup oyster sauce
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp. molasses
  • 2 tbsp. fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, sliced into 1/4“-thick strips
  • 1 medium carrot, cut into 2” matchsticks
  • 2 red Fresno chiles, sliced into rings
  • 3 scallions, green and white parts separated, sliced separately
  • 2 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 1 tbsp. chopped peeled ginger
  • 1 oz. fresh basil leaves (about 1 1/2 cups packed)

Eggs and Serving

  • 4 large eggs
  • Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large stainless steel skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and break it into small pieces using a wooden spoon, spreading it into a single layer. Season with kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and develops a brown crust, about 5 to 6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a plate.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, reduced-sodium soy sauce, molasses, fish sauce, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup water until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium-high. In the same skillet, add the bell pepper, carrots, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir occasionally until the peppers soften, around 5 minutes. Add the sliced Fresno chiles and cook for another 2 minutes. Then add the white parts of the scallions, garlic, and ginger; cook while stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Simmer Sauce and Add Basil: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add the fresh basil leaves, and cook for 2 minutes until the basil wilts. Return the cooked beef to the pan and toss to coat thoroughly with the sauce. Sprinkle the green parts of the scallions on top.
  5. Cook the Eggs: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Crack in the eggs and cook until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
  6. Assemble the Bowls: Divide cooked white rice among four bowls. Top each bowl with the basil beef mixture and a fried egg.

Notes

  • Use 90% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and tenderness.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the Fresno chiles.
  • Fresh basil is essential for the authentic flavor; avoid dried basil substitutions.
  • For a lower-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt accordingly.
  • Adjust the egg cooking time if you prefer firmer yolks.

Keywords: Thai beef bowl, basil beef, ground beef recipe, stir-fry beef, Thai cuisine, easy dinner, fried egg topping

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/thai-inspired-basil-beef-bowls-recipe/