Description
Experience the vibrant and savory flavors of Thailand with these Thai-Inspired Basil Beef Bowls. Ground beef is cooked to perfection and simmered in a rich sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, molasses, fish sauce, garlic, and fresh basil. Served over steamed white rice and topped with a perfectly cooked fried egg, this dish delivers a delicious balance of sweet, salty, and spicy notes, making it a quick and satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb. (90% lean) ground beef
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp. molasses
- 2 tbsp. fish sauce
- 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 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 and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 tbsp. chopped peeled ginger
- 1 oz. fresh basil leaves (about 1 1/2 cups packed)
Other Ingredients
- 4 tbsp. neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola), divided
- 4 large eggs
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large stainless steel skillet over high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat the skillet. Add ground beef and break it into small pieces using a wooden spoon to create a single layer. Season lightly with kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is cooked through and begins to develop a brown crust, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove beef with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the beef cooks, whisk together the oyster sauce, reduced-sodium soy sauce, molasses, fish sauce, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium-high. In the same skillet used for the beef, add 1 tablespoon of oil, bell pepper, carrots, and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add sliced Fresno chiles and cook for another 2 minutes until they soften slightly. Then add white parts of scallions, sliced garlic, and chopped ginger, and cook while stirring until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Simmer Sauce and Add Basil: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in fresh basil leaves. Cook until the basil wilts, about 2 minutes. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss everything to coat the beef evenly with the sauce. Top with green parts of scallions.
- Cook the Eggs: In a small nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Crack eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are set but yolks remain runny or cooked to your liking, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season with a pinch of kosher salt.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked white rice evenly among four bowls. Top each bowl with a generous portion of the basil beef mixture, then place one cooked egg on top of each bowl. Serve immediately for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more Fresno chiles or use Thai bird’s eye chilies.
- Use jasmine rice or steamed brown rice as a healthier alternative to white rice.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari sauce.
- Eggs can be cooked sunnyside up, over-easy, or scrambled according to preference.
- Fresh Thai basil is preferred for authentic flavor, but sweet basil can be used in a pinch.
- Leftover beef mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl with beef and 1 egg
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: Thai basil beef, ground beef recipe, basil beef bowls, Asian-inspired beef dish, quick dinner recipe, Thai cuisine
