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Thai Beef with Basil

This vibrant Thai beef with basil is a fantastic choice for a quick, high-protein midweek meal. By frying the minced beef over a high heat until it achieves a crisp, deeply savoury texture, you create a wonderful contrast to the aromatic fresh herbs. The addition of salty fish sauce and citrusy lime provides that classic Southeast Asian balance of flavours that is both bracing and comforting.

Served with a crunchy carrot and spring onion slaw, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. It is an excellent recipe for those looking for a lean, protein-rich dinner that doesn't compromise on excitement. For a complete meal, serve it over fluffy steamed jasmine rice with extra lime wedges to brighten the dish just before eating.

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Ingredients for Thai Beef with Basil

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

  • 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

  • 2 red chillies, thinly sliced, seeded for less heat if desired, divided

  • 450g beef mince

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • 3 cups fresh basil leaves, divided

  • 2 medium carrots, julienned or coarsely grated

  • 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

  • 60ml fresh lime juice, divided

  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (such as nam pla or nuoc nam)

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • Steamed rice and lime wedges (for serving)

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and 1 chilli and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking up with a spoon and pressing down firmly to help brown, until cooked through and nicely crisped in spots, 8–10 minutes. Add broth and 2 cups basil and cook, stirring, until basil is wilted, about 2 minutes.

Toss carrots, spring onions, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and remaining chilli, 1 cup basil leaves, and 1 tablespoon oil in a small bowl.

Mix soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and remaining 3 tablespoons lime juice in another small bowl until sugar dissolves.

Top rice with beef and slaw and drizzle with soy dressing. Serve lime wedges alongside for squeezing over.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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