Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (halal-certified)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 2 medium shallots, finely chopped
- 2–3 Thai bird’s eye chilies (or more, depending on your spice tolerance), finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (ensure it’s halal-certified)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (ensure it’s halal-certified)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (ensure it’s halal-certified)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (Thai basil is preferred, but regular basil works too)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or any rice of your choice)
- Optional: Sliced cucumbers and chopped cilantro for garnish
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: The star of the dish, providing a rich, savory base. Ensure you’re using halal-certified ground beef.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami-packed depth to the sauce and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Fish Sauce: This fermented sauce gives the dish a savory, briny kick that is essential to the authentic Thai flavor.
- Thai Basil: Fresh basil is key to this recipe, giving the dish its signature herby fragrance and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with the garlic and ginger.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the salty and spicy elements of the dish.
- Lime Juice: The fresh, tangy lime juice helps cut through the richness of the beef and adds a refreshing note.
Instructions
Prepare the Beef and Aromatics:
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped shallots to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the shallots become translucent.
- Add the Chilies: Toss in the chopped Thai bird’s eye chilies (adjust the amount based on how spicy you want the dish to be) and stir for another 30 seconds to release their heat.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- Add the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan and break it apart with a spatula or spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and browned.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to absorb into the beef and for all the flavors to meld together.
Add the Basil and Lime:
- Add the Fresh Basil: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the fresh basil leaves. Cook for another 2 minutes until the basil wilts and becomes fragrant.
- Finish with Lime: Remove from the heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice. This adds a refreshing zing to the dish that elevates all the flavors.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Serve the Beef: Spoon the cooked beef mixture over a bowl of steaming jasmine rice.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with optional garnishes such as sliced cucumbers and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately for a delicious, comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 30g