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Crispy Thai Basil Ground Beef Bowls Easy Spicy Zest Recipe

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A quick and flavorful Thai-inspired ground beef bowl featuring crispy beef edges, fresh Thai basil, and a spicy kick. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) 85% lean ground beef
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh Thai basil, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 red chilies, finely chopped (serrano or bird’s eye chilies recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce (or substitute with extra soy sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 stalks green onions, sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or peanut/avocado oil)
  • About 4 cups cooked jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for low-carb option

Instructions

  1. Chop garlic, red chilies, and green onions finely. Roughly chop Thai basil leaves and set aside. Measure all sauces.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add ground beef in an even layer and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to start crisping on one side.
  4. Break beef into bite-sized pieces with a spatula and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy on edges, about 6-8 minutes total. Add more oil if pan gets dry.
  5. Add minced garlic and chopped red chilies; stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
  6. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sprinkle brown sugar evenly over beef. Stir to combine and let sauce reduce slightly.
  7. Remove pan from heat and fold in chopped Thai basil and green onions. The residual heat will wilt the basil.
  8. Serve the crispy Thai basil ground beef over warm jasmine rice or cauliflower rice. Garnish with extra green onions or a lime wedge if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure beef crisps properly. Use high heat and minimal stirring to develop a crispy crust. Add basil off heat to keep flavor fresh. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water to revive crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai basil ground beef, crispy ground beef, spicy Thai beef bowl, easy Thai recipe, weeknight dinner, Thai basil recipe, ground beef bowls

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/crispy-thai-basil-ground-beef-bowls-easy-spicy-zest-recipe/