Thai Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe
If you crave bold, fiery flavors with layers of freshness, Thai Hot and Spicy Beef is your new go-to dinner. This stir-fried sensation is tender beef tossed with a medley of vibrant vegetables, aromatic Thai basil, and a sweet-and-salty sauce that’s as addictive as it is authentic. Every bite is a celebration of spice and savory goodness, making it easy to see why this dish is adored in Thai kitchens everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Thai Hot and Spicy Beef lies in how a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients come together to create something unforgettable. Each plays a vital role — from the fiery chilies adding heat, to the fragrant basil providing a fresh finish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flank steak or sirloin (1 pound, thinly sliced): Slice against the grain for melt-in-your-mouth texture and quick cooking.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): A neutral oil perfect for high-heat stir-frying.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Sets a mouthwatering, savory base for the entire dish.
- Thai red chilies (3, thinly sliced): Bring signature heat; adjust quantity for your spice comfort zone.
- Red onion (1 small, thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and a pop of color to balance the spice.
- Red bell pepper (1, julienned): Offers crunch and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Fish sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers that essential salty, umami kick found in Thai cuisine.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Enhances the umami profile and deepens the color of the sauce.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the sauce with richness and just a hint of sweetness.
- Brown sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances out the saltiness and heat with a subtle hint of caramelized sweetness.
- Thai basil leaves (½ cup): Infuse the stir-fry with a fresh, peppery fragrance that’s unmistakably Thai.
- Lime wedges: For that final, bright splash of acidity right before serving.
- Steamed jasmine rice: The perfect fluffy bed to soak up all these delicious flavors.
How to Make Thai Hot and Spicy Beef
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you even turn on the stove, have everything sliced, minced, and ready to go. Stir-fries move fast, and a little prep work ensures that nothing overcooks or sits too long in the pan. Lay out your prepped beef, garlic, chilies, vegetables, and sauces in easy reach.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the garlic and Thai red chilies, stirring constantly for 30 seconds. That irresistible aroma is your sign that the flavors are waking up and it’s time to move to the next step.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Quickly add the thinly sliced beef. Use high heat and keep the pieces spread out so they sear instead of steam. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until browned but still moist and tender. Don’t overcook — this is where the juicy, hearty backbone of Thai Hot and Spicy Beef comes from.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Toss in the red onion and bell pepper strips. Stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until just softened. You want them to stay vibrant with a tender-crisp bite, adding beautiful contrast to the beef.
Step 5: Sauce It Up
Pour in the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sprinkle over the brown sugar. Stir well, making sure each piece of beef and vegetable gets coated in that glossy, fragrant sauce. Let it bubble for a minute so everything melds together in umami glory.
Step 6: Add Thai Basil
Turn off the heat and fold in the Thai basil leaves. The residual warmth will wilt them perfectly, releasing their bold, peppery aroma throughout your kitchen. The basil is key for finishing off the classic flavor profile of Thai Hot and Spicy Beef.
Step 7: Serve and Savor
Spoon your hot, saucy stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice and pass lime wedges on the side. Squeeze the lime just before eating for a citrusy pop that brings the whole dish together.
How to Serve Thai Hot and Spicy Beef
Garnishes
Finish Thai Hot and Spicy Beef with a scattering of fresh Thai basil leaves for both color and aroma. You can also top it with extra sliced chilies for die-hard spice fans or a light dusting of toasted sesame seeds for some nutty contrast. A wedge of lime served on the side lets each person customize every bite to their own tangy preference.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry is delicious over a steaming pile of jasmine rice, but you can turn dinner into a full Thai feast by adding sides. Try crisp cucumber salad, a tangle of pickled vegetables, or grilled baby bok choy. These cool, crunchy accompaniments balance out the heat and make your table pop with freshness and color.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, serve Thai Hot and Spicy Beef in a shallow platter garnished with extra basil and chili slices — it looks gorgeous and invites everyone to dive in. For a fun twist, stuff the hot beef and veggie mixture into lettuce cups for crowd-pleasing, hands-on bites. Or pair it with sticky rice in small bowls for a modern, restaurant-style approach.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers quickly and transfer them to an airtight container. Thai Hot and Spicy Beef will keep in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors even deepen a bit overnight, so don’t be surprised if it tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen if needed. Portion out Thai Hot and Spicy Beef into freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results. Keep in mind, the basil will lose some vibrancy, but the flavor stays fantastic.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat Thai Hot and Spicy Beef in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened in the fridge. Microwaving also works in a pinch — just cover loosely so the steam can help keep everything moist and tender.
FAQs
Is Thai Hot and Spicy Beef very spicy?
The dish has a punchy heat thanks to the Thai chilies, but you’re in control — add fewer chilies for a milder version, or more for a full-on firecracker experience!
Can I use another protein instead of beef?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken or tofu make great substitutes if you’re looking to switch things up. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for best tenderness.
Do I need Thai basil or will regular basil work?
Thai basil brings a unique, peppery bite that truly defines the flavor, but regular basil can be used in a pinch. It will still lend freshness, though the taste will be a little softer.
Can I make Thai Hot and Spicy Beef ahead of time?
You can prep ingredients ahead, and the cooked dish keeps really well overnight — just reheat before serving for peak flavor and texture.
What rice is best to serve with this dish?
Steamed jasmine rice is the classic pairing because its subtle fragrance and delicate texture soak up all those saucy flavors perfectly, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to invite more color and spice into your kitchen, give Thai Hot and Spicy Beef a try. Every forkful brims with heat, freshness, and irresistible savory notes — the sort of meal that makes you look forward to leftovers! Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular star at your dinner table.
Print
Thai Hot and Spicy Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Thai Hot and Spicy Beef recipe features tender slices of flank steak or sirloin stir-fried with garlic, Thai red chilies, red onion, and bell pepper in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. Finished with fragrant Thai basil leaves, it’s a flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice.
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Thai red chilies, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
For Serving:
- 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves or regular basil
- Lime wedges and steamed jasmine rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Stir-Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and chilies, stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Cook the Beef: Add beef, cook for 2–3 minutes until browned. Add onion and bell pepper, cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Add Sauce: Stir in fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Cook for 1 more minute.
- Finish: Turn off heat, stir in basil leaves until wilted. Serve with rice and lime wedges.
Notes
- Adjust chilies for preferred heat level.
- For a saucier dish, add a splash of beef broth or water.
- Chicken or tofu can be used as alternatives to beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (without rice)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
