Looking for a meal that’s bold, vibrant, and ready in a flash? This easy food recipe for Thai basil beef with peanut salsa delivers a burst of flavor in just 20 minutes.
If you’re tired of complicated dishes that take hours to prepare, this simple recipe is your answer to a stress-free, delicious meal.
Why This Dish Stands Out
Thai basil beef is a culinary powerhouse that marries the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes of Thai cuisine. Adding the peanut salsa takes it to another level with a nutty crunch that perfectly complements the tender beef.
This recipe is a celebration of bold flavors made approachable for everyday cooking.
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This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but don’t have the energy for a long prep. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Key Ingredients That Make It Special
The magic of this easy recipe lies in the ingredients that bring authentic Thai flavors to life:
- Thai basil: Its peppery, slightly anise-like flavor makes this dish uniquely aromatic.
- Sweet chili sauce: A perfect balance of sweet and heat that ties the flavors together.
- Peanut salsa: Crunchy peanuts, lime, and Fresno pepper create a refreshing topping that adds texture and zing.
These components work harmoniously to create a well-rounded dish that’s anything but ordinary.
Tips for Customization
This recipe is already a winner, but a few tweaks can make it even more tailored to your needs:
- For a low-carb option: Swap the rice noodles for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Vegetarian alternative: Use crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of ground beef.
- Extra heat: Add sliced Thai chilies to the peanut salsa for a fiery kick.
- Meal prep-friendly: Prepare the beef mixture and peanut salsa ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply cook the noodles and assemble.
These adaptations ensure that everyone at the table can enjoy this dish, regardless of dietary preferences.
How to Serve It
Presentation is everything, and this recipe looks as good as it tastes. Serve the Thai basil beef over a bed of rice noodles, garnished with shaved carrots, fresh mint, and lime wedges.
The peanut salsa adds a colorful finishing touch that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
Pair it with a crisp cucumber salad or a simple side of steamed vegetables to complete the meal. The vibrant flavors and textures will leave your guests raving.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe
This dish is more than just an easy food recipe—it’s an experience. The combination of savory beef, aromatic basil, and crunchy peanut salsa offers a dynamic flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, the minimal prep and cook time mean you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe makes it easy to bring the bold flavors of Thai cuisine to your table. Ready to impress your taste buds? Try this Thai basil beef with peanut salsa today!
Easy Thai Basil Beef with Peanut Salsa
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves minced or grated
- 1 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves chopped, plus more for serving
- Juice of 2 limes
- ½ cup salted peanuts chopped
- 1 red Fresno pepper seeded and chopped
- 3 carrots shaved into ribbons
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- Fresh mint leaves for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Add the rice noodles and cook them according to the instructions on the package until they’re tender. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until fully browned, which will take about 5–8 minutes.
- Add the garlic and ginger, stirring and cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and ½ cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. Let them warm through for about 1 minute.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, and mix in the chopped basil and half of the lime juice.
- Make the Peanut Salsa: Combine the chopped peanuts, the remaining lime juice, and the chopped Fresno pepper in a small bowl. Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the noodles into four bowls. Top each portion with the peanut salsa, carrot ribbons, green onions, and fresh mint leaves, if using. Serve immediately for the best flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Sweet Thai chili sauce is a versatile ingredient that enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
- Peanut salsa adds a crunchy and zesty topping, balancing the savory flavors of the beef.
- For extra spice, include additional chopped Fresno peppers or a dash of chili flakes.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.