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Easy Thai Basil Beef with Peanut Salsa

This easy Thai basil beef recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring sweet Thai chili sauce and fresh basil, paired with tender rice noodles and topped with a zesty peanut salsa.
Perfect for weeknight meals, it delivers bold Thai-inspired flavors in just 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Noodles
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4

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.
Keyword Basil beef recipe, Easy Food Recipes, Easy Thai recipe, Peanut salsa topping, Quick Thai beef noodles, Thai noodle dinner
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