Quick and Easy Basil Beef

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 10 mins

Difficulty: Easy

Servings: 4 Servings

I have a minor obsession with this basil beef; it is an absolutely perfect weeknight meal. Not only will it make you eschew takeout menus for years to come, but you’ll also be able to make it in 15 minutes flat with only 10 ingredients. If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is.

Ingredients

1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak, sliced thinly against the grain
2 teaspoons plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
2 teaspoons cornstarch
5 cloves garlic, chopped
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)
2 teaspoons sugar
1 cup fresh Thai or Italian basil leaves, packed
Steamed rice, for serving

Instructions

Toss the sliced beef with 2 teaspoons oil and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Heat your wok over high heat, and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Sear the beef until just browned (but still a little rare), remove from the wok, and set aside.
Add the garlic, red bell pepper, and onions to the wok and stir-fry until tender. Toss the beef back in, along with the soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and sugar. Stir-fry for another few seconds, and then fold in the basil until it’s just wilted. Serve with steamed rice.