Thai Beef Skillet Recipe: A Quick and Easy One-Pan Dinner

Table of Contents

Overview of Thai Beef Skillet Recipe

I love making Thai Beef Skillet Recipe for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a healthy and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

To make this recipe, you will need ground beef, onion, red pepper, garlic, chilies, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, lime juice and zest, and basil. These ingredients are easy to find and can be purchased at any grocery store.

The flavor of this dish is what makes it stand out. The combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and basil creates a savory and slightly sweet taste that is perfect for any palate. The addition of chilies gives it a little bit of heat, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With just one skillet, you can cook the beef and vegetables together, making cleanup a breeze. The whole dish can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.

Overall, Thai Beef Skillet Recipe is a healthy and flavorful option for anyone looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Whether you are a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to impress.

Here is a list of the ingredients you’ll need:

Ground beef
Onion
Red pepper
Garlic
Chilies
Soy sauce
Fish sauce
Sugar
Lime juice and zest
Basil

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Required Ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious Thai beef skillet recipe, there are a few key ingredients that you’ll need to have on hand. In this section, I’ll break down the required ingredients into three categories: Proteins, Vegetables, and Sauces and Seasonings.

Proteins

The star of any Thai beef skillet recipe is, of course, the beef. For this recipe, you’ll want to use a cut of beef that is tender and flavorful. I recommend using flank steak, which is a lean and tender cut that cooks quickly and is perfect for stir-frying. Other options include skirt steak or ground beef, which can also be used in this recipe.

Vegetables

To add flavor and nutrition to your Thai beef skillet, you’ll want to include a variety of vegetables. I recommend using a combination of garlic, onions, bell pepper, carrots, and Thai basil. These vegetables add color and texture to the dish, as well as a range of vitamins and minerals.

Sauces and Seasonings

To give your Thai beef skillet its signature flavor, you’ll need a few key sauces and seasonings. Soy sauce is a must-have ingredient, as it adds saltiness and seasoning to the beef, as well as helping to make it tender. Fish sauce is another essential ingredient, as it adds a savory umami flavor to the dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, while lime juice provides a tangy acidity. Finally, fresh basil, vegetable oil, sesame seeds, and a blend of herbs and spices round out the dish and give it depth of flavor.

Overall, the required ingredients for a Thai beef skillet recipe are simple and easy to find at most grocery stores. With a few key ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a delicious and healthy meal that will impress your family and friends.

Cooking Instructions

Preparation Steps

To prepare the Thai Basil Beef Skillet, I first gather all the ingredients. I need ground beef, onion, red pepper, garlic, chilies, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, lime juice and zest, and basil. I chop the onion, red pepper, garlic, and chilies and set them aside. Then, I wash and chop the basil leaves.

Cooking Process

I heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and onion. I cook them until the meat is cooked through, which takes about 10 minutes. Next, I add the red pepper, garlic, and chilies and cook them until fragrant, which takes about 2 more minutes.

After that, I add the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, lime juice and zest, and basil. I stir everything together and cook until the basil starts to wilt, which takes about 1 minute. At this point, the dish is ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

The Thai Basil Beef Skillet is perfect for dinner or lunch. I like to serve it with steamed rice or noodles. It can also be served with a side of vegetables such as broccoli or green beans.

This dish has a prep time of about 15 minutes and a cook time of about 15 minutes, which means it can be ready in just 30 minutes. The total time may vary depending on the cooking skills and equipment used.

To summarize, the Thai Basil Beef Skillet is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be prepared using a skillet. It involves stir-frying the beef and vegetables and then simmering them in a flavorful sauce. It can be served with rice or noodles, and it takes about 30 minutes to prepare.

Nutritional Information

As someone who is conscious about my health, I always make sure to check the nutritional information of the food I eat. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for the Thai Beef Skillet recipe:

Calories: The dish contains approximately 400-500 calories per serving, depending on the serving size and ingredients used.
Fat: The recipe contains a moderate amount of fat, mostly from the beef and cooking oil. However, you can reduce the fat content by using lean beef or substituting with ground turkey or chicken.
Saturated Fat: Saturated fat is a type of fat that can increase your cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease. The dish contains a moderate amount of saturated fat, mostly from the beef. However, you can reduce the saturated fat by using lean beef and reducing the amount of cooking oil.
Cholesterol: The recipe contains approximately 50-60mg of cholesterol per serving, mostly from the beef. If you’re watching your cholesterol intake, you can reduce the amount of beef or substitute with a leaner protein source.
Fiber: The dish contains a moderate amount of fiber, mostly from the vegetables. However, you can increase the fiber content by adding more vegetables or serving the dish with brown rice or quinoa.
Sodium: The recipe contains a moderate amount of sodium, mostly from the soy sauce and fish sauce. However, you can reduce the sodium content by using low-sodium soy sauce and fish sauce.
Iron: The dish contains a moderate amount of iron, mostly from the beef. Iron is an essential mineral that helps transport oxygen in the body.
Potassium: The recipe contains a moderate amount of potassium, mostly from the vegetables. Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.
Vitamin A: The dish contains a moderate amount of vitamin A, mostly from the vegetables. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that helps maintain healthy vision, skin, and immune system.
Vitamin C: The recipe contains a moderate amount of vitamin C, mostly from the vegetables. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps boost the immune system and promote healthy skin.
Calcium: The dish contains a small amount of calcium, mostly from the vegetables. Calcium is an essential mineral that helps maintain strong bones and teeth.
Carbohydrates: The dish contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, mostly from the vegetables and rice. However, you can reduce the carbohydrate content by serving the dish with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Overall, the Thai Beef Skillet recipe is a healthy and nutritious dish that provides a balance of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Alternative Proteins

While ground beef and flank steak are the traditional proteins for Thai beef skillet, there are several alternative proteins that can be used to make this dish. Ground turkey is a great option for a healthier alternative to ground beef. Chicken and pork can also be used instead of beef, though the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Vegetarian Options

For vegetarians, the beef can be substituted with tofu or tempeh. Coconut milk can be used instead of oyster sauce to give the dish a creamy texture. Tamari can be used in place of low sodium soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

Adjusting Flavors

To make the dish spicier, jalapeno or serrano chili can be added. Red curry paste can also be used to give the dish a bolder flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, Italian basil or regular basil can be used instead of Thai basil leaves.

Here are some other tips for adjusting the flavors of the dish:

Add more coconut milk to make the dish creamier
Use canola oil or olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a healthier option
Adjust the amount of soy sauce or oyster sauce to your liking
Add more vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to make the dish more colorful and nutritious

Overall, Thai beef skillet is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer spicy or mild, bold or subtle, there are plenty of ways to adjust the flavors to your liking.

Additional Tips and FAQs

Cooking Tips

To save time, I recommend using pre-sliced beef or cutting the beef ahead of time.
For a healthier option, try serving this dish with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
If you want to add more vegetables to this dish, snow peas or broccoli would be a great addition.
Don’t skip the lime wedges and fresh lime juice! They add a bright, tangy flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
When stir-frying the beef, make sure to use high heat and cook it quickly to avoid overcooking and toughening the meat.
To get a nice sear on the beef, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels before cooking.
Season the beef with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. However, the beef may be slightly less tender when reheated.
How long does this dish take to make? This dish takes about 20 minutes to make from start to finish, making it a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, you can use chicken instead of beef in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use different vegetables in this dish? Yes, you can use different vegetables in this dish. Bell peppers and scallions are a great addition, but you can also add carrots, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you like.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until heated through.
If the dish has dried out a bit, you can add a splash of broth or water to help rehydrate it.