Quick & Simple Basil Beef Stir-Fry

Another week, another gloriously hot summer here in London! I have to say, London is stunning when the sun’s out—the city seems to glow, and everything feels that much more alive.

With the heat, quick and simple meals have been the go-to. And I realised—I haven’t shared a stir-fry recipe in ages! So, let’s fix that with one of my all-time favourites: a quick, delicious basil beef stir-fry. It’s a winner in our house, easy to make and packed with flavour.

Since beef’s the main star here, I like to splurge a little on a good cut, like beef fillet. But if you’re after a more budget-friendly option, thinly sliced feather steak works just as well for quick cooking.

And don’t skimp on the basil! This dish is all about that big, fresh, aromatic handful. Thai basil is ideal if you can find it for that extra punch, but sweet basil will also do nicely. My tip? Add the basil right at the end, off the heat, so it keeps its fresh flavour and doesn’t wilt too much.

As for garlic—don’t hold back! I often go a bit overboard with it, because the fragrance pairs so well with the beef and basil.

This basil beef stir-fry is ready in minutes, making it the perfect mid-week recipe for when you want a quick, flavourful meal without the fuss. Give it a go and enjoy a taste of summer in every bite! ☀️

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 2-3 persons

Ingredients:

2 tbsp sunflower oil

3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped

1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into matchsticks

250g beef fillet, thinly sliced

50g basil leaves

For the Sauce:

1 tbsp oyster sauce

2 tsp fish sauce

1 tsp dark soya sauce

1/2 tsp cornflour

freshly grated black pepper

Method:

1. Heat 1 tbsp of the sunflower oil in a frying pan or wok over a medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onion, fry until they start to fragrant and not brown. Then, add the red pepper, mix and cook for about 2 minutes or until start to soften. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Turn the heat to high, when it starts to smoke, add the sunflower oil. Then, add the sliced beef. Stir, toss and cook for about 2 minutes or until the beef start to be brown. Add the cooked vegetables, toss to mix and further cook for about 1 minute.

3. Mix all the sauce ingredients and 2 tbsp of water. Pour over the beef and vegetables. Toss to mix. Cook for about 1 minute or until the sauce warms up. Serve warm with boiled rice or noodles.