Name: Creamy Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups jasmine rice; 1 tbsp neutral-tasting oil (like peanut oil); 1.1 pounds ground beef; 3 chili peppers, chopped (remove seeds to reduce heat if desired); 5 garlic cloves, minced; 3 shallots, thinly sliced; 1 tsp sugar; 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp fish sauce; 1 cup packed basil leaves; 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) full-fat unsweetened coconut milk; 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste (adjust to taste); ½ cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp fish sauce; ¼ lime, juiced; Toasted peanuts for serving

Introduction

This Creamy Thai Basil Beef Rice Bowl features caramelized ground beef simmered in a light coconut red curry broth, served over fragrant jasmine rice. It’s garlicky, spicy, and perfectly balanced with fresh basil and a hint of lime, ready in just 15 minutes for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

The image shows a white bowl filled with a dish layered in two parts. The base layer consists of fluffy white rice with visible grains filling the bottom of the bowl. On top, there is a rich, brown ground meat mixture with pieces of red chili and dark green leafy vegetables mixed in. The meat looks moist and slightly oily, sitting on a light brown sauce that spreads around the rice edges. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups jasmine rice

1 tbsp neutral-tasting oil (like peanut oil)

1.1 pounds ground beef

3 chili peppers, chopped (adjust to taste)

5 garlic cloves, minced

3 shallots, sliced

1 tsp sugar

2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

1 tbsp fish sauce

1 cup basil leaves, packed

Coconut red curry broth:

1 can (14 oz/400 ml) unsweetened full-fat coconut milk

2 tbsp Thai red curry paste (more to taste)

½ cup chicken broth

1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

1 tbsp fish sauce

¼ lime, juiced

Toasted peanuts, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the jasmine rice according to the package directions and set aside.

Step 2: While the rice cooks, mince the garlic, slice the shallots thinly, and chop the chili peppers, removing seeds if you prefer less heat.

Step 3: Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the ground beef and let it sear undisturbed for 1 minute before breaking it up into pieces.

Step 4: Add the garlic, shallots, and chilies to the pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Continue cooking until the beef is deeply browned and glossy around the edges.

Step 6: Add the basil leaves and toss them with the beef until just wilted. Transfer the beef mixture to a plate and set aside.

Step 7: In the same skillet, add the Thai red curry paste and cook for 1 minute to release its aroma.

Step 8: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.

Step 9: Add the coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice. Simmer gently for 3 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning by adding more lime juice or curry paste if desired.

Step 10: Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Pour the coconut curry broth over the rice, then top with the crispy Thai basil beef and sprinkle with toasted peanuts. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For best texture, transfer the browned beef to a plate before making the broth in the same skillet to capture all the caramelized flavor.

Serve with additional toppings like cucumber slices, shredded carrots, quick-pickled vegetables, extra basil, or a fried egg for added richness.

Pour the broth over the rice just before serving to keep the rice fluffy instead of soggy.

If your Thai red curry paste is too spicy or salty, balance it by stirring in 1 to 2 teaspoons of maple syrup.

Substitute chili peppers with thinly sliced red bell pepper for a milder dish.

FAQs

Can I use regular basil if I don’t have Thai basil?

Yes, regular basil works beautifully in this recipe when Thai or holy basil is not available. It still adds a fresh, aromatic flavor that complements the dish well.

How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?

The dish has a moderate level of heat from the chili peppers and red curry paste, but you can adjust it by reducing the number of chilies or swapping them for red bell pepper. Also, taste the curry paste before adding more to control spice levels.