Crockpot Thai Basil Beef

Crockpot Thai Basil Beef

Crockpot Thai Basil Beef is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine right into your home kitchen. Imagine tender beef simmered to perfection with aromatic basil, garlic, and a touch of heat, all resting in a savory sauce that coats every morsel. This recipe is a dream come true for busy home cooks looking for a quick and easy dinner solution. What’s even better? You can set it and forget it! Let the crockpot work its magic while you enjoy your day.

Did you know that Thai basil has a distinct flavor that sets it apart from sweet basil? It’s slightly spicy and has a hint of anise that adds a unique twist to your meals. If you’re already a fan of our popular Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos, you’ll love this dish, too. It combines the same effortless cooking style but with an exotic flair that will wow your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and let’s dive into this delicious journey of flavors!

What is Crockpot Thai Basil Beef?

So, what exactly is this enticing dish known as Crockpot Thai Basil Beef? In a nutshell, it’s a joyous combination of tender beef, fragrant Thai basil, and a luscious sauce that melds together beautifully in a slow cooker. But why the name, you ask? It’s a fun little nod to the fact that basil thrives in the warm, sunny weather of Thailand, and it’s undoubtedly the star of this show! Imagine walking through a bustling Thai market, the air filled with the intoxicating aroma of fresh herbs; now that’s the essence captured in this dish! As the old saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this recipe will definitely win some hearts! So, don’t just take my word for it—try it out yourself and let the flavors do the talking.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Thai Basil Beef

One of the main highlights of Crockpot Thai Basil Beef is its rich, flavorful sauce that permeates each bite, making it a standout dish for any dinner table. Plus, making it at home can save you a pretty penny compared to dining out at a Thai restaurant. Why not impress your family with a restaurant-quality dish for a fraction of the cost?

The addition of fresh basil adds a pop of color as well as a burst of flavor that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. You can also top it off with some sliced green onions, crushed peanuts, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch. When you compare it to similar recipes like Beef Stroganoff, you’ll find this dish not only offers a unique flavor profile but also a lighter, fresher alternative. Ready to create this culinary masterpiece? Let’s dive right into the recipe!

How to Make Crockpot Thai Basil Beef

Quick Overview

Crockpot Thai Basil Beef is not just an incredibly delicious dish; it’s also remarkably simple to prepare and cook. All you need to do is toss in some ingredients and let the slow cooker do its thing for about 4 to 6 hours. Whether you’re crunched for time or simply want a hassle-free cooking experience, this dish delivers on all fronts.

Key Ingredients for Crockpot Thai Basil Beef

To whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 Thai bird chilies or to taste, sliced (adjust based on your spice preference)
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Start by thinly slicing the flank steak against the grain. This ensures the meat remains tender after cooking.

2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, fish sauce, minced garlic, and sliced chilies. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the sliced beef in the crockpot, followed by the sauce mixture. Give it a good stir to ensure all the beef slices are well-coated.

4. Cook: Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. The key is to allow the beef to absorb all the flavors!

5. Add the Basil: About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves. If you prefer a thicker sauce, create a slurry with cornstarch and a bit of cold water, then stir it in.

6. Serve: Serve the Thai Basil Beef over jasmine rice, and enjoy the lively explosion of flavors!

What to Serve Crockpot Thai Basil Beef With

Crockpot Thai Basil Beef pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Some popular options include steamed jasmine rice, which beautifully complements the rich sauce, or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch. If you’re looking for something with a bit more zing, a side of Thai spring rolls can add an extra layer of authenticity to your meal. Not to forget, a chilled Thai iced tea works perfectly to balance the spices and enhance the overall dining experience.

Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Thai Basil Beef

To achieve the best results with your Crockpot Thai Basil Beef, consider the following tips:

• Beef Selection: Flank steak is ideal due to its tenderness, but you can also use sirloin or round steak if preferred.

• Basil Variety: While fresh Thai basil is preferred, you can use sweet basil in a pinch. Just know it’ll alter the flavor slightly.

• Spice Levels: Adjust the number of chilies according to your preference; you can always add more heat later with a hot sauce if necessary.

• Meal Prep: Make this dish ahead of time, as the flavors get better the longer they sit. Perfect for meal planning!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is often the case with this delicious recipe), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing the beef. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to ensure you don’t dry out the beef. Add a splash of water or broth to create steam, which keeps the meat tender and flavorful.

Now that you have all the insights, it’s time to grab those ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure with this fabulous Crockpot Thai Basil Beef. Enjoy the cooking process, and get ready to delight in a dish that will leave your taste buds dancing!

Crockpot Thai Basil Beef

A delightful dish featuring tender beef simmered with aromatic basil, garlic, and a savory sauce, perfect for busy home cooks.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Thai

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain Use flank steak for the best tenderness.
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 pieces Thai bird chilies, sliced Adjust based on your spice preference.
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves Fresh basil preferred for best flavor.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional) For thickening the sauce.
• 4 cups cooked jasmine rice For serving.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain to ensure tender meat.
2. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, fish sauce, minced garlic, and sliced chilies. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Place the sliced beef in the crockpot and pour the sauce mixture over it. Stir to coat.

Cooking

1. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
2. About 10 minutes before serving, stir in fresh Thai basil leaves. If using cornstarch, create a slurry and mix in for a thicker sauce.

Serving

1. Serve the Thai Basil Beef over jasmine rice and enjoy the flavors.

Notes

Consider using sirloin or round steak if flank steak isn’t available. Adjust spice levels to your preference by using more or fewer chilies. This dish can be made ahead of time for better flavor development.