Thai Ginger Beef
Big, bold Thai flavours meet quick-seared beef in a fast, punchy stir-fry — fillet flashed in a hot pan, then tossed with ginger, garlic, chilli and pak choi in a savoury oyster-and-fish-sauce dressing. Thai basil and peanuts finish it with fragrance and crunch. It is on the table in minutes and full of grin-inducing flavour.
Why this works
- Searing the fillet hard and fast in a smoking pan keeps it tender and pink inside.
- A quick sauce of stock, oyster, fish and soy sauces delivers deep, savoury Thai flavour in one hit.
- Cooking everything fast over a high heat keeps the vegetables crisp and the beef juicy.
- Thai basil and peanuts, added at the end, bring the aromatic lift and texture that make it special.
Ingredient notes and swaps
- Fillet is tender and quick; sirloin or rump work well, sliced thinly across the grain.
- Fish sauce is key to the savoury depth; add a little more or less to taste.
- Thai basil has a distinctive aniseed note; ordinary basil will do at a push.
- Adjust the Thai chillies up or down, and deseed them for less heat.

Thai Ginger Beef
FavouriteIngredients
Method
- In a bowl mix the Stock, Oyster Sauce, Fish Sauce, Soy Sauce and Sugar
- Set Aside
- Heat the Vegetable Oil over a high heat in a frying pan
- When smoking hot add the Steak and fry for 1 minute turning once
- Set aside
- Add the Pepper and Shallots to the pan and stir fry for 2 minutes
- Add the Ginger, Garlic and Chillies
- Fry for 1 minute
- Return the Steak to the pan
- Then add the Pak Choi and fry for a further 2 minutes to ensure the Steak is browned all over
- Add the sauce mixture to the pan and cook, stirring for 2 minutes until it has reduced a little
- Take off the heat and stir in half of the Basil leaves
- Divide between 2 plates and scatter over the remaining Basil leaves, Peanuts and Spring Onions
- Serve with Noodles or Basmati Rice
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Tips for success
- Marinate the sliced beef in a little soy and cornflour for 15 minutes for extra tenderness.
- Have everything prepped before you start — the cooking is very quick.
- Get the pan properly smoking before the beef goes in for a good sear.
Make ahead, storage and reheating
- Stir-fries are a cook-to-order dish. Slice the beef, prep the vegetables and mix the sauce ahead so it comes together in minutes; do not cook until you are ready to eat.
What to serve it with
- Steamed jasmine rice or noodles soak up the sauce. A crunchy Thai-style salad on the side makes a lovely contrast.
FAQ
Which cut of beef is best? Fillet for tenderness; sirloin or rump also work, sliced thinly across the grain.
Can I make it less spicy? Yes — use fewer Thai chillies and deseed them.
What if I cannot find Thai basil? Ordinary basil works, though the aniseed note will be milder.
What should I serve it with? Jasmine rice or noodles, and perhaps a fresh Thai salad.
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