One of my favorite Bored of Lunch recipes is this Thai Basil Beef, which I adore and love making, using beef steaks, garlic, chili flakes, soy sauce, honey, and basil.

To make Thai Basil Beef in your slow cooker or crockpot, simply combine all the ingredients, cover, and set to cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 hours.

I’ve found this dish to be a real lifesaver on busy weekdays. It’s hearty, flavorful, and always a hit at the dinner table.

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Can I Use Regular Basil Instead of Thai Basil?

Thai basil adds a unique flavor that regular basil cannot fully replicate, especially its anise-like aroma. However, if Thai basil is not available, regular basil can be used as a substitute. Adding a pinch of anise or fennel seeds can help mimic the intended flavor profile.

Slow Cooker Thai Basil Beef Ingredients

• 500 grams of beef steaks, thinly sliced
• 5 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 teaspoon of chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon of ancho chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon of dried basil or Thai holy basil paste
• 1 tablespoon of Thai fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of orange juice
• 1 heaped tablespoon of cornflour, mixed into a paste with 1 tablespoon of water
• 3 tablespoons of honey
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 handful of mushrooms, halved
• 250 ml of chicken stock
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How To Make Slow Cooker Thai Basil Beef

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Add the thinly sliced beef steaks, crushed garlic cloves, chili flakes, ancho chili flakes, dried basil or Thai holy basil paste, Thai fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, orange juice, cornflour paste, honey, sliced red pepper, and halved mushrooms to the slow cooker.
2. Combine the ingredients: Pour in the chicken stock. Stir all the ingredients together to ensure they are well-mixed. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
3. Cook the mixture: Cover the slow cooker. Set to cook on high for 2½ to 3 hours or on low for 5 hours, depending on your schedule and how tender you like your beef.
4. Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce at the end of the cooking time, prepare an additional teaspoon of cornflour mixed into a paste with a little water. Stir this into the slow cooker, blend well, and allow to cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes on high to thicken the sauce.
5. Serve: Enjoy your Slow Cooker Thai Basil Beef warm and serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal.

What Are the Best Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?

For Thai Basil Beef, tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak work best as they cook quickly and stay tender. These cuts absorb the flavors well and maintain a good texture throughout the slow cooking process.

Recipe Tips

• Adjust the heat level: If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the chili flakes to half a teaspoon or omit the ancho chili flakes altogether.
• Enhance the umami flavor: Consider adding a tablespoon of oyster sauce to deepen the umami taste, which complements the beef and basil beautifully.
• Thicken the sauce effectively: For a thicker sauce without adding more cornflour, allow the dish to cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking on high.
• Balancing flavors: If the dish tastes too salty, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to cut through the saltiness and add a fresh dimension.

Recipe Variations

• Switch the protein: Replace the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast or pork for a different flavor profile while keeping the other ingredients the same.
• Add more vegetables: Toss in a cup of snap peas or sliced carrots in the last hour of cooking to add color and nutrition to this Thai dish.
• Change the basil type: Use fresh Thai basil leaves instead of dried ones to enhance the aroma and flavor; add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to preserve their freshness.
• Alter the sweetness: Substitute honey with brown sugar to achieve a deeper molasses flavor, which pairs well with the savory elements of the recipe.
• Create a citrus twist: Include a tablespoon of lemon zest or swap orange juice for lemon juice for a tangy kick that brightens the overall flavor of the dish.

What To Serve With Thai Basil Beef

Serve your Thai Basil Beef with jasmine rice, cucumber salad, steamed bok choy, sautéed green beans, and pickled vegetables. You can also pair it with chilled noodle salad or fresh spring rolls for a refreshing touch.

How To Store Leftover Thai Basil Beef

In The Fridge:

Place the leftover Thai Basil Beef in an airtight container. It should last in the fridge for up to three days. I recommend using shallow containers to cool the beef quickly and safely.

In The Freezer:

Freezing Thai Basil Beef is not recommended as the texture of the vegetables and beef may become soggy and lose their vibrant flavors upon thawing.

How To Reheat Leftover Thai Basil Beef

Reheat your leftover Thai Basil Beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or beef broth to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. For the best texture, don’t microwave.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Turkey Thighs
• Slow Cooker Coronation Chicken Curry
• Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken