Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onion and bell peppers. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to coat and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened and show light golden-brown spots. Remove the veggies from the pan and set them aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In the same pan, add the ground beef. Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a nice brown crust. Once browned on one side, use your spatula to break the meat into smaller crumbles and continue cooking until fully browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Combine with Sauce

Pour the sauce mixture (coconut aminos, oyster sauce, honey, water, fish sauce, and garlic) over the cooked beef. Stir well to coat every piece of meat. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and slightly caramelize on the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Wilt the Basil

Return the cooked vegetables to the pan. Add the fresh Thai basil leaves. Toss everything together for 30-60 seconds just until the basil begins to wilt and become aromatic. Remove from heat immediately to maintain the vibrant color of the herbs.

Step 5: Serve

Scoop the mixture over bowls of warm steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts if desired for added crunch.

Pro Tips

• Do not overcook the basil; adding it right at the end preserves its delicate flavor.
• If your sauce is too thin, let it reduce for an extra minute on the heat to create a thicker glaze.
• For extra texture, mix your crushed peanuts with a squeeze of lime juice and a dash of chili flakes before sprinkling on top.
• Ensure the pan is very hot before adding the beef to ensure it sears rather than steams.