Ground beef with basil, chile, and zucchini
Low-Carb Thai Beef Basil and Zucchini
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
27 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Low-Carb Thai Beef Basil and Zucchini
Ground beef with basil, chile, and zucchini
A low-carb skillet inspired by Thai basil beef, paired with zucchini instead of rice for a faster dinner.
15m
Prep Time
12m
Cook Time
27m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
The appeal of basil beef is that it tastes bold with very little setup. That is useful when you want low-carb dinner without feeling like you are compromising too much.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 zucchini, half moons
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 shallot
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 red chile or flakes
- 1 cup basil leaves
HeatTool
Test Kitchen Pick
Wok
Helpful Tool
Why a wok helps here
High-heat cooking gets easier when the pan can move food quickly without steaming it. That is the real advantage for stir-fries like this one.
This recipe benefits most from faster heat response and more tossing room.
- Keeps vegetables and proteins from steaming
- Makes quick sauce reduction easier
A flat-bottom wok is the most useful upgrade if you cook stir-fries more than once in a while.
Shop wok options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Brown the beef and remove excess fat if needed.
- 2
Cook the zucchini, garlic, and shallot briefly.
- 3
Return the beef and season with fish sauce, soy sauce, and chile.
- 4
Fold in the basil just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Fish Sauce
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the fish sauce matters
This dish leans on fish sauce for a lot of its savory depth, so the bottle you use has more impact than most pantry upgrades.
This is one of the few ingredients here that noticeably changes the final dish.
- Builds the backbone of the sauce
- Useful well beyond this recipe
A better bottle makes a real difference here and pays off across Vietnamese and Thai cooking.
Shop fish sauce for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Do not overcook the zucchini.
A fried egg on top is excellent if you want more richness.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave until hot.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 bowl) · 4 servings
Calories330
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein22g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat23g
Fiber2g
Sugar5g
Sodium720mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead?
- Yes. The components or finished dish hold well if properly chilled and stored.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, or heat so it suits the way you like to cook and eat.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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