Weeknight Win: Basil Beef Stir Fry in 25 Minutes

If you’re craving something flavorful, fast, and loaded with veggies—this Basil Beef Stir Fry is about to be your new go-to. It’s sweet, savory, and packed with fresh basil that gives it a bright, fresh flavor without needing a ton of ingredients or prep. Bonus: it comes together in just 25 minutes, so it’s perfect for those what’s-for-dinner nights when you’re juggling homework help, post-practice pickup, or a baby on your hip.

This one has been a hit with my crew—and I love that it uses ground beef (budget-friendly and easy to cook with) and simple pantry staples. Let’s get into it!

Ingredients

Serves 6 | Total Time: 25 minutes

Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 5 garlic cloves, grated or minced

Stir Fry:

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• 8 ounces snow peas (halved if you like)

• 1 cup shelled edamame

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1½ lb ground beef (I use 93% lean)

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

• Cooked brown or white rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Make the Sauce:In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, and honey. Add in the grated or minced garlic and give it a good stir. Set this aside—it’s going to bring major flavor.

2. Cook the Veggies:Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the red onion, snow peas, and edamame. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring now and then, until the onions are soft and the edamame starts to brown a bit.

3. Brown the Beef:Remove the veggies and set aside. Add the ground beef to the same skillet and break it up with a spatula. Let it cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes so it gets a little browned but is still slightly pink.

4. Bring It All Together:Pour the sauce into the skillet, and tear in those beautiful basil leaves. Stir and cook until the beef is fully cooked and the basil is wilted and fragrant. Return the veggies to the pan, toss everything to combine, and you’re done!

5. Serve:Scoop over a bed of rice (we’ve done both white and brown—it’s great either way) and dig in. You can also serve it in lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option. We also love to serve this with a side of dumplings or potstickers (Costco's are the best!).

This stir fry is one of those meals that feels fancy but is honestly so simple. Plus, you can prep the sauce earlier in the day and store it in the fridge, so dinner comes together even faster when everyone’s hangry. 😉

Let me know if you try it—and tag me if you make it!

Want more simple, nourishing recipes like this one? They’re inside the Wilma App along with short workouts, health tips, and real-life strategies made for moms. 💪