Thai beef with coconut milk rice is a dish inspired by Thai cuisine that combines savory and slightly sweet flavors. The recipe features tender slices of beef cooked in a savory sauce made with ingredients like soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and ginger. The dish is served over a bed of fluffy, fragrant coconut milk rice, which is infused with lemongrass and lime leaves for an authentic Thai flavor. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves bold and exotic flavors and is looking to try a new take on traditional beef and rice dishes.
This is one of the simplest Thai recipes to make at home with no fancy ingredients required! You can easily find everything you need in your favorite market.
If you’re not sure about liking Thai food then this is a good introductory recipe, as long as you’re ok with spicy hot food. My finicky family didn’t even know it was Thai. I told them it was spicy, garlic beef. Heehee. They have preconceived notions about certain foods so I only tell them as much as they need to know. No one gets hurt and everyone eats.
The spicy ground beef is made in a frying pan while the coconut rice is cooking. It’s made with jasmine rice, coconut milk, water and a little salt. You just know something wonderful is afoot when the exotic scent of jasmine rice hits your nose. It turns out so creamy and delicious it just about melts in your mouth.
The beef is made with ground sirloin, garlic, red jalapeno peppers, soy sauce, fish sauce (or Worcestershire), a smidgen of brown sugar and fresh basil. It’s pretty darn spicy – you can cut down on the jalapenos a little but you don’t want to cut them out completely because they “make” the dish. I know a lot of you don’t like or want to use fish sauce so you can use Worcestershire in its place.
The squeeze of fresh lime is the finishing touch you don’t want to overlook. It makes all the flavors really come alive and balances out the salty-sweetness of it.
If you’re staring at that package of ground beef with a feeling of dread over eating the same old meatloaf or burger for dinner and hoping some new idea will fall out of the sky into your lap then. . .
Consider your wish granted.
Why Thai food is a popular choice ?
Thai cuisine is beloved by many due to its unique blend of flavors, aromas, and spices. With a focus on fresh, bold ingredients and a balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour flavors, Thai dishes are flavorful and satisfying. Thai food also often incorporates a variety of fresh vegetables, lean protein sources, and healthy fats, making it a great choice for those looking for nutritious and delicious meals. Additionally, many Thai dishes feature ingredients known for their health benefits, such as turmeric, lemongrass, and galangal.
Some serving suggestions for Thai Beef with Coconut Milk Rice could include:
- Serve the beef and rice in separate bowls, allowing diners to mix and match as they please.
- Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil, which can add a bright, herbal note to the rich, spicy flavors.
- Serve the dish with a side of steamed vegetables, like broccoli or bok choy, to add some extra nutrients and a pop of color.
- Offer additional condiments or toppings, like lime wedges, chopped peanuts, or sliced chilies, which can be added to taste.
These suggestions can help make the dish even more enjoyable and flavorful for those who try it.
Ingredients
- 1 + 1/4 cups jasmine rice
- 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
- salt
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 red jalapeno peppers, seeded and sliced into 1-inch matchsticks
- 1 pound ground sirloin
- 1 heaping tablespoon minced fresh basil
- lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Add the rice, coconut milk, 3/4 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring it up to a boil then reduce heat to a slow simmer. Put a lid on it and cook about 25 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Meanwhile in a small bowl stir the fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar together.
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat and add the oil. Cook the garlic and peppers, stirring often until the peppers are tender.
Add the ground beef and turn the heat up to medium. Break the meat apart as it cooks. Once the meat is completely cooked through turn off the heat and tip the pan so the grease runs to one side. Scoop it out with a spoon and discard.
Turn the heat back up to medium and add the soy sauce mixture and basil. Cook 1 - 2 minutes, stirring well so the soy sauce seasons all the meat.
To serve spoon the meat over the rice with lime wedges on the side (squeeze a little over top as you eat).
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