About the Recipe
Embark on a culinary journey with this Thai-inspired Spiced Beef Stir-Fry served with steamed rice. This dish combines lean beef with a vibrant array of vegetables, all brought to life by the aromatic Thai 7 Spice blend. It's a healthy, flavour-packed meal that's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and delicious, offering a balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
METHOD
Rinse the rice in cold water until clear. Add to a rice cooker or large pot with 500ml of water. If using a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
While rice cooks, mix sliced beef with 1 teaspoon of Thai 7 Spice Blend in a bowl. Marinate for 10 minutes.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok over high heat. Add marinated beef, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
In the same wok, add remaining oil. Stir-fry garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add onion, peppers, sugar snap peas, and baby corn. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Return beef to the wok. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and remaining Thai 7 Spice Blend. Stir-fry for 2 minutes to combine flavours.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh coriander.
Fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
Serve the stir-fry over beds of steamed rice, garnished with chopped peanuts if desired.
INGREDIENTS
500g lean beef sirloin, thinly sliced
250g dried white rice
2 tsp Thai 7 Spice Blend No.20
2 tbsp vegetable oil
200g mixed peppers, sliced
150g sugar snap peas
100g baby corn, halved lengthwise
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 lime, juiced
1 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped (optional)
30g unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped (optional)
Typical Nutritional Content
While this specific dish is a modern creation, it draws inspiration from traditional Thai stir-fries. Stir-frying has been used in Thai cuisine for centuries, influenced by Chinese culinary techniques. The use of a spice blend like Thai 7 Spice nods to Thailand's rich history of spice trade and the complex flavour profiles that define Thai cooking.
The combination of beef with vibrant vegetables is reminiscent of dishes like'Neua Pad Prik', a spicy beef stir-fry popular in Thailand. However, this recipe takes a healthier approach by using lean beef and a variety of colourful vegetables, aligning with modern nutritional preferences while maintaining the bold flavours of traditional Thai cuisine.
The Thai 7 Spice Blend encapsulates the essence of Thai flavours, with its harmonious mix of ginger, garlic, chilli, coriander, and star anise among other spices. This blend, inspired by ancient spice routes and Thai culinary expertise, transforms this simple stir-fry into a dish that captures the vibrant spirit of Thai street food markets.
Serving the stir-fry with steamed white rice reflects an authentic Thai dining experience. In Thailand, stir-fried dishes are commonly accompanied by rice, which not only adds substance but also serves as a perfect canvas to soak up the flavorful sauce, creating a satisfying and balanced meal.
By combining these traditional elements with a focus on health and convenience, this Thai-Inspired Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Steamed Rice represents a fusion of culinary heritage and modern cooking practices, offering a taste of Thailand that can be easily prepared in any home kitchen.