EASY Thai Basil Beef
Here's what to make this week for dinner
You’re going to be really over turkey & stuffing in about T-minus 5 days. Save this email for when this happens. I’ve got an easy weeknight dinner for you that is a complete 180 from Thanksgiving. Complete with a grocery list. It’s gluten free, dairy free and with it’s salty/sweet flavor profile you’ll be amazed at how many members of your family it can please. It’s Thai Basil Beef - full disclosure: Thai basil is hard to find. It’s found easily at an asian supermarket and it’s worth the effort. It has a more minty, anise flavor than conventional Italian basil. But you can totally use regular basil here. This recipe dirties about 2 pots and it’s a complete meal: Rice, Protein & Veggies. You’ll find the recipe and the grocery list below.
I <3 my Vitamix
I am so in love with my (2!) Vitamix blenders. They get used daily in my house. I use them for the obvious things like smoothies and dips, but they are a workhorse for all sorts of kitchen tasks: I chop onion, carrot, celery, garlic for bolognese sauce in it. I blitz garlic, shallot, chilies, lime zest and cilantro for a fresh green curry paste. It blends pureed soups into a texture that will blow your mind. So I have people ask me alot about which model of Vitamix is the best - there are lots to choose from. I have used nearly al the models due to working in various kitchens and photo studios. I’m here to tell you that my pick is one of the least expensive models. It looks like it’s on sale for Black Friday. It’s simple to use and you can buy it in two different sizes. I like the 48 ounce because it makes a smoothie for one or it will blend soup for 4 - it’s absolutely perfect. If I didn’t already have two of these babies, this is what I’d like sitting under my tree next month.
Grocery List
1 pound ground beef (I opt for grass fed 80/20)
olive, avocado or coconut oil
1 pound veggies (broccoli, green beans or bell peppers)
1 small onion or shallot
garlic (6 cloves)
Basil or Thai Basil (about 1 cup)
soy sauce
brown sugar
1 lime
white rice or rice noodles (up to you!)
Thai Basil Beef
serves 4
You need:
a medium pot that has a tight fitting lid (to cook rice & steam veggies)
steamer basket for the veggies
Stir Fry Ingredients:
2 tablespoons oil (olive, avocado or coconut)
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion or shallot, thinly sliced
4-6 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound steamed veggies (see below) or 1 large bell pepper, sliced
1 cup whole Thai basil leaves (regular basil is ok too!)
Sauce Ingredients:
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for GF)
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Juice and zest of half a lime
Cooked white rice or rice noodles, for serving
A note on steaming: I like to pre-steam my vegetables (broccoli & green beans) rather than cook them in the stir fry. Here’s why… I think they don’t cook so evenly in the pan with the meat - it’s hard to find a pan big enough to fit all the meat and all the veggies. Also steaming is healthy way to lock in nutrients. If you don’t want to take this extra step, then don’t. Just cook your veg in with the beef.
Get the veggies steaming: Put a few inches of water in the bottom of your pot, then top with a steamer basket. Bring the water to a simmer. Add in 1 pound of broccoli florets or trimmed green beans - or a mix! Steam for 5-8 minutes until just tender and then set aside. If you’re using bell peppers you’ll cook those in the pan with the beef rather than steaming.
Make the sauce: Stir together: 2 tablespoons soy sauce , 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, juice and zest of half a lime. Set aside.
Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add 2 tablespoons oil. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon and stirring often, about 6 minutes. Add bell pepper (if using!), onion and garlic to the beef and cook until vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes. Pour over the sauce and stir. Turn off the heat, add in the whole basil leaves and stir letting them wilt slightly.
Serve immediately with rice and top with your favorite chili oil, chili crisp or hot sauce.