Whole30 Thai Basil Beef
Try this Whole30 Thai Basil Beef recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Whole30 Thai Basil Beef recipe, or contribute your own.
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp. red boat fish sauce
- cilantro for serving
- 1.5 lbs. flank steak
- 2 tbsp. + 1 tsp. avocado or olive oil
- 2 tsp. arrowroot
- 1/2 white onion very thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper seeds/core removed and very thinly sliced
- 1-2 thai chiles very thinly sliced (or sub for 1/4 tsp
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos (i prefer big tree farms)
- 1 cup thai or regular basil packed
- Carbohydrate 11.1429 g
- Cholesterol 238.13599425 mg
- Fat 49.2008593935 g
- Fiber 2.75099987506866 g
- Protein 146.319751371 g
- Saturated Fat 20.3047811679 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (812g)
- Sodium 447.890392616667 mg
- Sugar 8.39190012493134 g
- Trans Fat 6.99877058005 g
- Calories 1109 calories
Step-by-step
- Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a skillet, pound out the flank steak to help tenderize and thin it out a bit (optional). I like to try and get mine 1/2 inch thick.
- Using a very sharp knife, carefully slice the meat against the grain as thinly as possible. For the really long strips of meat, cut them in half lengthwise to make them a bit more bite sized.
- Place sliced steak in a bowl + season with kosher salt and pepper, to taste.
- Add 1 tsp. oil and 2 tsp. of arrowroot. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat a skillet over high heat.
- Add 2 tbsp. oil and when hot, sear the meat on both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Be careful not to overcrowd you pan. You want each piece to get a good sear for the best results. I do mine in batches until all browned.
- As they are done, set the browned pieces aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the onions, garlic, bell peppers, and thai chiles and season with a little salt and pepper.
- Saute until the onions are very tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Beef back into the skillet.
- Add the coconut aminos and the fish sauce.
- Let simmer until the sauce reduces and thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the basil.
- Remove from heat and toss the basil into the hot stir fry until just wilted.
- Serve immediately with cauliflower rice (optional) and garnish with cilantro (if desired).
My Whole30 Thai Basil Beef Adventure: A Busy Mom's Culinary Escape
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling deadlines at the office, school runs, and keeping the family fed, finding time for myself, let alone elaborate cooking, feels like a distant dream. But this Whole30 Thai Basil Beef recipe? It's my secret weapon for a quick, healthy, and unbelievably delicious meal that even my picky eaters gobble up. And trust me, I’ve tried countless recipes before settling on this one.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients required. It’s all about fresh, high-quality produce and a few simple seasonings working in perfect harmony. I usually prep the ingredients the night before – slicing the beef thinly against the grain, preparing the veggies and measuring out my spices. This makes the cooking process a breeze even when I'm rushing after work. The prep time, believe me, is an investment worth making, the flavor is amazing!
The fragrant basil, the slight kick from the Thai chiles (adjust to your spice preference, of course!), and the savory depth of the coconut aminos create a flavor profile that’s both exciting and comforting. I love using flank steak because it's relatively inexpensive and cooks up beautifully when sliced thin. The quick sear gives the beef such beautiful color and a delightful char, and the sauce is just mouthwatering. My kids love the fact that it's served with cauliflower rice, so I’m happy to sneak in a healthy serving of vegetables. It always leaves everyone satisfied but not overly full and heavy.
This recipe isn't just about the ease of preparation; it's about the feeling of accomplishment I get from creating a delicious and healthy meal for my family from scratch. It’s my way of showing them I care, even on the most hectic of days. It's also a small moment of peace amidst the chaos – the rhythmic sizzle of the beef in the pan, the tantalizing aroma filling the kitchen, a tiny bit of sanctuary from a busy world.
The best part? Leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day! I often pack it for lunch, a satisfying and flavorful alternative to my usual desk-lunch boredom. I sometimes add a fried egg on top of my leftovers for extra protein. This recipe has become a staple in our house, a testament to the fact that healthy eating and delicious food don't have to be mutually exclusive. And who knows, maybe I'll even find time to experiment with different vegetable combinations! Perhaps adding broccoli or mushrooms would add another delightful layer of flavour?
Beyond the practical benefits, this recipe represents something more. It's a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, we can find moments of joy and connection through simple acts like cooking a wholesome meal. It's a small act of self-care and a way to nurture my family, one delicious bite at a time. For me, the Whole30 Thai Basil Beef is more than just a recipe; it’s a small act of love and a testament to the power of simple pleasures.
So, if you’re a busy mom (or anyone, really!) searching for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal, give this recipe a try. You might just discover your new favorite weeknight dinner. This is also a great recipe to make if you are looking to make a big batch of food for meal prepping. Its super easy to make a double batch and keep them in the fridge.
Tips and Variations:
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Thai chiles to your preference. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit them entirely or use a milder pepper. For a really spicy version, feel free to add extra chilies.
Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or zucchini to the stir-fry.
Protein: This recipe can be easily adapted to use other proteins, such as chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or shrimp.
Serving Suggestions: Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a bed of greens for a complete meal.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
