Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice
Get ready for a delightful meal that’s packed with flavor and comfort! Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice combines juicy ground beef flavored with aromatic basil and savory sauces, all served over creamy coconut rice. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends on the weekend.
Why make this recipe?
This recipe is not just delicious; it is also simple to make and can be prepared in under 30 minutes! The combination of fresh Thai basil, fragrant garlic, and rich coconut creates a wonderful harmony that tantalizes your taste buds. Plus, it offers a great way to bring a taste of Thailand right into your kitchen!
How to prepare Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef 🥩
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves 🌿
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 🛢️
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce 🍜
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 🌊
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce 🐟
- 1 teaspoon sugar 🍬
- 1 cup rice 🍚
- 1 cup coconut milk 🥥
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- Chili flakes (optional) 🌶️
Instructions:
- Start by rinsing your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
- In a pot, combine the rinsed rice and coconut milk. Add a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- While the rice is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like some heat, you can also sprinkle in chili flakes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined.
- Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and set aside.
- Just before serving, mix in the fresh Thai basil leaves into the beef mixture and let them wilt for a minute.
How to serve Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice
Scoop a generous portion of coconut rice into bowls and top it with the flavorful Thai basil beef. Optionally, garnish with additional Thai basil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to store Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the beef and rice in separate containers to maintain their texture.
Tips for preparing Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice
- Make sure to use fresh Thai basil for that authentic flavor.
- Adjust the level of spice according to your preference by altering the amount of chili flakes.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and color!
Variations
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with tofu or tempeh.
- Do you love a bit of crunch? Try adding crushed peanuts on top for extra texture!
FAQs
1. Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?
Yes! You can use ground chicken, turkey, or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. What if I cannot find Thai basil?
If you can’t find Thai basil, you can use regular basil or even a mix of basil and mint for a different flavor.
3. Can I make the coconut rice without coconut milk?
You can substitute coconut milk with regular water or chicken broth for cooking the rice, but the flavor will change.
Enjoy your Thai Basil Beef Bowls with Coconut Rice! 🌟