Bangkok Beef

Bangkok Beef Recipe - A Delicious Thai Dish with Peanut Butter and Soy Sauce

Region / culture: Asia, Southeast Asia, Thailand | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Bangkok Beef is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine. It combines tender slices of beef with a rich and nutty peanut sauce, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This recipe is perfect for those who love the intricate balance of flavors that Thai food offers - sweet, salty, sour, and spicy. It's a versatile dish that can be served over rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

History

The origins of Bangkok Beef can be traced back to the streets of Thailand, where food is an integral part of the culture. Thai cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices to create dishes with complex flavors. Bangkok Beef is inspired by traditional Thai recipes that have been passed down through generations. It embodies the spirit of Thai cooking by combining elements of different regional cuisines within Thailand, making it a beloved dish both locally and internationally.

Ingredients

0.5 cup chunky peanut butter
0.33 cup soy sauce (dark or light only)
1.5 tbsp sesame oil
6 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (reserving 3 tbsp for garnishing if desired)
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp garlic powder
1.5 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
0.75 lb (340 g) boneless beef sirloin steak
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 large carrots (julienned)
0.5 cup chopped green onions
1 medium-size red pepper (chopped)
0.5 cup unsalted peanuts
3 cup cooked rice (white only)

How to prepare

In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, cilantro, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes; set aside.
Partially freeze the steak, then slice it across the grain into 0.13 inch strips using a kitchen knife.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat and stir-fry the beef for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the carrots, onions, red pepper, and peanuts to the skillet; cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
Add rice and the prepared peanut sauce to the skillet; heat thoroughly.
Transfer the cooked beef to a large bowl.
Serve the dish warm and plain, over rice, or with other main dishes. Sprinkle with the remaining cilantro, if desired.

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute the beef with chicken or tofu. You can also vary the vegetables according to what's in season or your personal preference. Adding broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms can introduce new flavors and textures.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the beef is tender and flavorful, partially freeze the steak before slicing. This makes it easier to cut into thin, even strips that will cook quickly and evenly. When stir-frying, make sure the skillet or wok is very hot before adding the beef. This will help to sear the meat, locking in the juices and flavor. For the peanut sauce, adjust the amount of soy sauce and lemon juice to taste, depending on your preference for saltiness and acidity.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bangkok Beef over a bed of steamed white rice for a complete meal. You can also pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to add more fiber and nutrients.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe. It's a quick and healthy way to cook, as it retains the nutrients of the ingredients while still achieving a flavorful result. Make sure to prep all your ingredients before you start cooking, as stir-frying requires fast action.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're allergic to peanuts, you can substitute almond butter or tahini for the peanut butter. Tamari can be used instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option, and any neutral oil can replace the vegetable oil if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

The peanut sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The vegetables can also be prepped and stored in airtight containers. This will save you time when you're ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Bangkok Beef in a large bowl, garnished with extra chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for added texture. A lime wedge on the side adds a pop of color and allows guests to adjust the acidity to their liking.

Pairing Recommendations

Bangkok Beef pairs well with a light, crisp beer or a glass of Riesling. The sweetness of the wine complements the spicy and savory flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a little water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Bangkok Beef contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a suitable option for those looking for a nutritious and filling meal that supports an active lifestyle.

Carbohydrates

This dish contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the rice and vegetables. The carbohydrates provide energy, making this a great meal option for those needing a boost throughout the day.

Fats

Bangkok Beef is moderately high in fats, with about 18 grams per serving. The fats come from the peanut butter, sesame oil, and vegetable oil used in the recipe. These are mostly healthy fats that can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Proteins

Each serving of Bangkok Beef offers a good source of protein, with about 25 grams. The protein comes from the sirloin steak and peanuts, making this dish an excellent option for muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A from the carrots, vitamin C from the red pepper, and various B vitamins from the beef. It also contains minerals like iron and magnesium, which are essential for health.

Alergens

The main allergens in this recipe are peanuts, soy, and sesame. Those with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this dish or find suitable substitutions.

Summary

Bangkok Beef is a balanced meal that offers a good mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It's rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious option for a main meal. However, it does contain allergens like peanuts, soy, and sesame, which some individuals may need to avoid.

Summary

Bangkok Beef is a flavorful and nutritious dish that brings the essence of Thai cuisine to your table. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences. With its rich flavors and healthful ingredients, it's sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, during one of my travels to Thailand, when I stumbled upon a small, hidden gem of a restaurant in Bangkok. The aroma of spices and herbs wafted through the air, drawing me in like a moth to a flame.

As I walked in, I was greeted by the warm smile of an elderly woman who introduced herself as Mrs. Somchai. She welcomed me with open arms and invited me to sit down at a table near the kitchen. I watched in awe as she moved gracefully around the stove, tossing ingredients into a sizzling wok with the precision and expertise of a master chef.

Curious and eager to learn, I struck up a conversation with Mrs. Somchai, asking her about the dish she was preparing. She explained that it was a traditional Thai recipe called Bangkok Beef, a savory and spicy stir-fry dish made with tender strips of beef, fresh vegetables, and a medley of aromatic spices.

Intrigued, I asked Mrs. Somchai if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. To my surprise and delight, she agreed, inviting me to join her in the kitchen to learn the secrets of creating this delectable dish.

Over the course of the next few hours, I watched and took notes as Mrs. Somchai patiently guided me through each step of the cooking process. She showed me how to marinate the beef in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, allowing the flavors to infuse and tenderize the meat.

Next, she demonstrated the art of stir-frying, teaching me how to sear the marinated beef in a smoking hot wok until it was caramelized and fragrant. She added a vibrant mix of colorful vegetables, including bell peppers, snow peas, and baby corn, along with a handful of spicy Thai chilies for an extra kick.

As the dish came together, Mrs. Somchai sprinkled in a magical blend of seasonings, including lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai basil, infusing the Bangkok Beef with a burst of exotic flavors that danced on my taste buds.

Finally, she plated the dish with a flourish, garnishing it with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors. I took a tentative bite, savoring the tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and fragrant spices that melded together in perfect harmony.

From that moment on, Bangkok Beef became a beloved staple in my culinary repertoire, a taste of Thailand that brought back memories of that fateful day in Mrs. Somchai's kitchen. I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this delicious dish to future generations.

As I sit here now, in my own kitchen, preparing Bangkok Beef for dinner, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover this recipe. It reminds me of the power of food to connect us to new cultures and experiences, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with those we love.

So, as I take my first bite of Bangkok Beef, I am transported back to that tiny restaurant in Bangkok, where Mrs. Somchai's smile lit up the room and the flavors of Thailand danced on my palate. And I am reminded once again of the magic of cooking, and the endless possibilities that await us in the kitchen.