Thai Stir-fried Beef with Chillies

Thai Stir-fried Beef with Chillies Recipe - Delicious and Bold Exotic Flavors

Region / culture: China, Thailand | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Thai Stir-fried Beef with Chillies is a delicious and spicy dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. This recipe combines tender slices of beef with a flavorful blend of chilies, garlic, and aromatic spices. It is a popular dish in Thai cuisine that is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

History

Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China and has since spread to many other Asian countries, including Thailand. The use of chilies in Thai cuisine can be traced back to the influence of Portuguese traders who introduced the spicy peppers to the region in the 16th century. Thai Stir-fried Beef with Chillies is a modern twist on traditional Thai stir-fry dishes, incorporating bold flavors and vibrant colors.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) beef, sirloin or tenderloin, cut into long, thin slices
5 to 7 hot red chile peppers
2 tbsp chopped onion
3 cloves of garlic
1 tbsp oyster sauce
0.5 tbsp fish sauce
1 cup carrots, cut into matchsticks
2 hot red chiles, cut into strips (optional)
5 celery leaves, chopped finely
2 tbsp oil

How to prepare

Pound the hot red chile peppers, onions, and garlic together until a paste forms.
Heat the oil in a wok until hot and stir in the paste.
Add the beef and oyster sauce, stirring constantly until the beef is cooked through.
Include the fish sauce, optional chiles, carrots, and celery leaves.
Continue stir frying for a few more minutes.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the beef for a different protein option.
Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra vegetables.
Use different types of chilies for varying levels of heat.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the beef thinly and against the grain to ensure tenderness.

- Use a hot wok or skillet to quickly cook the beef and vegetables without overcooking.

- Adjust the amount of chilies to suit your spice preference.

- Be careful when handling hot chilies, as they can cause skin irritation.

- Stir-fry the ingredients in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Thai Stir-fried Beef with Chillies over steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying: A quick cooking method that involves cooking ingredients in a hot wok or skillet with constant stirring.

Ingredient Substitutions

Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for fish sauce.

- Shrimp paste can be used in place of oyster sauce.

- Any type of protein can be used in place of beef.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the chili paste and slice the beef in advance to save time when cooking. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Thai Stir-fried Beef with Chillies in a decorative bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and sliced chilies. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Thai Stir-fried Beef with Chillies with a side of steamed jasmine rice, a crisp cucumber salad, and a refreshing Thai iced tea for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 8g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 110% DV

Vitamin C: 45% DV

Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains: Fish (fish sauce), Shellfish (oyster sauce)

Summary

Thai Stir-fried Beef with Chillies is a high-protein dish that is rich in vitamins A and C. It is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, making it a balanced meal option.

Summary

Thai Stir-fried Beef with Chillies is a flavorful and spicy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Enjoy the bold flavors of Thai cuisine with this delicious stir-fry recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Thai Stir-fried Beef with Chillies. It was many years ago, during my travels through Southeast Asia. I had always been fascinated by the vibrant flavors and bold spices of Thai cuisine, and I was determined to learn as much as I could about the local culinary traditions.

One day, while wandering through a bustling market in Bangkok, I came across a tiny food stall run by an elderly woman who was cooking up a storm. The air was filled with the intoxicating fragrance of lemongrass, garlic, and chillies, and I couldn't resist stopping to watch her in action. She moved with grace and precision, tossing ingredients into a sizzling wok with the skill of a seasoned chef.

Intrigued by her technique, I struck up a conversation with her and soon learned that she had been cooking for over 50 years, passing down recipes from generation to generation. She graciously agreed to teach me how to make one of her signature dishes – Thai Stir-fried Beef with Chillies.

We spent the afternoon together, chopping, stirring, and tasting as she guided me through the intricate steps of the recipe. I watched in awe as she effortlessly transformed simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that was bursting with flavor. The secret, she told me, lay in the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy – a delicate dance that required both intuition and experience.

As we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor, I marveled at how a few humble ingredients could come together to create such a complex and satisfying dish. The tender strips of beef were perfectly seared and infused with the fiery heat of the chillies, while the fresh herbs and vegetables added a burst of freshness and color.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I continued to explore the world of Thai cuisine, seeking out new recipes and techniques wherever I went. Each dish I learned was like a treasure, a piece of culinary history that had been lovingly passed down through the ages.

Over the years, I have refined and perfected my recipe for Thai Stir-fried Beef with Chillies, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its bold flavors and spicy kick. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a go-to dish for special occasions and everyday meals alike.

As I look back on that fateful day in Bangkok, I am grateful for the chance encounter that led me to discover this incredible recipe. It has not only enriched my culinary repertoire but has also opened my eyes to the beauty and diversity of Thai cuisine. I will always cherish the memories of that afternoon spent in the company of a wise and talented cook, learning the secrets of a dish that has since become a beloved favorite in my home.