This Quick and Easy Spicy Thai Beef and Jasmine Rice recipe is like a warm hug on a chaotic day—spicy, comforting, and oddly energizing. Imagine the sizzle of beef meeting the vibrant spices, while the jasmine rice just sits there, quietly absorbing all the flavors like a sponge. The simplicity is deceiving; it’s like that unexpected plot twist in a movie you thought you had figured out, but then—bam!—it surprises you.
Steps
- In a medium-sized pot over high heat, brown the lean ground beef thoroughly.
- Add minced onion, chopped scallions, and crushed garlic to the pot with crushed red pepper and a tablespoon of soy sauce, and sauté for an additional two minutes.
- Incorporate thinly sliced carrots, riced cauliflower, chopped red bell pepper, uncooked Jasmine rice, two cups of water, fish sauce, and the remaining soy sauce, stirring well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat until the liquid is just above the rice, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Cover the pot, turn the heat to low, and cook for another 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit covered for five minutes without lifting the lid. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top before serving.
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound of 95% lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 6 medium scallions, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2 medium carrots, sliced into thin rounds and halved
- 1 1/2 cups riced cauliflower, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup Jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, plus additional to taste
- 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1016 kcal | Carbohydrates: 146 g | Protein: 74 g | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Cholesterol: 168 mg | Sodium: 1622 mg | Fiber: 8 g | Sugar: 8 g
FAQ
- Can I substitute ground beef with another type of meat?
- Yes, you can replace ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even pork. Just keep in mind that the flavor and cooking time may vary slightly.
- Is there an alternative to jasmine rice for this recipe?
- Absolutely, you can use basmati rice or brown rice as substitutes. However, remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratios based on the rice type you choose.
- How can I make this dish less spicy?
- To reduce the spiciness, you can decrease or omit the crushed red pepper. You can also increase the amount of vegetables to balance out the heat.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
- What can I use instead of fish sauce?
- If you’re looking for a substitute, soy sauce or tamari can work well, though the flavor will be slightly different. A combination of soy sauce and a touch of lime juice can mimic the savory and tangy qualities of fish sauce.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor profile, consider adjusting the spice level to your preference by modifying the amount of crushed red pepper or adding a dash of hot sauce.
- For a healthier twist, you can substitute part of the Jasmine rice with additional riced cauliflower, which will also increase the vegetable content of the dish.
- To ensure the Jasmine rice has the perfect texture, let it sit for a few minutes after cooking without lifting the lid, allowing the steam to finish the cooking process.
- If you prefer a more intense umami flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of Asian fish sauce or a splash of soy sauce just before serving.
Equipment
- Heavy medium pot
- High-quality chef’s knife (for chopping and mincing)
- Ricer or food processor (for ricing cauliflower, if not using pre-riced)
- Chopsticks (for serving, if desired)
