Thai Beef Salad: A Quick, Adaptable, and Flavorful Family Meal

As your average Gigi-level cook, I appreciate the ability to whip up complex recipes, but most nights call for quick, easy, and healthy meals for the family. That’s why Thai Beef Salad has become one of my favorite go-to dishes. It offers all of the Thai Restaurant quality without the expense!

A Delicious Discovery

About ten years ago, during a routine grocery trip to Publix, I stumbled upon an Aprons recipe card for Thai-Style Beef with Basil Carrot Salad. Intrigued by its delicious appearance, I grabbed the ingredients and prepared it for my family for the first time. The result was nothing short of amazing. Combining freshly seared beef with a fusion of Asian flavors from fresh lime juice and basil, over a bed of warm white rice, this recipe creates a sensory experience that delights the palate.

Adaptability is Key

Over time, I’ve made various adaptations to the original recipe. Once, when hosting a friend with shellfish allergies, I replaced the originally called-for, clam juice with beef stock, resulting in a phenomenal taste. For a more unique flavor, try adding a tablespoon of fish sauce. You could easily substitute red meat for ground chicken. I’ve also experimented with vegan variations, substituting ground beef with garbanzo bean crumbles and using vegetable stock instead of beef stock for dinner guests. For those who enjoy a festive touch, diced green onion can be added for both color and flavor. You can even experiment with the Thai salad by adding fresh veggies such as snap peas, bean sprouts, or bell peppers. This delicious recipe is easily adaptable!

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish can be served over a bed of hot rice, or for a lighter option, over rice noodles. Be sure to provide lime wedges, fresh basil, sriracha, and maybe even some spring rolls on the side for a real restaurant-like touch!  I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve prepared this flavorful meal – it has truly become a household staple.

Final Note

This Thai Beef Salad is not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly adaptable and consistently delicious. I highly encourage you to give it a try and perhaps even put your spin on it. Feel free to reach out and share your experience with this delightful recipe!

Thai-Style Beef with Carrot-Basil Salad

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ bunch fresh cilantro
• 1 (0.75 oz) bag of fresh Thai holy basil (or sweet basil), divided
• 4 limes, for juice
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 teaspoons sugar (you can sub brown sugar for a deeper caramelized sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• ½ cup beef stock
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 (8.5 oz) package cooked jasmine rice
• 2 cups matchstick carrots
• Sriracha, if desired to kick up the spice level

Steps

1. Prepare rice following package instructions.
2. Remove cilantro leaves from stems, then chop (1/4 cup). Chop basil (about 3/4 cup). Squeeze limes for juice (4 tablespoons).
3. Sauté beef over medium heat, using Mix N’ Chop to crumble, until no pink remains. Meanwhile, combine 2 tablespoons of lime juice, sugar, salt, garlic, red pepper, beef broth, and soy sauce.
4. Drain beef, then return to pan; add lime juice mixture. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until liquid is reduced by about one-half and the mixture thickens. Remove pan from heat and stir in 1/2 cup basil.
5. Combine remaining 1/4 cup basil, cilantro, and carrots. Whisk the remaining 2 tablespoons each lime juice and oil; toss with carrot mixture until evenly coated. Serve beef mixture over rice, topped with carrot & herb mixture. Drizzle with Sriracha if desired and serve with lime wedges.