Thai Basil Beef and Lemongrass Rice

Adapted from Half-Baked Harvest's Thai Basil Beef and Lemongrass Rice Bowls

Ingredients

Lemongrass Rice
1 c. uncooked brown jasmine rice
1 c. light coconut milk
1 c. water
1 T. toasted sesame oil
2 T. fresh lemongrass, finely grated with a microplane

Thai Basil Beef
Sauce/Marinade
1-6 hot chili peppers, minced
2 green onions, chopped
1 T. fish sauce
1/2 T. honey
2 T. sesame oil
Juice of 1 lime, plus lime wedges for serving
pinch of black pepper
1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce, divided
1/4 c. Trader Joe's Thai "Dry" Chili Paste
1-2 T. very hot crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 c. dry red wine (or white with chicken)
2 T. balsamic vinegar
1 lb. thinly sliced lean beef (or chicken or pork)

Stir Fry
1 med. sweet onion, thinly sliced
4 large carrots, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers, 1 yellow, 1 red, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
2 t. fresh ginger, grated
2 c. fresh basil leaves, julienned, plus extra for serving
Toasted sesame seeds + chopped roasted peanuts or cashews, for serving

Directions

Lemongrass Rice

Add the coconut milk and water to a medium size pot. Bring to a low boil and then add the rice, sesame oil and lemongrass. Stir to combine, then place the lid on the pot and cook according to package directions. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork and stir in 1-2 tablespoons chopped nuts if desired.

Thai Basil Beef 

While the rice is cooking, prepare the beef. Add everything through the beef to a medium bowl. Toss well and set aside.

Heat a large wok or heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and once hot, add the onion, carrots, and bell peppers.  Sauté until beginning to soften.  Add the garlic and ginger.  Cook 15-30 seconds.  Set vegetables aside in a covered bowl to keep warm.  Drain the beef, reserving the liquid, then add the beef to the wok.  Let sear 1-2 minutes until color changes begin to appear on the sides of the pieces of meat.  Turn meat over and sear a minute more.  Add the sauce.  Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce coats the beef, about 3-5 minutes.  Toss in the basil and stir.  Remove from the heat.

Divide the rice, top with vegetables and beef.  Garnish with chopped nuts, fresh basil and toasted sesame seeds. EAT!