Craving a flavorful and comforting meal that's also healthy and quick to make? Look no further! This Thai beef soup recipe is a delicious and easy-to-follow dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. It's packed with aromatic spices, tender beef, and vibrant vegetables, offering a truly satisfying culinary experience. This recipe is perfect for homemade cooking, providing a delicious alternative to takeout. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 (14-ounce) can of full-fat coconut milk
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Sear the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and sear on all sides until browned. This step enhances the flavor of the beef. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
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Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, coconut milk, beef broth, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer the soup: Return the seared beef to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful the soup becomes!
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Garnish and serve: Stir in the fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot over cooked rice.
Tips for the Best Thai Beef Soup:
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in beef shanks. They require a longer cooking time (up to 2 hours) but will result in a more intensely flavorful broth.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with spices! Add a dash of lemongrass paste or kaffir lime leaves for an extra layer of Thai-inspired flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Beef Soup: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a few slices of fresh Thai chili peppers for extra heat.
- Vegetable Thai Soup: Replace the beef with firm tofu or your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Noodle Soup: Add your favorite noodles (such as rice noodles or egg noodles) during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking time.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy and healthy Thai beef soup recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this delicious and quick dinner idea! It’s the perfect example of how delicious dishes can also be healthy meals. Try it today and experience the flavors of Thailand in your own kitchen!