Introduction
Discover a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the richness of beef with the crunchiness of roasted nuts and a zesty sweet chili sauce. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a balance of textures and vibrant flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this beef stir-fry is sure to impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Beef:
– 1/3 cup roasted cashews, unsalted (or peanuts)
– 1 tablespoon canola oil (or other plain cooking oil)
– 500g (1 lb) beef mince (ground beef)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
– 3 tablespoons roughly chopped coriander/cilantro leaves (substitute green onion)
Sweet Chilli Stir-Fry Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (substitute cider vinegar)
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
Sweet Chilli Drizzle Sauce:
– 1 garlic clove, minced using a garlic crusher
– 3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice (substitute rice vinegar when limes are expensive)
– 2 teaspoons fish sauce
For Serving:
– 2 batches jasmine rice or other plain rice of choice
– Steamed or fresh vegetables (e.g., chopped cucumber, coriander/cilantro, finely sliced red onion)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
1. **Prepare the Drizzle Sauce:** In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, sweet chilli sauce, lime juice, and fish sauce. Set aside.
2. **Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce:** In another bowl, combine the sweet chilli sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce. Set aside.
3. **Toast the Cashews:** Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the cashews and toast for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and develop golden spots. Transfer to a cutting board, let them cool, then roughly chop.
4. **Cook the Beef:** In the same pan, heat the canola oil over high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute. Add the beef mince and cook, breaking it up as you go, until no longer pink.
5. **Add the Stir-Fry Sauce:** Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce into the pan. Cook, stirring well, until the sauce mostly reduces and caramelizes on the beef, about 3–4 minutes.
6. **Assemble the Bowls:** Spoon the cooked beef over steaming jasmine rice. Arrange your choice of steamed or fresh vegetables on the side. Drizzle with the prepared drizzle sauce, then sprinkle with the chopped coriander and toasted cashews.
7. **Serve:** Mix everything together before eating to ensure each bite is flavorful. Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Drizzle Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, sweet chilli sauce, lime juice, and fish sauce. Set aside.
Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
In another bowl, combine the sweet chilli sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce. Set aside.
Toast the Cashews
Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the cashews and toast for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and develop golden spots. Transfer to a cutting board, let them cool, then roughly chop.
Cook the Beef
In the same pan, heat the canola oil over high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 1 minute. Add the beef mince and cook, breaking it up as you go, until no longer pink.
Add the Stir-Fry Sauce
Pour the prepared stir-fry sauce into the pan. Cook, stirring well, until the sauce mostly reduces and caramelizes on the beef, about 3–4 minutes.
Assemble the Bowls
Spoon the cooked beef over steaming jasmine rice. Arrange your choice of steamed or fresh vegetables on the side. Drizzle with the prepared drizzle sauce, then sprinkle with the chopped coriander and toasted cashews.
Serve
Mix everything together before eating to ensure each bite is flavorful. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
Substitutes
Peanuts can be used instead of cashews. Alternatively, if lime juice is not available, rice vinegar can be substituted in the drizzle sauce.
Cooking Tips
Ensure that the beef is cooked thoroughly and browned well for the best flavor. Stir-frying at high heat helps to lock in the juices and enhances the dish’s overall taste.
Vegetable Options
Feel free to include other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli in your assembly for added nutrition and color.
Storage
Leftover beef stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Cook techniques
Toasting Cashews
To toast cashews, heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the cashews and cook them for about 2 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until they become fragrant and turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, transfer them to a cutting board to cool, then chop roughly.
Sautéing Aromatics
To properly sauté onions and garlic, heat oil in a pan over high heat. Add finely chopped onions and stir for about 1 minute until they soften. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t burn, which can create a bitter taste.
Cooking Minced Beef
When cooking minced beef, make sure the pan is hot before adding the meat. Break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks to ensure it browns evenly. Cook until there is no pink remaining, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes depending on the heat.
Making Stir-Fry Sauce
Combine all ingredients for the stir-fry sauce in a bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly mixed. Pour it into the pan with the cooked beef, stir well, and allow it to cook for a few minutes so that the sauce can reduce and caramelize, enhancing the flavor.
Assembling and Serving Bowls
To assemble bowls, spoon freshly cooked jasmine rice into a dish, add a generous portion of the beef mixture, and arrange steamed or fresh vegetables alongside. Drizzle the sauce on top and finish with chopped herbs and toasted nuts for added flavor and texture.
FAQ
Can I use other types of nuts instead of cashews?
Yes, you can substitute roasted cashews with unsalted peanuts or any other nut of your choice, based on your taste preferences.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for fish sauce, but note that it will alter the overall flavor profile. Additionally, homemade fish sauce alternatives can be created with a mix of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
How do I know when the beef is fully cooked?
The beef is fully cooked when it is no longer pink and has reached an internal temperature of 70°C (160°F). The meat should also be crumbly and browned throughout.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, both the stir-fry sauce and drizzle sauce can be prepared in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week for best flavor.
What type of vegetables work best for serving?
Steamed or fresh vegetables such as chopped cucumber, bell peppers, baby corn, and finely sliced red onions work well. You can choose your favorites or whatever is in season.
Conclusion
This flavorful beef dish, enhanced with sweet chili sauce and roasted nuts, creates a delightful combination of textures and tastes. The use of fresh ingredients and lively sauces ensures each bite is both satisfying and vibrant, making it a wonderful meal option for any occasion.
Sweet and Sour Chicken Bowl
Replace beef with chicken breast and use the same sweet chili stir-fry sauce for a delicious twist. Serve with pineapple chunks for added sweetness.
Vegetable Stir-Fry with Tofu
For a vegetarian option, substitute beef with firm tofu. Use the same sauces and include a mix of seasonal vegetables for a colorful dish.
Spicy Shrimp and Cashews
Swap the beef for shrimp and incorporate a touch of sriracha for spice. The cashews add a delightful crunch, elevating the shrimp stir-fry experience.
Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Use ground turkey instead of beef, serve the mixture in crisp lettuce leaves, and drizzle with the sweet chili sauce for a low-carb meal option.
Chickpea & Quinoa Bowl
For a plant-based option, combine cooked quinoa and chickpeas, mixing in the stir-fry sauce. Top with cashews and fresh veggies for a nutritious meal.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Add broccoli florets to the beef stir-fry to create a classic combination. The vegetables absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
Rice Noodle Salad
Serve the beef mixture over rice noodles instead of jasmine rice and add shredded carrots and bean sprouts for a refreshing salad-style dish.
