Description
This AIP Thai Basil Beef recipe is a flavorful paleo-friendly dish featuring tender marinated beef cooked with fresh Thai basil, garlic, ginger, and a savory blend of coconut aminos and fish sauce. Combined with nutrient-packed bok choy and carrots, and optionally served with noodles, it offers a balanced one-pot meal that’s both simple to prepare and delightfully aromatic.
Ingredients
Scale
For Marinade
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger
- 1 small yellow onion
- 3 TBSP coconut aminos
- 2 TBSP Red Boat fish sauce
- 1 TBSP olive oil
For Dish
- 1 lb beef (stewing beef or flank steak/flat iron, thinly sliced)
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp tapioca or arrowroot starch
- 1 cup carrots or purple cabbage, grated
- 3 cups baby bok choy, roughly chopped
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- ¼ cup cold water
- ¾ cup Thai basil leaves, packed
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: Place garlic, ginger, onion, coconut aminos, fish sauce, and olive oil into a food processor and pulse until mostly combined into a rough paste.
- Marinate Beef: In a large bowl, sprinkle the thinly sliced beef with baking soda and tapioca or arrowroot starch. Add half the marinade, stir well to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Cook Pasta (Optional): If using noodles, cook them to al dente according to package instructions, rinse under cold water to halt cooking, and set aside.
- Brown Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Place the marinated beef in a thin layer in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side to achieve a deep brown sear. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Increase heat slightly, add ¼ cup cold water to the skillet, and stir to loosen any browned bits. Add grated carrots and chopped bok choy along with the remaining marinade. Sauté for 5-8 minutes until vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Combine and Wilt Basil: Return the browned beef to the skillet, add Thai basil leaves, and stir just until the basil wilts to preserve its fragrant aroma.
- Finish and Serve: If using pasta, fold it into the skillet mixture gently and heat through. Serve the dish warm immediately.
Notes
- It’s okay if the marinade paste isn’t completely smooth; a roughly blended mixture is sufficient to distribute flavor.
- For easier slicing, partially freeze the beef and cut thin strips against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: One Pot Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Keywords: Thai basil beef, AIP recipe, paleo Thai beef, one pot meal, healthy Thai dinner
