I’m excited to continue this Tuesday Dinners series and delighted to have you join me for another simple, flavorful weeknight meal. While thinking about what to share next, a Thai-inspired recipe popped into my head. After the warm response to my green chicken curry a few weeks ago, I figured a Thai beef stir-fry would be a great choice for an easy but vibrant dinner idea.
I love spicy food and bold flavors, so this beef stir-fry was heavenly for me. Because my husband works night shifts at the hospital, we often eat “late lunches” with the kids instead of a formal evening meal. I prefer casual family meals — less fuss, less stress — and this recipe fits that approach perfectly.
If you like Thai food, you’ll enjoy the bright, peppery notes in this dish. If you prefer to make substitutions, it adapts well: the original recipe called for mint, pork, and lime, but I used watercress for its peppery bite, lemon for acidity, and beef for a heartier protein. Simple swaps like these let you customize the dish without losing the essence of a quick, satisfying stir-fry.
This variation stayed true to the spirit of the original: fast to prepare, full of texture from chopped peanuts and crisp peppers, and brightened by fresh herbs and citrus. It’s a great option for weeknights when you want something flavorful without a lot of cleanup or complicated steps.
Serve it over brown rice for a wholesome, balanced meal. The stir-fry comes together quickly, so cook the rice first or use leftover rice to speed things up. Garnish with extra lemon zest, chopped green onion, and a handful of watercress for a fresh finish.
Below is the full ingredient list and straightforward instructions to make this Thai beef stir-fry at home. It’s perfect for a casual family meal or a simple dinner when you want big flavor with minimal effort.
Thai Beef Stir-Fry over Brown Rice
A quick, aromatic Thai-style beef stir-fry with peanuts, watercress, and citrus. Ready in minutes and great over brown rice for an easy weeknight meal.
Sandra | Sandra’s Easy Cooking
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. Sesame chili oil (or peanut oil)
- 2 cups Lean beef cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/3 cup Coriander (cilantro) finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp. White pepper
- Sea salt to taste
- 1/4 tsp. Sugar
- Finely grated lemon rind from 1/2 lemon (or lime)
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp. Fresh ginger finely chopped
- 2 Garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 Small green bell pepper
- 2 Spring onions white and green parts separated; white halved lengthwise and sliced into 3/4-inch pieces
- 3 Tbs. Peanuts roughly chopped, unsalted preferred
- 3 Tbs. Vegetable broth
- 1 tsp. Fish sauce or to taste
Brown rice
Cook according to the package directions. Add a pinch of salt and a little oil to the cooking water for better texture.
Garnish
Extra lemon rind, sliced green onion, and watercress
Instructions
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Prepare the ingredients: cut the beef into bite-size pieces, grate the lemon rind, slice the green onions and bell pepper, finely chop the ginger and garlic, and roughly chop the peanuts.
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Lightly tenderize the beef with a meat hammer if desired. In a bowl, combine the beef with sea salt, chopped cilantro, lemon rind, white pepper, and sugar. Toss to coat and let marinate for 10 minutes.
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Heat a wok or large skillet on high. Add 1 tsp oil and stir-fry the marinated beef with its juices until no longer pink. Transfer the cooked beef and juices to a clean bowl. Wipe the wok dry.
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Heat the wok over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tsp oil. Add ginger and garlic and stir-fry for a few seconds, then add the white parts of the spring onions and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant but still crisp.
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Add the peanuts, watercress, a pinch of salt, and return the beef with its collected juices to the wok. Stir-fry together for another minute.
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Turn the heat up briefly, then add the vegetable broth, lemon juice, and fish sauce along with the green parts of the scallions. Stir for about 20 seconds to heat through and marry the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning.
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Cook the brown rice according to package instructions while you prepare the stir-fry. Drain and fluff when done.
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Serve the beef stir-fry immediately over brown rice. Garnish with extra lemon zest, sliced green onion, and watercress for a fresh finish.
