This recipe takes you on a culinary adventure to Thailand, delivering a vibrant and flavourful Spicy Stir-Fried Red Curry Beef with Pickled Bamboo Shoots. Imagine tender, juicy beef infused with the rich, aromatic heat of red curry paste, balanced by the tangy crunch of pickled bamboo shoots. This dish is a symphony of textures and tastes – a perfect blend of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy notes that will tantalize your taste buds. The vibrant red colour alone is enough to make your mouth water, promising a culinary experience you won't soon forget.
Forget takeout; mastering this recipe is easier than you think! The combination of fresh ingredients and simple techniques allows you to create an authentic Thai flavour experience in your own kitchen. Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this incredible Spicy Stir-Fried Red Curry Beef with Pickled Bamboo Shoots together.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Mortar and Pestle (optional)
Ingredients
- Beef
- Pickled Bamboo Shoots
- Red Curry Paste
- Shrimp Paste
- Kaffir Lime Leaves
- Red Chili Peppers
- Basil Leaves
- Palm Sugar
- Fish Sauce
- Oyster Sauce
- Soybean Oil
- Water
- Bell Peppers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Bamboo Shoots and Aromatics
- Boil the water. Add the pickled bamboo shoots, cut into small pieces, and boil for about 5 minutes for safety.
- Remove the bamboo shoots from the boiling water and set aside.
- Heat soybean oil in a pan. Add red curry paste and shrimp paste, stir-fry gently until fragrant and yellow.
- Add kaffir lime leaves to enhance aroma and remove meaty odor. Stir-fry until the leaves are fragrant.
Step 2. Cook the Beef and Sauce
- Add the beef and stir-fry until it's about 80% cooked.
- Add the boiled pickled bamboo shoots, stir-fry briefly.
- Add water, palm sugar (or granulated sugar), fish sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry until well combined and the palm sugar melts.
Step 3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning
- Add bell peppers and chili peppers, stir-fry until heated through.
Step 4. Finish with Basil
- Add basil leaves; stir-fry over high heat until wilted.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Choose beef with a little fat for better flavor when stir-frying.
- Don't add too much oil when stir-frying to avoid excessive greasiness.
- Stir-fry the curry paste and shrimp paste over medium-low heat to prevent burning and ensure they become fragrant.
- Don't overcook the beef; 80% cooked is ideal to maintain tenderness.
- Use high heat when adding the basil leaves to quickly wilt them.
- Thoroughly wash the basil leaves before adding.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 500-600
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbs: 25-35g
- Protein: 35-45g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Chicken, pork, or even tofu would work well. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the protein's cooking characteristics.
2. Where can I find pickled bamboo shoots?
Pickled bamboo shoots are commonly found in Asian grocery stores, and increasingly in larger supermarkets in the international food aisle.
This Spicy Stir-Fried Red Curry Beef with Pickled Bamboo Shoots recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients elevated by bold flavours. Enjoy the satisfying warmth and vibrant taste of this authentic Thai dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills!