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You know, I almost posted salad today. But then I came up with these 20 minute thai basil beef and lemongrass rice bowls and I just couldn’t do it!
It’s not that I think salads are lame, it is just that I do not want to talk about the “stereotypical Monday salad”. I am just not feeling it. What I am really feeling is all the cozy foods, but that is only because our weather is acting like it is LATE fall.
Ya, you read that right. Late fall. Ugh.
Oh well, I am secretly loving it.
Except not really because our crazy Colorado weather means that there are darkest clouds one minute, then all of the sudden blue skies, then back to dark clouds again. And that can all happen within minutes! It makes taking photos extra hard. The sun either needs to stay in (which I prefer) or just stay out and shine bright. The whole, I am in, I am out, I am half in, half out, thing is just crazy frustrating.
Anyway, this beef. See, I am not normally that into beef. Especially ground beef, but for some reason I wanted to cook with beef a few weeks back. I went a little crazy and made like three beef recipes in one day. One was this Indian Beef Satay, one was totally disgusting, and this one, which you finally get to see today.
I have been holding onto this recipe for too long and I am sorry. The thing is, when I really love something I like to “save” it for the perfect time. I used to do this all the time with new clothes, waiting to wear them till just the right day and now I guess I am doing it with my recipes. It’s totally stupid, but for some reason this is something I have always done.
Now you are probably thinking, is there something special about this Monday? Nope, I just felt bad hanging onto this for so long and figured it was about time to share one of my favorite recipes with you.
And it really is one of my favorite recipes.
It’s super quick (umm, hello twenty minutes!!), easy and a meal that my entire family will eat… with no complaining at all. Yes!!
Oh, and it goes without saying that it is delicious, but I feel like I say this everyday. Right, I do, but what else is there to say? I mean, I would never tell you guys about a non-delicious recipe. That’d be mean.
Really though, my whole family ate this and loved it. The boys went back for seconds and to be honest, there really wasn’t even enough for everyone. Definitely nothing left over for lunch they next day, which they of course complained about – they always have to have something to complain about. Since there are nine people at my dinner table + one or two friends, I doubled the recipe, but I guess I underestimated their beef eating powers. The boys pretty much jump for joy when I make things with asian flavors, but especially beef. Beef is their thing. My eldest brother Creighton tries to live off beef, which totally disgusts me, but he is a true American guy.
His motto is something like, beef all the way – all the time. If you ask me, he needs some vegetables….shh, don’t tell him what really goes into that enchilada casserole he loves so much.
Ok, so everything about this 20 minute Thai basil beef is simple. You make some rice and toss in a little lemongrass for some fresh flavor. While the rice cooks, stir fry the beef. The beef honestly will take you ten minutes tops. It is so quick and the reason it is so delicious is due to all the fresh basil. I freaking love basil (excuse my freaks).
It’s probably my favorite herb to use. I mean, I love all herbs, but I seem to gravitate towards basil a lot. It’s just so good.
Since this takes only twenty minutes, it is the perfect meal for busy nights. With school starting and life getting all serious again I feel like this is going to be your new favorite meal. Or at least I hope so.
I mean, if you like Thai flavors, basil and rice then I think you’ll love this. If beef is not your thing try swapping ground chicken or pork. For vegetarian eaters, I’m sure crispy tofu or tempeh would be so good!
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See, even my picky littlest brother, Red, was all over this one. Now that is rare.
Love this recipe! It is a family favorite and we make it often.
Hey Gwen,
That’s great!! I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for making it! xxT
There is a little confusion with the way step 2 is worded. You say “make the beef” but then give the steps for the salad. Great recipe! But I almost added all the ingredients listed in step 2 to the beef.
Hi Rhea,
Wonderful!! Thank you so much for trying this recipe and sharing your feedback! I am so glad it was enjoyed. Sorry for the confusion, I will fix this! Have a great week! 🌺xxT
I came here just to gush about how much I LOVE this dish! We’ve been making it probably once a month for 2+ years. My only complaint is that the name is a complete lie—I’ve never made this in under an hour, and that’s even with having most of the recipe memorized. Lol. Instead of ground beef, we usually use sliced up chicken or steak and it’s delicious.
Hey Kate,
Wonderful!! Love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks a lot for making it! ☘️xx
This was delicious and so easy! I actually messed up making it and cooked all the toppings with the beef on accident but it turned out amazing and I think my picky family wouldn’t have eaten the raw veggies anyways. This will be another regular dinner at our house 🙌
Hi Megan,
Happy Sunday!! I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for trying it out!! xTieghan
I didn’t think I’d like this as much as I did! Yum! Hit it out of the park as always.
Hey Jane,
Thank you so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Have the best weekend:) xT
Delicious! We will definitely have this again!
Hey Wendy,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a go and sharing your feedback!! I love to hear that it was a winner:) xTieghan
I have not made this yet, but plan to. Step 3 is a little confusing. You’re not making the beef but the salad/topping… I think. Step 4 is the beef. You may want to change the wording.
Hi Lynn,
So sorry, I am not sure where the confusion is coming from, step 3 you are making the beef. Please let me know how I can help! xTieghan
Hi Tieghan! I think she is talking about step 2. It’s says make the beef, then instructs how to make the veggies, then step 3 makes the beef. You may need to remove the “make the beef” from step 2. Anyways!! This is my FAVE recipe. I always make it when I want to impress. 😍 Was wondering what side you’d pair this with? I’m at a loss.
This was absolutely delicious! My one complaint is that it takes WAY longer than 20 minutes to make, so the name is misleading. Definitely will make again though!
Hey Erica,
Fantastic!! Love hearing that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it:) Sorry this took you longer than expected. Have the best day! xxT
I made this last night and it was sooooo delicious!! My family raved about it and the only complaint was that I didn’t double it! I did leave the sesame oil out of the rice since there was already some with the beef stir fry but other than that followed it exactly. The beef was delicious. The coconut lemongrass rice to die for. And the fresh almost pickled veggies was fantastic on top! So so good!
Hi Vanessa,
Wonderful!! I am so so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed. Thanks a bunch for making it! xT
I made this tonight and enjoyed it. I just got back from a week out of town, and was unfortunately missing viable fresh basil, carrots, and lemongrass, which I’m sure would have made it even better. I tried dried lemongrass in the rice, but wouldn’t recommend it. Next time I will also leave the sesame oil out of the rice, as well, as it is overpowering. The beef was really yummy. I did cut back a little on the soy and just added it “to taste”, which was perfect.
Hey there,
Happy Sunday! Thanks for giving the recipe a try, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Another amazing recipe!! Such a great and quick weeknight meal that packs so much flavor!!
Hey Marisa,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
This was amazing. After I took a bite I said “this is the best thing I’ve ever made.” I can’t wait to make it again!! The beef was SO flavorful and the rice was soo good. I’d been wanting to make this recipe for a while and the store was always out of lemongrass, but it was definitely worth the wait. Although it took me a lot longer than 20 minutes (I’m a slow vegetable chopper), I didn’t care – 5/5 stars!
Hey Claire,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am delighted to hear that it was enjoyed! Have the best weekend:) xTieghan
Question….I am going to make this and wanted to know if the hot red pepper is fresh or dried. Sorry if it’s a dump question I just don’t know where to find this. It looks so yummy!!
Hi Meghan,
No worries, I used a fresh hot pepper. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xxTieghan
I will! I’m making it next week when I take my daughters and their friends to the beach. I can’t even believe how you respond to all of your comments. You are amazing!!!!
This is my FAVORITE recipe. I always make it when I’m hosting new guests to impress. 😂 Question- what sides would go well with this? I am always at a loss.
Hey Steph,
Happy Wednesday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a go! For bowls, I really consider them the whole meal, I never really find that they need sides. xx