Stir-Fried Nam Tok Beef with Thai Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir-fry featuring tender beef slices tossed with fresh herbs and a tangy, spicy dressing inspired by traditional Nam Tok flavors. This thai (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs sirloin beef, vegetable oil, shallots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Thai cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 3 thinly sliced shallots, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Increase heat to high, add 12 oz thinly sliced sirloin beef, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until just cooked through and edges begin to brown.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, then stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp white sugar, 1 tbsp toasted rice powder, and 1 tsp dried chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until sauce coats the beef and thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and immediately fold in 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 2 thinly sliced green onions to preserve their freshness and aroma.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot with sliced 1/2 medium cucumber on the side as a refreshing contrast to the spicy beef.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Nam Tok Beef with Thai Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Nam Tok Beef with Thai Herbs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sirloin beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Nam Tok Beef with Thai Herbs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stir-Fried Nam Tok Beef with Thai Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Stir-Fried Nam Tok Beef with Thai Herbs gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes