Thai-Inspired Coconut Curry Beef Stir Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with bell peppers and snap peas in a fragrant coconut curry sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. This thai-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs sirloin steak, thinly sliced, coconut oil, large red bell pepper, sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb thinly sliced sirloin steak and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 medium sliced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 large sliced red bell pepper, and 1 cup snap peas. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp red curry paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1 cup coconut milk into the skillet, add 1 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss to coat in the curry sauce. Simmer together for 2 minutes until heated through and sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves.
  7. Step 7: Serve the curry beef stir fry over cooked jasmine rice with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Thai-Inspired Coconut Curry Beef Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Thai-Inspired Coconut Curry Beef Stir Fry?

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 steak, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Thai-Inspired Coconut Curry Beef Stir Fry?

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 Thai-Inspired Coconut Curry Beef Stir Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Thai-Inspired Coconut Curry Beef Stir Fry?

Thai beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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