Chili Garlic Beef Stir Fry with Coconut Jasmine Rice.

If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that brings a little heat and a lot of comfort to your dinner table, look no further than this Chili Garlic Beef Stir Fry with Coconut Jasmine Rice. It’s a dish that perfectly balances spicy, savory, and subtly sweet notes, all while being incredibly straightforward to prepare. The tender, thinly sliced beef sizzles with a chili garlic sauce that’s enhanced by smoky chipotle peppers in adobo, while the coconut jasmine rice offers a creamy, fragrant base that rounds out the meal beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is designed for ease without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. Ready to dive into a stir fry experience that’s as bold as it is satisfying? Let’s get started!

Why Chili Garlic Beef Stir Fry with Coconut Jasmine Rice. is Worth Your Time

This dish stands out because it’s a perfect marriage of bold flavors and simple ingredients. The chili garlic sauce packs a punch with fresh garlic and smoky chipotle, complemented by the sweetness of brown sugar. The beef cooks quickly and stays tender thanks to the thin slicing, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. Paired with fragrant jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk and coconut water, you get a tropical twist that’s creamy and subtly sweet, providing the perfect counterbalance to the heat of the stir fry. It’s a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome, with ingredients you can easily find at stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bring a little Asian-inspired flair into your kitchen with minimal fuss.

Ingredients at a Glance

• 1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced beef (stir fry beef from Whole Foods works great)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, diced
• 2 teaspoons adobo sauce from the chipotle can
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 sweet onion, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice (I prefer brown jasmine rice from Trader Joe’s)
• 1 1/2 cups light canned coconut milk
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for the rice)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil (for the rice)
• 2 tablespoons finely shredded unsweetened coconut (to toast and garnish)

Appliances & Accessories

• Large skillet or wok – for stir frying the beef and vegetables
• Medium saucepan with lid – to cook the coconut jasmine rice
• Sharp knife and cutting board – for prepping vegetables and beef
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy with spices and liquids
• Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the stir fry and rice
• Fine mesh strainer – optional, for rinsing rice

Make Chili Garlic Beef Stir Fry with Coconut Jasmine Rice.: A Simple Method

Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Jasmine Rice

Start by rinsing 1 1/2 cups of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents clumping. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 1 1/2 cups light canned coconut milk, 1/2 cup coconut water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes if using brown jasmine rice (or 15-20 minutes if using white jasmine rice), until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.

While the rice rests, heat a small dry skillet over medium heat and toast 2 tablespoons of finely shredded unsweetened coconut until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside for garnish.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Beef

Pat the thinly sliced beef dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding) and sear it until browned on all sides but still tender, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Chili Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons coconut oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in 3 tablespoons brown sugar, the diced chipotle pepper, and 2 teaspoons of adobo sauce from the chipotle can. Let this mixture cook gently for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add the chopped green and red bell peppers and sliced sweet onion to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables until they’re tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes. This keeps the peppers vibrant and slightly crunchy, adding a wonderful texture contrast.

Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce

Return the seared beef to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce. Toss everything together to coat the beef evenly with the chili garlic sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to warm through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Fluff the coconut jasmine rice with a fork and plate it alongside or underneath the chili garlic beef stir fry. Sprinkle the toasted shredded coconut over the top of the rice for a lovely toasted coconut aroma and subtle crunch. Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

• Beef: Use thinly sliced chicken breast or turkey breast for a lighter version.
• Chipotle Pepper: Substitute with smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne for heat without the sauce.
• Coconut Milk: Use full-fat canned coconut milk for a richer rice or substitute with almond milk for a lighter option.
• Jasmine Rice: Try basmati rice or Jeera Rice Cumin Rice for a different aromatic touch.
• Coconut Oil: Use avocado oil or vegetable oil if you don’t have coconut oil on hand.

Pro Tips & Notes

• For the best stir fry beef, look for thinly sliced cuts labeled specifically for stir fry at your local store – this ensures tenderness and quick cooking.
• Don’t skip rinsing the rice; it helps keep the grains separate and prevents the rice from becoming gummy.
• Adjust the chipotle pepper amount based on your heat preference. If you like it milder, start with half a pepper.
• To save time, prep all your veggies and garlic before starting to cook – stir fry moves quickly!
• Try serving this dish with some steamed greens or a crunchy Asian-style slaw for a balanced meal.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

This Chili Garlic Beef Stir Fry with Coconut Jasmine Rice freezes well. To freeze, store the beef and vegetables in an airtight container separately from the coconut jasmine rice to preserve texture. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. The rice can be refreshed by sprinkling a little water before reheating to bring back its moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular white rice instead of brown jasmine rice?

Absolutely! White jasmine rice cooks faster and will still pair wonderfully with the flavors. Just reduce the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes and check for doneness accordingly.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The heat level comes mainly from the chipotle pepper and adobo sauce. If you prefer less spice, start with half the chipotle pepper or omit the adobo sauce. You can always add more later if you want extra kick.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh and sauté until golden. The chili garlic sauce and vegetables will still shine, making a delicious plant-based meal.

What can I serve alongside this dish?

This stir fry pairs beautifully with simple steamed vegetables, a fresh cucumber salad, or try a complementary recipe like Thai Red Curry Shrimp With Rice or Teriyaki Meatballs With Sticky Rice for a diverse meal spread.

Don’t Miss These

• Teriyaki Meatballs With Sticky Rice – A sweet and savory meatball dish perfect for your next dinner.
• Thai Red Curry Shrimp With Rice – Bold, creamy, and packed with flavor, this shrimp curry is a crowd-pleaser.
• Jeera Rice Cumin Rice – A fragrant Indian-style rice that’s a fantastic side for many dishes.

Time to Try It

With its vibrant colors, irresistible aromas, and perfect balance of heat and sweetness, this Chili Garlic Beef Stir Fry with Coconut Jasmine Rice is one recipe that deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. It’s a quick and satisfying way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home, bursting with flavors that’ll leave you coming back for more. Gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and savor every bite of this unforgettable dish.

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