Beef Larb

Step 1

COCONUT BASMATI RICE: Get the rice started first (if making). Combine 1 cup basmati rice, 1 and 1/2 cups full-fat coconut milk, 1/2 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste). Stir and place over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the rice. Allow to simmer for 13-18 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, keep covered, and let stand for 10-15 minutes; don't rush or it will be sticky! Fluff the rice with a fork and then add in the zest and juice of one lime. Stir and evenly divide onto plates.

Step 2

SAUCE: In a small bowl, add the 1 teaspoon cornstarch and the 1/4 cup soy sauce. Whisk with a fork until smooth and then add in the 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, the 1 tablespoon Sambal Oelek (See Note 1), 1 teaspoon white sugar, and 1 and 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar. I add 2 tablespoons, but add slowly to preference. Season with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper (leave out salt if you're worried about saltiness with soy sauce; you can always add some more at the end). Whisk with a fork until smooth and set aside.

Step 3

BEEF: Add 1 and 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil to a large cast iron skillet and melt over medium high heat. Once oil is shimmering, add in the 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, and 1 cup of thinly sliced green onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until fragrant and tender. Push the veggies to the edges of the pan, increase the heat to high and add the ground beef to the center of the pan. Let stand for 30 seconds without moving, then flip to the other side and let stand for 30 seconds. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste (I add a tiny pinch of each). Then, using a wooden spoon, break up the beef and cook until no longer pink inside and fully cooked through. Drain off any accumulated grease and add in the 2 cups diced zucchini. Stir until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium low. Quickly whisk the sauce again with the fork and then pour the prepared sauce over the beef and cook for another 1-3 minutes or until beef is glossy and sauce has thickened and coated everything. Taste and adjust any of the sauce ingredients -- flavors should really "sing" so add additional lime juice or salt until they do. You can also add in some fish sauce to taste here if desired (more authentic Thai flavor). Remove from heat and stir in the 1 cup coarsely chopped herbs. Stir gently.

Step 4

SERVE: Add even amounts of beef to the coconut basmati rice. If desired, top with sliced Persian cucumber and lime wedges. Enjoy immediately.