
Warm Tamarind Beef Bowl with Coconut Rice and Toasted Pepitas
An original beef dish featuring sautéed strips glazed in a tamarind, garlic, and honey sauce, served over fragrant coconut rice and finished with toasted pepitas, scallions, and a bright squeeze of lime.
Ingredients
- 200 g jasmine rice (enjuagado)
- 240 ml coconut milk (without sugar)
- 240 ml water (for the arroz)
- 6 g salt (divided)
- 35 g pumpkin seeds (without peel)
- 600 g flank steak or stir-fry beef (cut in strips finas)
- 8 g cornstarch (for cubrir lightly the carne)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 30 ml vegetable oil (divided)
- 12 g garlic (chopped finely)
- 10 g fresh ginger (grated)
- 45 g tamarind paste
- 30 ml honey
- 45 ml soy sauce
- 15 ml rice vinegar
- 2 g ground cumin
- 1 g red pepper flakes (optional)
- 120 g carrot (en juliana fina)
- 120 g red bell pepper (in strips finas)
- 30 g scallions (sliced)
- 1 piece lime (cut in wedges)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs almost clear. Place it in a saucepan with the coconut milk, water, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce to very low heat, cover, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
- 2
While the rice cooks, toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Set aside.
- 3
Place the beef in a bowl and toss it with the cornstarch, remaining salt, and black pepper to lightly coat.
- 4
In another bowl, mix the tamarind paste, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes if using. Set the sauce aside.
- 5
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When hot, add half of the beef and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until browned at the edges. Remove and repeat with the remaining beef using the other 1 tbsp oil.
- 6
Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic and ginger to the same skillet. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly so they do not burn.
- 7
Add the carrot and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes so they become tender but still crisp.
- 8
Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the tamarind sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, tossing well, until the sauce coats the meat and vegetables in a glossy glaze. If you want to check internal temperature, the beef should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for medium.
- 9
Fluff the coconut rice with a fork. Divide the rice among 4 bowls and top with the glazed beef and vegetables.
- 10
Finish with the toasted pumpkin seeds, scallions, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Chef tips
For better browning, do not overcrowd the pan and cook the beef in batches. Slicing the meat against the grain helps keep it tender.
Substitutions
You can use sirloin or strip steak instead of flank steak. Rice vinegar can be replaced with lime juice, and pumpkin seeds can be swapped for sunflower seeds if preferred.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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