Spicy Coconut Beef & Green Bean Stir-Fry: A Flavorful Thai-Inspired Weeknight Dinner

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Looking to elevate your dinner routine with something bold, comforting, and absolutely delicious? Say hello to Spicy Coconut Beef & Green Bean Stir-Fry — a Thai-inspired dish that brings together rich coconut milk, aromatic red curry, and tender strips of beef in one sizzling skillet. Perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, this one-pan wonder is about to become your new go-to recipe.

Whether you’re a busy home cook craving quick meals or a food enthusiast who enjoys exploring Southeast Asian flavors, this dish checks every box. It’s easy to prepare, rich in flavor, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into why this stir-fry deserves a spot in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold, Balanced Flavors: The creaminess of coconut milk balances the heat of Thai red curry paste, while lime juice and fish sauce offer a punchy contrast.
  • Quick & Satisfying: Ready in about 30 minutes from prep to plate — perfect for hectic evenings.
  • Customizable: Easily swap the protein or veggies to suit your preferences or what’s in your fridge.
  • One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

Who This Recipe Is For

This Spicy Coconut Beef & Green Bean Stir-Fry is ideal for:

  • Thai food lovers looking for an easy homemade fix
  • Weeknight warriors who want something fast but exciting
  • Home cooks curious about cooking with Thai ingredients
  • Anyone needing a gluten-free, dairy-free dinner option (just double-check labels!)

If you’ve got a craving for spice and a soft spot for saucy stir-fries, this recipe is definitely for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for tenderness)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable or coconut oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 2–3 tbsp Thai red curry paste 🌶️ (adjust for heat level)
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk 🥥
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp fish sauce (optional but highly recommended for umami)
  • 1 tsp brown sugar or palm sugar
  • 2 cups green beans, trimmed and halved 🥬
  • Juice of 1 lime 🍋
  • Fresh Thai basil or cilantro, for garnish 🌿
  • Red chili slices or chili flakes (optional for extra spice)

Serve With:

  • Steamed jasmine rice 🍚
  • Lime wedges
  • Crushed peanuts or sesame seeds (optional topping)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep the Beef

Thinly slice your flank steak or sirloin against the grain. Toss with salt, pepper, and cornstarch if using — this gives the beef a silky, tender texture and helps it sear beautifully.

2. Sear the Beef

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Sear the beef in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches) for about 2–3 minutes until browned. Don’t overcook — it will finish cooking later. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium. Add a touch more oil if needed, then sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This is your flavor foundation — don’t skip it!

4. Add Curry Paste & Coconut Milk

Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1 minute to bring out its aroma. Add the coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Add Green Beans

Toss in the green beans and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until just tender but still vibrantly green and crisp.

6. Return the Beef

Add the beef back into the pan. Stir to coat in the sauce and heat through for 1–2 minutes. Finish with a generous squeeze of lime juice and taste for final seasoning adjustments.

7. Garnish & Serve

Serve hot over fluffy jasmine rice, and top with Thai basil or cilantro, chili slices, and any optional toppings you enjoy. Don’t forget the lime wedges!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Sharp knife & cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)
  • Rice cooker or saucepan for rice

Tips, Shortcuts & Variations

🔄 Ingredient Swaps

  • Protein: Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh for a vegetarian twist.
  • Vegetables: Substitute green beans with snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli.
  • Coconut milk: For a lighter version, use lite coconut milk or a mix of coconut milk and chicken broth.

⏱️ Time-Saving Tips

  • Use pre-trimmed green beans or a frozen veggie medley.
  • Slice beef in advance and refrigerate it until ready to cook.
  • Store-bought minced garlic and ginger can be handy in a pinch.

🌶️ Adjusting the Heat

Start with 2 tablespoons of red curry paste for moderate heat, and increase as desired. Add chili flakes or sliced fresh chili for extra fire.

Storing Leftovers

Let the stir-fry cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing? The sauce may separate a bit when thawed, but it will still taste great. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Pro tip: Store rice separately to keep the texture nice when reheating.

Perfect Pairings

Looking to round out your meal? Try these:

  • Drink: Pair with Thai iced tea, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or an ice-cold lager.
  • Appetizers: Spring rolls, papaya salad, or a light cucumber salad.
  • Dessert: Sticky rice with mango or coconut sorbet for a refreshing finish.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! The stir-fry can be prepped ahead — slice the beef, make the sauce, and trim the green beans. Store each separately and stir-fry just before serving for best results.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be! The red curry paste brings heat, but you control how much you add. Start small and build up.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Absolutely. Swap beef for tofu or tempeh and skip the fish sauce (or use a vegan version).

What if I can’t find Thai basil?

Regular basil works in a pinch, or just use cilantro. Even mint can add a unique, fresh twist.

Can I make this low-carb?

Yes — ditch the rice and serve with cauliflower rice or over sautéed greens.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Coconut Beef & Green Bean Stir-Fry is a perfect marriage of heat, creaminess, tang, and umami. With just a handful of ingredients and a single pan, you get a restaurant-quality meal that’s quick enough for a Tuesday night but exciting enough to serve at your next dinner party.

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