Kyrgyz-style Beef Stir-Fry with Aromatic Herbs

Ingredients

In this Kyrgyz adaptation, we have replaced the traditional Thai holy basil with a combination of dill, cilantro, and mint, which are commonly used in Kyrgyz cuisine. The marinade has also been modified to include ginger and cumin, adding a unique twist to the dish. Additionally, the original Thai recipe often uses fish sauce, which has been substituted with soy sauce to suit the Kyrgyz taste preferences. We alse have the original recipe for Phat kaphrao, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bunch of dill, chopped 1 bunch of dill, chopped
• 1 bunch of cilantro, chopped 1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
• 1 bunch of mint, chopped 1 bunch of mint, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, grated ginger, and cumin powder. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. 3.
   Add the marinated beef to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
5. 5.
   Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir-fry for an additional 1 minute.
6. 6.
   Return the beef to the skillet and toss with the vegetables.
7. 7.
   Add the chopped dill, cilantro, and mint to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the herbs are wilted.
8. 8.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Remove from heat and serve the Kyrgyz-style beef stir-fry hot with steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For a tender and juicy result, choose a lean cut of beef such as sirloin or tenderloin. Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Dill, cilantro, and mint — Wash the herbs thoroughly and pat them dry before chopping. The fresh herbs add a burst of flavor to the dish, so be generous with the amount.
• Ginger — Use fresh ginger for the best flavor. Peel the ginger and grate it finely before adding it to the marinade.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a few slices of red chili pepper to the stir-fry.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of ginger and cumin in the marinade.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snow peas.
• To make it a complete meal, serve the stir-fry with a side of Kyrgyz-style flatbread or naan.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Kyrgyz-style beef stir-fry hot over a bed of steamed rice. Garnish with additional chopped herbs for a fresh and vibrant presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the colorful stir-fried beef and vegetables on a large serving platter. Sprinkle some extra chopped herbs on top for an appealing and aromatic touch.