Need a diabetic-friendly recipe perfect for meal prep or a family dinner? This protein-packed Low Carb Thai Basil Beef Meal Prep recipe is served with cauliflower rice and tender broccolini, making it a satisfying and nutritious option. I'll show you how to prepare this easy low-carb dish that is ideal for meal prep.
Not only can you enjoy this for meal prep but you can also serve everything in a bowl for a delicious low carb Thai basil beef bowl. Simply start with the cauliflower rice as the base and then top with the broccolini and the basil beef.
You might also enjoy my other bowl or meal prep recipe like this Keto Bimbimbap Bowls, Low Carb Hoisin Beef Bowl or this Thai Eggroll in a Bowl recipe.
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Why I love making these low carb meal prep recipes?
- Versatile: once you decide on the main recipe you can mix and match it with other sides like asparagus, brussels sprouts, broccoli, zucchini noodles or your favorite veggies.
- Convenience: after prepping everything into the meal prep containers I don't have to think about preparing my lunches for a couple of days.
- Time Saver: Yes, it takes some time to prepare this low carb thai basil beef meal prep recipe but once you do it you will be thankful when you don't have to prep your lunches after work for the next day, saving you time after work or in the morning before you head out for the day.
- Low Carb: it's super easy to meal prep and use low carb and diabetic friendly recipes. It also helps with portion control and helps me stay away from temptations, keeping my blood sugars under control.
- Increased Energy: I noticed when I prepare healthy and whole nutrient dense low carb meals, I have sustained energy without the crash I get when I eat off plan.
Basil beef ingredients
Although you might think a thai basil beef recipe might be complicated, it's really made with just a few ingredients and is easy to make.
- Flank Steak: use your preferred cut of beef for this recipe just make sure not to use a cut of beef that will be too tough. Cutting it into very thin strips will help with this.
- Red Bell Pepper: also cut into strips gives this recipe a sweet mild flavor.
- Soy Sauce: giving it that umami flavor. You can use light soy sauce, tamarind or coconut aminos instead of soy in this recipe.
- Brown Sweetener: we add a touch of brown sweetener that gives it a little caramel flavor. Feel free to leave it out if you prefer.
- Coconut oil: Use a nutral oil like coconut or avocado oil.
- Basil: traditionally thai basil is used for this recipe but if your grocery store doesn't carry it (like mine) you can use regular basil.
- Onion, Garlic plus chopped cilantro for garnish.
* See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Steps by step instructions
How to make low carb thai basil beef?
STEP 1: add the coconut oil to a frying pan over medium heat. Once it's warmed up add the beef strips and cook until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.
STEP 2: place the heat on low and add the minced garlic, cook for about 30 seconds then add the strips of bell pepper and the diced onions. Cook until the veggies are softened.
- Step 1: Brown the beef
- Step 2: Cook the garlic, onion and bell red pepper.
STEP 3: add the beef back into the frying pan and stir in the soy sauce and brown sweetener.
STEP 4: Fold in the basil and stir it just until wilted.
- Step 3: add the beef, soy sauce and sweetener.
- Step 4: stir in the basil.
STEP 5: Garnish with chopped cilantro (optional) and remove form the pan.
STEP 6: Use the same pan over medium heat with any remaining liquids add the broccolini. Add the salt, pepper and chili pepper flakes. Cook until soft and tender to your liking.
- Step 5: Garnish with cilantro
- Step 6: Sautee broccolini
* See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for a complete list of ingredients and instructions.
How to make cauliflower rice?
- add the frozen cauliflower rice to a dry frying pan over medium-low heat.
- stir occasionally and cook until all moisture is removed and some cauliflower rice is crispy.
- add salt and pepper and mix, serve or store in an airtight container.
How to assemble the Thai basil meal prep containers?
I prefer to prepare my containers with everything side by side, this way I can see everything that is in the container when I'm taking it out of the fridge. However, you can do cauliflower rice first, then the broccolini and the basil beef on top.
Recipe Tips
- Slice the beef thin: slice the beef thin and against the grain for tender quick cooking.
- Do not overcook: cook the beef just until browned, overcooking can make the beef tough.
- Trim the Broccolini: if the stems are took thick or tough, try trimming some of the stems or peel them to ensure a tender texture.
Variations
- Thai Basil Chicken: swap the beef for chicken for a lighter opttion.
- More Veggies: try adding more vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini slices.
- Thai Peanut Beef: add some natural peanut butter for a nutty and rich flavor.
Storage
- Once cooled, assemble the meal prep containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- You can freeze the thai basil beef and the cauliflower rice but it's best to remove the broccolini and store seperately as it may become soggy when frozen and reheated.
Meal Prep Recipes!
Discover simple and delicious meal prep ideas tailored for a diabetic-friendly, low-carb lifestyle.
Tried this recipe? If so, please leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.
Recipe Card
Thai Basil Beef Low Carb Meal Prep Recipe
Instructional Recipe Video
Equipment
Ingredients
Thai Basil Beef
- 2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 8 oz flank steak cut into strips
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ medium onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper
- 3 teaspoon soy sauce can use light soy, tamarind or coconut aminos
- ½ teaspoon brown sweetener brown erythritol, allulose or golden monk fruit
- ¾ cup basil leaves Thai basil preferred
- ½ cup chopped cilantro optional - for garnish
Broccolini
- 350 g broccolini 12 oz
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili pepper flakes
Cauliflower Rice
- 4 cups cauliflower rice
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Thai Basil Beef
- Add the coconut oil to a frying pan over medium heat. Brown the beef strips then remove and set aside.2 tablespoon coconut oil, 8 oz flank steak
- Using the same pan, place the heat on low and add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, then add the diced onion and stips of red bell pepper. Adjust the heat and cook until the veggies are softened.½ medium onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 red bell pepper
- Add the beef back to the pan and stir in the soy sauce and brown sweetener.3 teaspoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon brown sweetener
- Once everything is well combined and coated with the soy sauce, stir in the fresh basil and cook just until wilted. Optional: garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Remove from the pan.¾ cup basil leaves, ½ cup chopped cilantro
Broccolini
- Adjust the heat to medium, use the same pan with any remaining liquids and sauté the broccolini with the salt, pepper and chili pepper flakes until tender.350 g broccolini, ⅛ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon chili pepper flakes
Cauliflower Rice
- While the vegetables for the basil beef are cooking, add the frozen cauliflower rice to a large frying pan over medium heat.4 cups cauliflower rice
- Stir occasionally until the moisture is removed and the cauliflower rice is slightly crispy. Add the salt and pepper, mix and remove from the heat.⅛ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Assemble the meal prep containers or serve and enjoy.
Notes
Important Information
For more information, tips and variations please review the recipe video and content above and below the recipe card.
Updates and Revisions
If the video and recipe card differ, follow the recipe card for the latest ingredients and instructions.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition info is estimated and varies by ingredients, measurements, and portions.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooked food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more food guidelines
Lathiya says
I loved this basil beef with cauliflower rice. This meal prep was helpful for our busy days.
Oscar Chimenti says
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Criss says
I tried the Thai basil beef, and it’s so flavorful and perfect for meal prep—quick, easy, and delicious!
Nora says
Love taking this with me to work!