Discover how to make Mok Neua, a traditional dish featuring tender beef steamed with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. This recipe guides you through preparing flavorful, juicy beef with a perfect balance of spices, making it an ideal dish for a comforting meal. Learn the step-by-step process to create this delicious and aromatic steamed beef that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb (450g) beef (cut into bite-sized pieces)

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

- 1 tablespoon fish sauce

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 4 cloves garlic (minced)

- 2 shallots (sliced thinly)

- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)

- 2-3 Thai bird chilies (sliced, optional for heat)

- 1 bunch fresh cilantro (chopped)

- 1 bunch fresh Thai basil (chopped)

- 2-3 kaffir lime leaves (torn into pieces)

- 1 stalk lemongrass (cut into 3-inch pieces and smashed)

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Add the minced garlic, sliced shallots, and grated ginger. Mix well.

Marinate the Beef: Add the beef pieces to the marinade and mix until all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Prepare the Steamer: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place a steaming rack or basket over the pot, making sure it doesn’t touch the water.

Assemble the Dish: Spread the marinated beef evenly on a heatproof plate. Top with the torn kaffir lime leaves, chopped cilantro, Thai basil, and smashed lemongrass. If using, scatter sliced Thai bird chilies over the top.

Steam the Beef: Place the plate with the beef on the steaming rack. Cover with a lid and steam over simmering water for 30-40 minutes, or until the beef is tender and cooked through.

Serve: Carefully remove the plate from the steamer. Serve the steamed beef hot with steamed jasmine rice or as a part of a larger meal.

Enjoy your aromatic and flavorful Mok Neua, perfect for any occasion!

Nutritional Values:

Beef (1 lb or 450g):

  - Calories: Approximately 1000 kcal

  - Protein: 70g

  - Fat: 80g

  - Iron: 5.4mg (30% DV)

  - Vitamin B12: 6.4µg (267% DV)

Benefit: Beef is a rich source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12, which are important for muscle growth, energy production, and red blood cell formation.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 240 kcal

  - Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 3g, Unsaturated Fat: 25g)

Benefit: Provides essential fatty acids and is a source of energy. It also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 20 kcal

  - Sodium: 1,200mg (52% DV)

Benefit: Adds flavor and umami to the dish. It also contains small amounts of protein and minerals like manganese.

Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: 9 kcal

  - Sodium: 650mg (28% DV)

Benefit: Enhances flavor with a sweet and salty taste. It contains some protein and minerals from the oysters.

Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: 10 kcal

  - Sodium: 1,000mg (43% DV)

Benefit: Adds a salty, umami flavor to dishes. It also provides trace amounts of protein and essential minerals.

Sugar (1 tablespoon):

  - Calories: 48 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 12g

Benefit: Adds sweetness to balance flavors. While it provides quick energy, it should be used in moderation.

Ground Black Pepper (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 6 kcal

Benefit: Contains antioxidants and may aid in digestion and metabolism. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic (4 cloves):

  - Calories: 18 kcal

  - Protein: 0.8g

  - Vitamin C: 3mg (5% DV)

Benefit: Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It also supports heart health and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Shallots (2, sliced thinly):

  - Calories: 30 kcal

  - Vitamin C: 10mg (17% DV)

Benefit: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, shallots support immune function and help reduce inflammation.

Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated):

  - Calories: 5 kcal

  - Vitamin C: 1mg (2% DV)

Benefit: Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. It may help with nausea and support overall digestion.

Thai Bird Chilies (2-3, optional):

  - Calories: 18 kcal

  - Vitamin C: 32mg (36% DV)

Benefit: Contains capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism and reduce inflammation. Provides vitamin C and adds a spicy kick.

Fresh Cilantro (1 bunch, chopped):

  - Calories: 10 kcal

  - Vitamin C: 8mg (13% DV)

Benefit: Rich in antioxidants and supports digestion. Cilantro also has potential antibacterial properties.

Fresh Thai Basil (1 bunch, chopped):

  - Calories: 6 kcal

  - Vitamin A: 2,500 IU (50% DV)

Benefit: Provides essential vitamins and has antioxidant properties. It supports digestion and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Kaffir Lime Leaves (2-3):

  - Calories: 5 kcal

  - Vitamin C: 2mg (3% DV)

Benefit: Adds a unique citrus flavor. Provides antioxidants and supports digestion.

Lemongrass (1 stalk):

  - Calories: 5 kcal

  - Vitamin C: 2mg (3% DV)

Benefit: Adds a fresh, citrus flavor. Known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, and it aids in digestion.

These ingredients contribute to a dish that's not only rich in flavor but also packed with essential nutrients and beneficial compounds.