Beef Stir-fry with Couscous
Tender beef strips and crisp vegetables tossed in a fragrant blend of Indian spices, served over a bed of light, fluffy couscous. A satisfying fusion meal that's ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight.
For 4 servings
Cook the couscous
- Bring 1 cup of water with 1/4 tsp salt to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the couscous.
- Cover the saucepan tightly and let it stand for 5-7 minutes, until all the water is absorbed.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork and set aside.
Prepare and sear the beef
- In a bowl, toss the beef strips with turmeric powder, red chili powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add the beef in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and sear for 1-2 minutes per side, until just browned. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-fry the vegetables
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced bell pepper and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
Combine and finish
- Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and remaining 1/4 tsp salt to the vegetables. Stir for 30 seconds.
- Return the seared beef to the skillet.
- Add the lemon juice and toss everything together to combine well.
- Cook for 1 more minute until the beef is heated through.
Serve the dish
- Divide the fluffed couscous among four plates or bowls.
- Top with the beef and vegetable stir-fry.
- Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra tender beef, slice it very thinly against the grain.
- 2Don't overcook the beef during the searing step, as it will cook further when returned to the pan.
- 3Keep the heat high when stir-frying vegetables to ensure they stay crisp.
- 4Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- 5For a richer flavor, you can toast the dry couscous in a little oil for a minute before adding the boiling water.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the beef with 250g of paneer cubes or firm tofu. Sauté the paneer/tofu until golden before adding vegetables.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the amount of beef to 500g and add 1/2 cup of cooked chickpeas along with the vegetables.
quickQuick
Use pre-cut stir-fry beef and a bag of mixed stir-fry vegetables to reduce prep time.
gluten freeGluten free
Couscous contains gluten. Substitute it with an equal amount of cooked quinoa or rice to make the dish gluten-free.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, which is easily absorbed by the body and helps prevent anemia.
Source of Fiber
The vegetables and whole wheat couscous contribute dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be a healthy and balanced meal. It provides a good source of protein from beef, complex carbohydrates from couscous, and vitamins from the vegetables. Using lean beef and controlling the amount of oil keeps it nutritious.