Serves 4–6

I like using leftover pot roast for the beef because I prefer the more tender texture, but any cooked beef will do. And frankly, you could leave out the meat entirely and still have a really great dish.

Vegetarian Lemongrass Soup

8 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1 teaspoon (or to taste) crushed red peppers

4–6 stalks lemongrass, bruised

4 tablespoons soy sauce

Juice of ½ lime or to taste

1 can straw mushrooms, drained

1 cup snow peas, trimmed

½ cup coarsely shredded carrots

½ cup sliced celery

1 red serrano chili, seeded and thinly sliced

  1. Bring the broth to a simmer in a large saucepan. Add the crushed red peppers, lemongrass, soy sauce, and lime juice. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are just done, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the lemongrass stalks before serving.

illustration Vegetarian Thai Food

If you're a vegetarian, or just trying to cut back on your meat consumption, then Thai food is for you! Most Thai dishes start with rice or noodles with vegetables — meat and sauce are placed on top. Meat is rarely the main focus of the meal, and the flavors of the dish mostly come from the spices and vegetables. Generally, you can substitute tofu in any recipe that includes meat.