Thai Beef with Chili and Basil

Thai Beef with Chili and Basil

This recipe was given to be by someone a while back (I don’t remember who now). Surprisingly it is not really very spicy.

Serves: 6 (4 if larger eaters)

1 1/4 jasmine rice
1 can (13.5 or 14 oz) coconut milk
water enough to make 19 1/2 oz when added to coconut milk
1/2 t kosher salt
2 T fish salt
2 T soy salt
1 t sugar
1 T vegetable oil
3 Thai chili or jalapenos, seeded, deveined, and sliced into 2 inch matchsticks; divided into 2 equal parts
3 garlic cloves, chopped; add to 1 portion of matchstick chili
1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef (such as ground sirloin)
1 c loosely packed torn fresh basil (Thai basil if you can get it)
lime wedges, for serving

1. Read all instructions and then re-read. Make certain to be familiar with them as this goes VERY fast!
2. Have, in advance, all ingredients prepared, measured, lined up in the order used, and instantly at hand.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Cover and bring to a boil: reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, about 25 minutes; or cook in rice cooker using coconut milk and water as called for following instructions for your cooker.
4. When rice is almost done, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar in a small bowl and set aside.
5. Heat wok or cast iron skillet over high heat until hot.
6. Add oil. Almost immediately add garlic and chili. Immediately quickly stir and toss with a spatula constantly for about 15 seconds. DO NOT ALLOW GARLIC TO BURN!
7. Add beef and as you cook it, break it up into tiny pieces so that it is truly like minced meat. Cook for about 4 minutes until completely cooked. If there is excess liquid. Push the meat out of the middle of the wok and allow the liquid to boil to evaporate the water. Occasionally stir the meat so the meat does not sear.
8. Add soy mixture and cook 30 seconds.
9. Add basil and remaining chili and stir to combine.
10. Serve over coconut rice with lime wedges.

NOTES:
1. You may use regular rice or omit coconut milk and cook in the usual manner.
2. You may use other ground meat such as turkey, lamb, etc.
3. Serve with a salad (or add 1/2 pound of cooked peas or carrots) and this makes for a filling meal (to look at the portion it is deceptively filling).