Stir-Fried Meat with Basil / Nua Bye Ga Pon


Thai cooks usually use holy basil in this quick and easy dish, which originated hundreds of years
ago. Sweet basil is easier to find in the United States and is a good substitute. Chicken or shrimp
can be used instead of beef.This salad is spicy, with tender meat and crunchy vegetables.

3 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 lb. beef sirloin tip, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 medium onion, peeled and sliced
1/2 c. sliced fresh mushrooms, or
1 3-oz. can sliced mushrooms,
drained
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and cut
into quarters
1 tbsp. fish sauce
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 to 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh
basil leaves*

1. In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tbsp. oil over high heat for 1 minute. Add meat and cook over
high heat, stirring constantly, until beef begins to turn brown. Place meat in a bowl and set aside.
2. Wash skillet or wok and dry thoroughly.

3. Heat remaining oil in skillet or wok over high heat for 1 minute. Add garlic, onion, mushrooms, and peppers and stir well. Cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute, or until mushrooms and peppers are soft.

4. Add meat, fish sauce, and sugar and stir well. Cook, stirring constantly,
over medium heat for 2 minutes, or until heated through.

5. Add basil, stir-fry just until leaves wilt (about 10 seconds).

6. Serve hot over rice.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves 4