Beef in Chilli and Basil.

Beef in Chilli and Basil.

Another variation of the most consumed meal in Thailand. I am 6,000 miles away from home and I am still making up the statistics. When a person orders this meal in a restaurant, there's an assumption that he/she lacks imagination and doesn't know what they want to eat. I ALWAYS know what I want to eat but I find this dish to be cleansing after a plateful of bacon and syrup.

Serves 4.

For the spices.

In a pestle and mortar, pound

-4 large cloves of garlic,

-as many hot chillies as you dare (around 10 in mine),

-1tsp sea salt.

Pound well to combine.

For the beef.

700g rump steak, roughly minced.

For the sauce.

In a bowl, put in

-1/2tsp caster sugar,

-2tbsp soy sauce,

-2tbsp oyster sauce,

-1tbsp black soy sauce,

-1tsp fish sauce.

Mix well and leave aside.

For the basil.

-60g washed basil leaves.

In a large wok, on high heat, with a tablespoon of vegetable oil, add

-the spices.

Cook, stirring for 30 seconds or so, add

-the beef,

Stir fry to coat the beef in the spices until almost cooked through, add

-the sauce.

Stir well to combine, add

-basil leaves.

Continue to cook for 30 seconds or so.

Serve with rice and soft boiled egg.