Thai Beef w/ Basil

One of my favorite Thai restaurants in Minneapolis has bumper stickers by the door that say, "Thai It, You'll Like It!"  This cracks me up more than it ought to, every time.  However, the phrase rings true about this Thai Beef w/ Basil recipe!  In fact, I'll go one step further -- Thai It Or Else...you will regret it.  Trust me.  So, without further ado, I'm going to get writing so you can get Thai-ing!

 

The photo on the bottom is my lovely little basil plant -- a great investment if you like to have a versatile fresh herb on hand -- especially if you like to make pesto, because that can get spendy!

**This recipe was taken from Bon Appetit, however, I have altered it a bit to be a little more practical for the "cooking after work" crowd.**

• 2 TBSP olive oil
• 6-10 garlic cloves smashed
• 2 jalepenos sliced, de-seeded to taste
• 1 LB ground beef
• salt & pepper
• 1/2 water + 1 cube beef bullion
• 2-3 C fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 a bag of grated carrots (found near baby carrots in produce section -- or grate a few of your own carrots)
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 TBSP soy sauce
• 1 TSP sugar
• steamed brown basmati rice

Saute garlic & jalepenos in 1 TBSP oil 1-2 minutes; add beef, salt, & pepper -- cook through, about 8-10 MIN.  Add water + bullion cube and basil; cook and stir until basil is wilted and bullion mixed in.  Turn off heat and keep warm while making carrot slaw: pour 1 TBSP oil, sugar, and soy sauce into bowl -- whisk together.  Mix in carrots and onions until thoroughly coated.  Layer rice, beef, and slaw in a bowl, and...Thai It, You'll Like It ;)