BASIL BEEF

3 Tbsp peanut oil

20 or more large fresh basil leaves

1 lb inside round steak

2 Tbsp Thai fish sauce

1 tsp brown sugar

1-2 fresh red chilies, sliced into rings

or 1-2 jalapeno peppers, diced fine

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 tsp chopped fresh root ginger

1 small onion, quartered and sliced thin

2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves

dash soy sauce

generous dash of chili pepper flakes

squeeze of lemon juice

Slice steak across the grain into thin strips.

In a bowl mix together the fish sauce and sugar; add beef strips.

Mix well and marinate for about 30 minutes.

Heat oil in a wok. Add basil leaves and fry for 1 minute, until crisp.

Remove basil leaves and drain on paper towels.

Stir fry chilies, garlic, ginger and onion for 30 seconds.

Add the beef and stir fry 3 minutes or until cooked.

Add the chopped basil, soy sauce, chili flakes and lemon juice to taste. Heat through.

Transfer to plates, scatter with basil leaves and serve with rice.