Introduction: Thai Basil Beef

About: Angela Chua-Jew is a Singaporean cookbook writer that currently resides in the UK. Angela believes that every meal is an opportunity to bond; and that every meal preparation is an opportunity to love, laugh an…

This dish is so flavourful and appetising that it goes perfectly well with a bowl of steaming hot white rice. However, I like to serve it with my version of fried pineapple rice that has extra fruit and vegetables to make it a balanced meal.

INGREDIENTS (serves 2)

300g minced beef (alternatives: minced pork/chicken)

3 cloves garlic (chopped)

4 shallots (chopped)

1 tbsp cooking oil 2-3 bird's eye chill (adjust to taste)

1 bunch of basil leaves

~ Sauces~ (mix well)

1.25 tbsp fish sauce

1.5 tbsp sugar

0.5 tsp dark soy sauce

0.5 tsp kecap manis

0.5 tsp white pepper

Step 1: Fry Garlic & Shallots

Heat cooking oil in a wok or frying pan over high heat. Add chopped garlic and shallots and fry until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook Beef

Add minced beef and cook until meat turns brown.

Step 3: Add Sauce Mixture

Add sauce mixture and mix until beef is evenly browned.

Step 4: Add Bird's Eye Chili

Add bird's eye chili and stir briefly.

Step 5: Add Basil Leaves

Turn off the heat and stir in basil leaves. Transfer to a serving plate and serve hot.

*turning off the heat helps to enhance the fragrance from the basil leaves.