Damned Rodan’s Fiery Thai Beef with Basil

It’s recipe time. I frequently make a Thai dish or two that generally turns out acceptable in the extreme. Granted, my Thai cooking is quite simple, but the results are always satisfying. Here is a rough outline; I always tweak it a bit based on ingredients — and time — I have on hand. The amounts are approximate; all can be adjusted to taste.

Damned Rodan’s Fiery Thai Beef with Basil
What You Need (serves two): 

2 eight-oz. Angus beef steaks, thick cut

1 cup jasmine rice

1/2 cup white onion, chopped

1/2 cup green onion, diced

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

2 hot chili peppers, sliced

2 tbsp hot chili oil to marinate; 2 tbsp to cook

1 tsp butter

1/2 tsp garlic powder (or, if you’ve time and inclination, roast your garlic cloves)

For sauce:

1/3 cup chili garlic sauce

1/3 cup fish sauce

2 hot chili peppers, sliced

juice from 2 limes

1 tsp rice wine vinegar
1 tsp brown sugar

Prep:
For best results, marinate the beef in hot chili oil, garlic, and a portion of the sauce for an hour or so before cooking. Save the rest of the sauce either for dipping or to pour on individual portions. Make sauce by combining chili garlic sauce, fish sauce, 2 of the hot chili peppers, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir together thoroughly. Combine basil and green onions in a separate bowl. Cook the rice prior or during beef prep.

What You Do:

1. Pour hot chili oil into a skillet (preferably wok or cast iron). Heat to medium high.
2. Place beef in skillet. Sear both sides of the beef — three to four minutes per side. After the first turn, drop the butter into the skillet and add the lime juice, chopped onions, and sliced chili peppers. Note: Your eyes will burn.
3. When the beef is seared, reduce heat to low. Remove beef from skillet and cut into slivers, against the grain. Place slivered beef back into skillet and cook on medium low to — preferably — no more than medium rare.
4. Spoon beef, peppers, onions, and reduced sauce onto rice. If you wish, add additional sauce. Top with basil and green onions.
5. Partake of the goodies and scream in agonized ecstasy.