Thai Beef with Mint

1. Mince
   • 1/2 HEAD garlic (about 1/4 cup chopped)
   • 1/2 of a small to medium sweet (yellow) onion
   • 14 serano chilies
   to a finely minced salsa like consistency in a chopper or mortar and pestle.
2. Saute
   • 1 lb. thinly sliced beef
   • Rest of onion, finely chopped
   in about
   • 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
   until meat is lightly browned.
3. Remove meat.
4. Saute chopped garlic, onion and chili in about
   • 2 Tbsp peanut oil
   until lightly browned.
5. Add meat to chili mixture, and stir-fry for a couple more minutes.
6. Add
   • 1 Tbsp sugar
   • 3 Tbsp fish sauce
   • about 1/2 cup of water
7. Bring to a mild simmer.
8. Add
   • 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh mint (or basil) leaves.

This can be prepared in advance through step 6). Just heat and add fresh mint(basil) leaves when ready to serve.

Aaron Birenboim