Thai Die

[madbaker]

Last week's Resolution Recipe and this week's were served together for dinner: Thai Basil Beef and Cucumber Condiment.

Thai Basil Beef
4 Tbsp peanut oil
3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped (All together now: I used... more.)
1 Thai chile pepper, seeded and sliced
1 lb beef flank steak, thinly sliced across the grain
4 Tbsp Thai fish sauce
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/2 cup coarsely chopped basil leaves

Heat a wok, add the oil, then stir in the garlic for a moment. Add the pepper and meat, searing to medium. Add the remaining ingredients and toss for a moment.

What worked: Spicy without being blistering, it was a good summer meal.

What didn't: There was a delay serving dinner, and the basil wilted to nothingness. Perhaps I should have topped the plates with it.

Will I make it again? Sure!

Cucumber Condiment

1 firm medium cucumber
2 Tbsp white vinegar (I used white balsamic)
2 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/2 onion, peeled and sliced wafer-thin
1 Thai chile pepper, seeded and sliced
1/2 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped

Julienne the cucumber. In a deep bowl stir the vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Add the cucumber, onion, and chile pepper. Toss well and top with peanuts when serving.

What worked: This was hands-down the easiest Resolution Recipe I've ever made. (Mostly because the wife did it while I prepped the beef dish above.) It went very well with the stir-fry.

What didn't: Julienning the onion on the mandoline made her cry.

Will I make it again? Sure!