Thai Beef Basil

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce
   In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water or chicken stock. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Set aside.
2. Heat the wok
   Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.
3. Sauté aromatics
   Add the minced garlic, chopped chilies, and sliced shallots to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
4. Cook the beef
   Add the ground beef to the wok, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and starts to brown.
5. Add the sauce
   Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef. Stir well and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
6. Incorporate the basil
   Turn off the heat and add the Thai basil leaves. Stir quickly to wilt the basil in the residual heat. The basil should remain vibrant green.
7. Prepare fried eggs (optional)
   If using, in a separate pan, fry eggs sunny-side up or over-easy in a little oil until the whites are set but yolks remain runny.
8. Serve
   Serve the Thai Beef Basil immediately over steamed jasmine rice. If using, place a fried egg on top of each serving. Traditionally, this dish is accompanied by cucumber slices and a wedge of lime.