Authentic Thai Pad Kra Pao (Thai Basil Stir-Fry)

Instructions

1. 1

   Using a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chilies together until they form a rough paste. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, mince them very finely with a knife.

2. 2

   Cut the long beans into 1-inch pieces. Pick the holy basil leaves from their stems and set aside.

3. 3

   Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until it's smoking hot.

4. 4

   Add the garlic-chili paste and stir-fry for 10-15 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.

5. 5

   Add the ground meat and break it up with your spatula. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the meat is mostly cooked through.

6. 6

   Add the long beans and continue stir-frying for another minute.

7. 7

   Add soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir everything together for 30 seconds.

8. 8

   Turn off the heat and immediately add the holy basil leaves. Stir quickly until the basil wilts from the residual heat.

9. 9

   If making fried eggs, heat oil in a separate pan and fry eggs sunny-side up with crispy edges.

10. 10

    Serve immediately over jasmine rice, topped with a fried egg if desired.