Spicy Thai Basil Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Fried Egg

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 Thai bird chilies, sliced (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Before starting, ensure all ingredients are prepped as instructed. This makes the cooking process smooth and efficient. Arrange them in the order they'll be used to save time.
2. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of garlic sizzles on contact.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and sliced Thai bird chilies to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn as it will make the dish bitter.
4. Cook Ground Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. The meat should be in small crumbles for even flavor distribution.
5. Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until they begin to soften. The vegetables should retain a slight crunch for texture.
6. Flavor the Stir-Fry: Lower the heat to medium and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and ground white pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the beef is well coated with the sauce.
7. Incorporate Thai Basil: Just before removing from heat, fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir gently until the leaves are wilted and fragrant. The basil should be added last to preserve its aromatic oils.
8. Fry Eggs: In a separate small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Crack eggs into the pan, season with salt and pepper, and fry until the edges are crispy and whites are set, about 2-3 minutes. The yolk should remain runny for added richness.
9. Serve: Plate the stir-fry and top each serving with a crispy fried egg. Serve hot and enjoy! The runny yolk acts as an additional sauce that enriches the dish.