1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak, sliced thinly against the grain
2 teaspoons plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
2 teaspoons cornstarch
5 cloves garlic, chopped
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)
2 teaspoons sugar
1 cup fresh Thai or Italian basil leaves, packed
Steamed rice, for serving
Toss the sliced beef with 2 teaspoons oil and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Heat your wok over high heat, and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Sear the beef until just browned (but still a little rare), remove from the wok, and set aside.
Add the garlic, red bell pepper, and onions to the wok and stir-fry until tender. Toss the beef back in, along with the soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and sugar. Stir-fry for another few seconds, and then fold in the basil until it’s just wilted. Serve with steamed rice.