Thai Pepper Steak, "Neua Pad Prik"

In essence this is a Thai version of the popular western dish "pepper steak", but prepared in a typically Thai way.

Ingredients

1 pound steak
8 cloves of garlic, whole
1/4 cup shallots, sliced
1/4 cup green bell peppers, diced
1/4 cup red bell peppers, diced
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon Maggi seasoning
2 tablespoons palm sugar
1 tablespoon Thai pepper powder
1 tablespoon sesame oil

Marinade

2 tablespoons fish sauce
1/2 teaspoon arrowroot powder
1/2 teaspoon Thai pepper powder

Method

Cut the steak diagonally across the grain into thin strips (this may be easier if you chill the steak in the freezer first). Mix the marinade ingredients and combine with the steak, and leave for about an hour.

In a wok or skillet over medium high heat, combine the sesame oil with two tablespoons of peanut oil and then stir fry the garlic and pepper powder until the whole is aromatic and the garlic turns slightly crisp. Add the beef, onions and sweet chilis, and stir fry for 2-3 minutes (until the beef begins to show signs of being cooked). Add the remaining ingredients, and increase the heat to high and stir fry until the beef is cooked to your taste.

Serve over steamed white Thai jasmine rice, and if desired garnish with a fried egg.