Thai Beef with Chiles and Basil Over Coconut Rice

1. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, 3/4 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer, cover, and cookuntil rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, about 25 minutes.

2. When rice is almost done, combinefish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar in asmall bowl; set aside. Heat a cast-ironskillet or wok over high. Add oil andheat; add garlic and half the chiles. Cook,stirring constantly, 15 seconds. Addbeef and cook, breaking up meat witha wooden spoon, until completelybrowned, about 4 minutes. Add soymixture and cook 30 seconds. Addbasil and remaining chiles and stir tocombine. Serve beef over coconutrice with lime wedges.

Cook's Notes

Cast-iron skillets and woks are both great for stir-frying. If using another pan, cook the beef in batches. Find fish sauce in the Asian-foods aisle of most supermarkets.