| 1 | Remove the stems, but not the seeds, from the chilies. |
| 2 | Slice the chiles crosswise into pieces 1/8" thick. |
| 3 | Place the sliced chiles and vinegar in a small serving bowl. |
| 4 | Let it stand for at least 15 minutes. |
| 5 | Grill the beef to the desired doneness, preferably over charcoal. |
| 6 | Slice it across the grain into strips 1/8" thick and 1 to 2 inches long. |
| 7 | Put these in a large ceramic bowl. |
| 8 | Peel the red onion, remove the root portion, and slice the onion vertically into thin strips. |
| 9 | Slice the green onion diagonally into thin pieces. |
| 10 | Add both types of onion to the beef. |
| 11 | Add the lime juice, fish sauce, ground chilies, and ground rice. |
| 12 | Mix well Arrange a single layer of lettuce leaves on a serving platter, and place th beef mixture on top. |
| 13 | Garnish with sprigs of coriander and mint or basil leaves. |
| 14 | Serve at room temperature, the vinegar sauce (from step 1) and rice. |
| 15 | * use small hot chilies about 3 to 4 inches long. |
| 16 | Roast whole chilies stems and all, in a dry wok or skillet until the color changes to dark red or brown depending on the chilies used. |
| 17 | Be careful not to let them burn. |
| 18 | When the chilies have cooled, remove the stems and seeds. |
| 19 | Place the chilies in a food processor or blender and grind using short pulses. |
| 20 | Pre-ground chilies are also commercially available, but often lack the "bite" of home ground ones and may be more expensive. |
| 21 | ** place uncooked rice in a dry wok or skillet and heat over moderate heat until deep golden brown, stirring frequently to keep from burning and to allow it to develop a uniform color. |
| 22 | Watch the rice carefully after it begins to change color and stir constantly because it can burn easily at this stage. |
| 23 | When it is a uniform deep golden color, remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. |
| 24 | Grind it to a fine powder in a blender or a spice grinder. |
| 25 | This can be made in advance and kept in quantity so that there is always a supply on hand, but it is also easy to make up while preparing the dish. |