Authentic Thai Spicy Basil Fried Rice Delight
Discover the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this Authentic Thai Spicy Basil Fried Rice Delight! Perfect for repurposing leftover rice, this recipe features fresh Thai sweet basil, known for its fragrant and slightly peppery notes that define true Thai cuisine. Don't shy away from fish sauce, as its robust aroma melts into the dish, delivering a lip-smacking umami kick with every bite. For optimal texture, ensure you use chilled jasmine rice to avoid any mushiness, allowing for that signature fried rice aroma and taste. This delightful dish is versatile, allowing you to incorporate your choice of protein, whether shrimp, chicken, beef, or tofu, making it a fantastic option for any meal. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for your next gathering, indulge in a bowl of this fragrant, spicy, and satisfying fried rice that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oyster Sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
Fish Sauce
2 tablespoons (none)
Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
White Sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
Olive Oil Cooking Spray
as needed (none)
Chilled Jasmine Rice
4 cups (cooked and chilled)
Garlic
6 large cloves (chopped)
Thai Chiles
2 (chopped)
Red Bell Pepper
1 (chopped)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Egg Substitute
1/2 cup (or use 2 eggs)
Shrimp
8 ounces (peeled and deveined (or other protein))
Thai Basil
2 cups (leaves left whole)
Cilantro
1/2 cup (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar until well combined. Set this sauce mixture aside.
2
Spray a wok or large frying pan generously with olive oil cooking spray. Heat it over medium-high heat until hot.
3
Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped garlic and Thai chilis (or serranos). Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4
Next, add the chopped red bell pepper and onion to the wok. Cook while stirring frequently until the onion becomes translucent. If you're using chicken or beef, add it at this stage and cook until the meat is thoroughly done and no longer pink.
5
Push the vegetables and protein to the side of the wok, creating space for the egg. Quickly scramble the egg in the available space until just set.
6
Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the wok and stir it all together, allowing the flavors to meld.
7
Increase the heat to high and add the chilled jasmine rice. Use the back of a spoon to break up any clumps and stir until the rice is evenly coated with the sauce and heated through.
8
Taste the fried rice; adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce, oyster sauce, or fish sauce as necessary to suit your preference.
9
Once well-mixed and heated, remove from heat and gently fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves until just wilted.
10
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Authentic Thai Spicy Basil Fried Rice Delight.
What is the best type of rice to use?
Chilled jasmine rice is recommended for the best texture and aroma.
Why should I use chilled rice instead of fresh rice?
Using chilled rice prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy and allows the grains to remain distinct.
What gives this dish its authentic Thai flavor?
The combination of fresh Thai sweet basil and fish sauce provides the signature fragrant and umami profile.
What does Thai sweet basil taste like?
Thai sweet basil is known for its fragrant and slightly peppery notes.
Is fish sauce essential for this recipe?
Yes, it delivers a robust aroma and a lip-smacking umami kick once it melts into the dish.
What proteins can be added to this dish?
You can use shrimp, chicken, beef, or tofu depending on your preference.
How much rice is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of cooked and chilled jasmine rice.
What is in the sauce mixture?
The sauce consists of oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and white sugar.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe requires 6 large cloves of garlic, chopped.
What can I substitute for Thai chilis?
Serrano peppers are a great alternative if Thai chilis are unavailable.
What vegetables are included?
The recipe includes chopped red bell pepper and one medium chopped onion.
How do I prepare the egg?
You can use 1/2 cup of egg substitute or 2 whole eggs, scrambled directly in the wok.
When do I add the garlic and chilis?
Add them to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
How should the onion be cooked?
Stir-fry the onion until it becomes translucent.
At what point is the sauce added?
The sauce is added after the vegetables and protein are cooked, just after scrambling the egg.
What heat setting is used for frying the rice?
Increase the heat to high when adding the rice to ensure it fries properly.
How do I handle clumps in the rice?
Use the back of a spoon to break up any clumps while stirring the rice in the wok.
When should I add the Thai basil?
Remove the pan from the heat first, then gently fold in the basil leaves until they are just wilted.
What is a recommended garnish?
Fresh cilantro is suggested as an optional garnish.
Can I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Yes, you can add more soy sauce, oyster sauce, or fish sauce to suit your taste preferences.
How long does it take to cook the aromatics?
The garlic and chilis only need about 30 seconds of stir-frying.
What kind of oil is used?
The recipe suggests using olive oil cooking spray to grease the wok.
Is this recipe good for leftover rice?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for repurposing leftover rice.
How many Thai chilis are used?
The recipe calls for 2 chopped Thai chilis.
Should the basil leaves be chopped?
No, the instructions suggest leaving the Thai basil leaves whole.
Can this be a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for gatherings.
How should I prep the shrimp?
Shrimp should be peeled and deveined before being added to the wok.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is whisking together the oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar in a small bowl.
What should I do if the meat is still pink?
Continue cooking the chicken or beef until it is thoroughly done and no longer pink before proceeding.