Spicy Thai Basil Seafood Stir Fry
Dive into the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this Spicy Thai Basil Seafood Stir Fry, a dish expertly crafted in an authentic cooking class. This wholesome stir fry features succulent shrimp and tender squid, paired with a medley of fresh vegetables and the aromatic notes of Thai basil. The combination of hot chili peppers and savory fish sauce creates a tantalizing sauce that elevates the seafood's natural flavors and leaves a delightful warmth on the palate. Perfect for sharing with friends or family, this dish brings a taste of Thailand into your kitchen, making it an unforgettable dining experience. For more cooking tips and variations, visit my blog post.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red bell pepper
1 (Seeds and ribs removed, cut into chunks)
Fresh Thai hot chili pepper
1-4 (Seeds removed)
Fish sauce
4 tablespoons (N/A)
Organic whole cane sugar (Rapadula)
3-4 tablespoons (N/A)
Oil
As needed (For sautéing)
Squid
3/4 lb (Sliced)
Shrimp
3/4 lb (Peeled and deveined)
Chinese cabbage
4 leaves (Roughly sliced)
Carrot
1 (Peeled and sliced)
Green pepper
1 (Seeds and ribs removed, sliced)
Red pepper
1 (Seeds and ribs removed, sliced)
Bean sprouts
1 1/2 cups (N/A)
Scallions
1 1/2 cups (Cut in 2-inch slices)
Thai basil
25-30 leaves (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a blender or food processor, combine the red bell pepper chunks and Thai hot chili peppers. Blend until the mixture resembles a wet relish. The spice level can be adjusted by varying the number of chili peppers used (1 for mild, 2-3 for medium, 4 or more for hot). Set this mixture aside.
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce and sugar until fully combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
3
Heat a generous amount of oil in a wok or large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the squid and shrimp to the hot pan, cooking until they are just done, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the seafood from the pan and drain on paper towels. Wipe the pan clean.
4
Add more oil to the same pan and when hot, toss in the Chinese cabbage, sliced carrot, and both green and red bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender yet still crisp.
5
Stir in the chili pepper mixture and the fish sauce mixture, ensuring all the vegetables are well coated and the sauce is bubbling.
6
Add the bean sprouts and scallions to the pan, returning the cooked seafood. Toss everything together gently and sauté for an additional minute to combine the flavors.
7
Remove the pan from the heat and fold in the Thai basil leaves, allowing the residual heat to release their fragrant oils.
8
Serve hot over jasmine rice and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Thai Basil Seafood Stir Fry?
It is a vibrant Thai dish featuring shrimp, squid, fresh vegetables, and aromatic Thai basil in a spicy fish sauce-based sauce.
Which types of seafood are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 lb of sliced squid and 3/4 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp.
How can I adjust the spice level of this stir fry?
You can adjust the heat by varying the number of Thai hot chili peppers: 1 for mild, 2 to 3 for medium, and 4 or more for hot.
What is the first step in preparing the chili mixture?
Combine red bell pepper chunks and Thai hot chili peppers in a blender or food processor and blend until it resembles a wet relish.
How do I make the stir fry sauce?
Whisk together 4 tablespoons of fish sauce and 3 to 4 tablespoons of organic whole cane sugar until fully combined.
How long should I cook the shrimp and squid?
Sauté the seafood in a hot pan for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are just done.
What should I do after cooking the seafood?
Remove the seafood from the pan, drain on paper towels, and wipe the pan clean before cooking the vegetables.
Which vegetables are included in the stir fry?
The dish includes Chinese cabbage, carrots, green bell peppers, red bell peppers, bean sprouts, and scallions.
How long do the main vegetables need to be sautéed?
Sauté the cabbage, carrots, and sliced bell peppers for 4 to 5 minutes until tender yet crisp.
When should the chili and fish sauce mixtures be added?
Add them to the pan after the vegetables have sautéed for a few minutes, ensuring everything is well coated.
At what point do I add the bean sprouts and scallions?
Add the bean sprouts and scallions along with the cooked seafood after the sauce is bubbling.
How should the scallions be prepared?
The scallions should be cut into 2-inch slices.
What is the final step before serving?
Remove the pan from the heat and fold in the Thai basil leaves so the residual heat releases their oils.
How many Thai basil leaves are required?
The recipe calls for 25 to 30 Thai basil leaves.
What is the recommended side dish for this stir fry?
This dish is best served hot over jasmine rice.
What kind of sugar is recommended?
The recipe suggests using organic whole cane sugar, specifically Rapadura.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, the ingredient quantities of 1.5 lbs of seafood typically serve 3 to 4 people.
Can I use a regular sauté pan instead of a wok?
Yes, a large sauté pan can be used as an alternative to a wok.
What is the preparation for the red bell pepper used in the relish?
The seeds and ribs should be removed, and the pepper should be cut into chunks before blending.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrot should be peeled and sliced before being added to the stir fry.
How much bean sprouts are needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of bean sprouts.
What heat setting is used for stir-frying?
The recipe recommends using medium-high heat.
Why is the pan wiped clean after cooking the seafood?
Wiping the pan ensures a clean base for sautéing the vegetables without any leftover seafood residue burning.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe featuring fresh vegetables and lean seafood.
What gives the dish its authentic Thai aroma?
The combination of Thai basil leaves, fish sauce, and fresh Thai hot chili peppers.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients listed for this dish.
Can I use frozen seafood?
While fresh is preferred, frozen shrimp and squid can be used if thawed and patted dry thoroughly.
What is the purpose of the red bell pepper in the chili mixture?
It provides bulk and a sweet base for the spicy Thai chilies to create a relish-like sauce texture.
How much oil is needed?
The recipe specifies using oil 'as needed' for sautéing the seafood and vegetables.
What is the texture of the vegetables in the final dish?
The vegetables should be tender but still maintain a slight crispness.