Delightful Basil Fried Rice: Easy Recipe for a Quick Meal
Welcome to my recipe for Basil Fried Rice! Get ready to indulge in a deliciously seasoned and aromatic stir-fry that will tantalize your taste buds with every bite. This simple yet irresistible dish takes classic fried rice to the next level by incorporating flavorful Thai basil, soy sauce, and a fiery burst of red and green chili peppers.
As an experienced chef, I take pride in creating dishes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare at home. This basil fried rice recipe is no exception. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can make this hearty meal in no time.
This dish is also highly versatile and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re a vegetarian or meat-lover, this recipe can be easily adapted to suit your dietary needs. So, let’s grab our aprons and get started on making this enticing Thai-inspired dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Dear food lovers,
Are you tired of the same old boring rice dishes that lack flavor and excitement? Well, I am here to introduce to you one of my favorite recipes – the Basil Fried Rice. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t be able to resist its savory and aromatic flavors.
What sets this recipe apart from classic fried rice is the addition of fresh basil leaves. Thai basil adds an unbeatable sweet and spicy fragrance that elevates each bite to a whole new level. It’s like a combination of a warm hug and a spicy kick in the mouth.
Moreover, the recipe calls for other wholesome ingredients such as green beans, green bell peppers, onion, fresh mushrooms plus seasonings such as red chilies, garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce. All these flavorful and healthy components come together to create a perfectly balanced dish full of both umami and nutritional value.
Another perk of this recipe is its versatility. You can substitute or add your favorite protein such as chicken, shrimp, beef, or seafood according to your preference or dietary restrictions.
Lastly but not least importantly, with its easy steps and readily available ingredients(such as cooked rice), this recipe is perfect for when time is short but you want a delicious home-cooked meal that is satisfying for both your stomach and taste buds. Not only that but leftovers can be stored easily for future meals.
I strongly believe that once you try this Basil Fried Rice recipe it will become a regular item on your dinner table. So why not take a chance on this tried-and-true recipe? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later.
Sincerely,
Your fellow food lover
Ingredient List
Required ingredients for a classic Thai Basil Fried Rice recipe:
- 2 cups cooked and cooled jasmine rice
- 1/2 sliced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
- 3 minced red chilies
- 3 tbsps vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Thai basil
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 8 oz sliced fresh mushrooms
- 6 oz trimmed and cut in half fresh green beans
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Can add variety of proteins like chicken, shrimp, beef, or seafood.
Note: It’s important to use jasmine rice for that perfect soft texture when cooking it with the other ingredients. Don’t have basil? Not to worry – you can substitute it with Thai spicy basil or regular basil from your local grocer.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Before starting this recipe, it is crucial to have all ingredients prepped to make the process easier and faster. Start by washing and draining 2 cups of jasmine rice. Next, cook the rice using a rice cooker or in a saucepan on the stovetop. Once cooked, let it cool for about 30 minutes before use. Meanwhile, mince 2 cloves of garlic and chop 2 green onions into small slices. Cut 1 green bell pepper, 10 green beans, and 4 fresh mushrooms into small pieces. Finally, slice 1 onion, and deseed and finely chop 3 red chilies.
Step 2: Heat the Wok
Place the wok over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Let it heat for about a minute before adding minced garlic and chopped onion. Stir for a few seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Vegetables to Wok
At this point, add in the chopped green beans, sliced mushroom, sliced green bell pepper, and finely chopped red chilies to the wok. Stir occasionally for about 2-3 minutes or until vegetables are slightly soft.
Step 4: Scramble Eggs
Create a well in the center of the wok exposing bare metal surface to heat. Crack 2 eggs into wok,, let them cook for a few seconds before stirring with a spatula until scrambled.
Step 5: Mix in Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce
Add about 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce, followed by one tablespoon of oyster sauce to taste.
Step 6: Fry Cooked Rice with Vegetable Mixture
At this point add in your cooked/ cooled white jasmine rice to vegetable mixture along with your scrambled eggs. Make sure you have enough space to stir consistently to ensure even frying.
Stir-Fry rice with veggie mixture (Single motions holding at bottom then lifting excess into middle) over high heat for approximately (Two minutes adding more soy sauce as needed) or until you can see that the grains have lightened in color from absorbing seasoning.
Step 7: Add Basil & Serve
Finely chop around 10 fresh basil leaves and mix them into your fried rice.
Remove from heat and transfer the fried rice to serving dish while still hot.
Enjoy your delicious Thai-fried basil fried rice hot as a meal by itself or as an accompaniment to any protein of your choice for best results.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch up your usual Fried Rice recipe? No problem! There are several substitutions and variations you can use to personalize this Basil Fried Rice to your liking.
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit any meat and instead add additional vegetables such as diced carrots, sliced mushrooms, or baby corn. You can also add some plant-based protein like tofu or edamame for an extra boost.
For a classic Thai Fried Rice feel, use jasmine rice instead of the typical Chinese fried rice. This will give the dish a more fragrant aroma and enhance the flavors in the dish.
If you’re feeling like a little bit of heat, add some sliced red chilies or Thai chili basil which will bring out more deepened spicy notes in the dish. If spicy is not your thing but you still want to add some flavor, try using soy sauce or fish sauce as an alternative. These sauces will help bring out savory and umami flavors.
As for protein options, aside from chicken, you can substitute it with shrimp, beef, pork or seafood to make it even more filling and flavorful.
In terms of vegetables, green beans and green bell pepper were used in the original recipe but don’t hesitate to switch things up by adding other veggies such as snap peas, carrots or red bell pepper.
Those who crave an aromatic flavor could opt for using Thai basil instead of regular basil.
With so many ingredient options available that can be tailored to your distinct culinary preferences and dietary restrictions, let your imagination run wild with flavors while keeping the foundation of Basil Fried Rice intact!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve made this zesty and tantalizing basil fried rice, you’ll want to serve it piping hot and fresh out of the pan. I suggest pairing this Thai fried rice with a light and refreshing salad or some crispy spring rolls to balance out the bold flavors in the dish.
For a vegetarian option, consider serving the spicy basil fried rice alongside some stir-fry vegetables or roasted peanuts. For those who prefer meat-based meals, chicken or shrimp would make an excellent addition to this dish, and beef or seafood could also be used if you prefer.
If you’re looking for a beverage pairing to complement the Thai-inspired flavors in this dish, try serving it with a crisp glass of white wine or a light lager beer. Alternatively, an ice-cold glass of sweet tea or some freshly squeezed lime juice would nicely balance and enhance the rich umami taste of the soy sauce and fish sauce in this recipe.
One of the best things about this basil fried rice is its versatility. You can serve it as a main course for lunch or dinner or use it as a hearty side dish. It can be spiced up for those who love bold flavors or toned down for those with milder palates. Whatever way you choose to serve it, this Thai fried rice is sure to become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Are you looking for a meal prep-friendly recipe that you can enjoy for lunch or dinner throughout the week? Look no further than this basil fried rice! It’s the perfect recipe to make-ahead, store, and reheat for later meals.
To make this dish ahead of time, cook the rice according to the instructions and set it aside to cool. Then, stir fry the vegetables in a large wok or skillet with your preferred protein – chicken, shrimp, beef or seafood works great as substitutions. Once everything is cooked through, mix in the cooled rice and seasonings – soy sauce, oyster sauce or fish sauce.
To store leftovers, transfer the cooled fried rice into an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, transfer the desired amount into a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for about 1-2 minutes until heated through. If you prefer to reheat on the stove top simply add some vegetable oil to a wok or frying pan over medium-high heat, followed by the refrigerated fried rice. Stir frequently until heated thoroughly.
This recipe also freezes well! Simply let the fried rice cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer – Perfect for when you’re short on time but still crave delicious homemade comfort food.
Overall basil fried rice is a great meal prep option that stays fresh even after being stored for days or weeks. Make a big batch today and enjoy easy meals throughout your week without worrying about cooking every day!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a professional chef, I have learned a few tricks over the years that can take your basil fried rice recipe to the next level. Follow these tips to get perfect results every time:
1. Use day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice contains extra moisture and can turn mushy when stir-fried. It’s best to use rice that has been cooked and cooled in the fridge overnight or at least for a few hours.
2. Cook each ingredient separately: To ensure that each vegetable stays crisp and cooks evenly, it’s essential to cook them separately, then combine at the end.
3. Let your wok get hot before adding oil: A hot wok prevents ingredients for sticking or becoming greasy. Make sure your wok is heated thoroughly before adding oil.
4. Don’t overcrowd your wok: Overcrowding can make it hard to stir-fry food properly because the temperature drops when too much food is added to the wok.
5. Keep stirring constantly: Stirring continuously helps distribute heat and ensures that food is cooked evenly.
6. Adding sauces step by step: Instead of pouring all the sauce into the wok at once, add it in small increments so you can control the flavor and keep from saturating the dish.
7. Use Thai basil for an authentic flavor: Although sweet basil works okay as a substitute, Thai basil will give your fried rice a new level of authenticity worth experiencing.
8. Get creative with protein choices: While this recipe calls for chicken, shrimp, beef or seafood all work fantastic as alternatives, experiment with different flavors and textures.
By following these tips along with precise measurements and careful execution, your basil fried rice recipe will surely impress everyone at your dinner table!
FAQ
Now that you know all the ingredients and steps needed to make this delicious Basil Fried Rice recipe, you may have a few questions that need answering. Below are some frequently asked questions with helpful tips and tricks to ensure your dish comes out perfectly every time. From substitutions to serving suggestions, read on to become a true expert in making this tasty Thai dish.
What is the difference between Thai fried rice and basil fried rice?
When it comes to the flavor of fried rice, the seasonings used can make all the difference. Unlike Chinese fried rice that mainly uses soy sauce for seasoning, Thai fried rice opts for fish sauce. In this recipe, we’re going for a unique twist by seasoning the rice with a blend of soy sauce and oyster sauce. The combination of these sauces brings out the full, fragrant flavor of Thai basil, perfectly balancing the dish’s taste.
What gives Chinese fried rice it’s flavor?
When it comes to making fried rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce are crucial sauces to include for enhancing the dish’s overall taste. However, it’s important to tread lightly with these sauces as a little goes a long way. It’s best to start with small amounts and gradually add more, while tasting regularly to ensure the flavors are balanced. Above all, the flavors of the rice, meat, and vegetables should take center stage.
What is the secret to good fried rice?
Before you start cooking, make sure to give your ingredients a good rinse to rid them of any impurities. Once you’re done cooking, let your dish rest before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. To make your cooking process smoother, prep your ingredients ahead of time. Keep your recipe simple to allow the flavors to shine.
For stir-fry dishes, it’s best to use a large wok to allow for even cooking and better distribution of ingredients. Heat up your wok until it’s smoking hot to get that authentic stir-fry taste. Add in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for an added depth of umami flavor.
What makes Thai fried rice taste different?
When it comes to fried rice, Thai and Chinese recipes use different types of rice and sauces. Thai fried rice calls for jasmine rice, while long grain white rice is used for Chinese fried rice. Additionally, the use of soy sauce sets them apart – Thai fried rice is traditionally prepared without soy sauce and instead incorporates other sauces like fish sauce or oyster sauce to add flavor. It’s important to keep these differences in mind when cooking these dishes.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Basil Fried Rice recipe is a delicious and easy-to-follow dish that anyone can make to wow their family and friends. Whether you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or simply looking for a new addition to your cooking catalog, this recipe is definitely one to try. With a variety of substitutions and variations available, there are endless possibilities to customize the dish and make it your own. Plus, the added health benefits provided by ingredients such as basil, green beans, and bell pepper only make this recipe even more appealing.
So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients, heat up your wok, and get ready to make some mouth-watering basil fried rice. And don’t forget to share it with your loved ones! Trust me, they won’t be disappointed.
Basil Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 30 ml oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped (increase to suit tastes)
- 1 -3 small fresh red chilies or 1 -3 small green chili, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, halved
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups cold cooked rice
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 1 bunch green beans or 1 bunch French haricots vert, cut into short lengths
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 15 leaves basil (or as much as you want)
Instructions
- In a wok or skillet, heat oil until hot but not smoking.
- Add garlic and chilis and fry until garlic is light brown.
- Add mushrooms and onions and stir quickly.
- Add cooked rice; stir thoroughly.
- add long beans, peppers, and soy and stir thoroughly.
- At the very end, stir in basil leaves and immediately turn into a serving bowl.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Chloe
Chloe is passionate about creating unique dishes that draw on the flavors of her favorite cultures. She loves experimenting with new ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and she is always eager to share her creations with friends and family.