Thai Basil Fried Rice is an exhilarating dish, bursting with intoxicating aromas and tantalizing flavors that captivate your senses with every bite. The vibrant medley of fresh ingredients, coupled with a delicate balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, makes this recipe an irresistible addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned food lover or a novice cook, this dish promises to elevate your dining experience to new heights.
Ingredients
Here's a list of ingredients you'll need to create this amazing Thai Basil Fried Rice:
- 2 cups of Jasmine rice
- 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 red chilies, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup of shrimp or chicken, diced
- 2 tbsp of soy sauce
- 1 tbsp of fish sauce
- 1 tbsp of oyster sauce
- 1 tsp of sugar
- 1 bunch of Thai basil leaves
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Lime wedges (for garnishing)
Steps to Prepare the Thai Basil Fried Rice
Step 1: Preparing the Jasmine Rice
For the best results, begin by preparing 2 cups of Jasmine rice using a rice cooker. Ensure that the rice is cooked to a perfect, fluffy texture. Once cooked, spread the rice on a tray to cool down completely. This helps in achieving the desired fried rice texture and prevents clumping.
Step 2: Getting the Ingredients Ready
While the rice is cooling, prepare the other ingredients. Using a knife and cutting board, finely chop the garlic and red chilies. Slice the large onion and red bell pepper, and dice the shrimp or chicken into bite-sized pieces. Make sure to wash and clean the Thai basil leaves, ensuring they are free of any dirt or impurities.
Step 3: Stir-Frying the Aromatics
In a large wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped red chilies, stirring continuously until they release their fragrant aroma. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Adding the Protein
Next, add the diced shrimp or chicken to the wok. Stir-fry until the protein is cooked through, which should take around 3-4 minutes. Ensure that each piece is evenly cooked and retains its moisture without becoming dry.
Step 5: Incorporating the Vegetables
Add the sliced onion and red bell pepper to the wok. Continue stir-frying for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften while still maintaining a slight crunch. This adds a wonderful texture contrast to the fried rice.
Step 6: Adding the Rice and Sauces
Now, it's time to add the cooled Jasmine rice to the wok. Use a spatula to break up any clumps, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix thoroughly to ensure every grain of rice is coated with the delicious sauces.
Step 7: Bringing in the Basil and Eggs
Add the Thai basil leaves to the wok, stirring them in gently to release their fresh aroma. Push the rice mixture to one side of the wok, creating a space to pour in the beaten eggs. Allow the eggs to cook partially before mixing them with the rice, ensuring they are well incorporated and evenly distributed.
Step 8: Final Touches and Serving
Once everything is well combined, remove the wok from the heat. Serve the Thai Basil Fried Rice hot, garnished with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish. Enjoy the burst of flavors and textures in each mouthful of this exquisite dish.
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Cleaning and Maintenance
After enjoying your delicious Thai Basil Fried Rice, ensure your cookware and tools are well-cleaned and maintained for future use. Check out these products for your kitchen:
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