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- 2 cups jasmine rice (cooked and chilled) - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 small onion, diced - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces - 1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced (add more for extra heat) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for depth of flavor) - 1 tablespoon fish sauce - 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves - 2 eggs, lightly beaten - Salt and pepper to taste When making Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice, you can swap out some ingredients. For example, if you can't find jasmine rice, use long-grain rice instead. It's equally good. Using fresh Thai basil gives the best flavor. Dried basil lacks the same punch. If you have to use dried, use less. Fresh herbs make a big difference in taste and aroma. Feel free to adjust the chili amount to suit your heat level. The spice adds excitement, but you control it. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on cooking methods and tips! Using chilled rice is key for this dish. Freshly cooked rice can clump together when frying. Chilled rice separates easily, giving you a perfect texture. It’s best to cook your jasmine rice a day ahead. Store it in the fridge overnight. Next, prepare your vegetables. Start by washing them well. Dice the onion and slice the bell pepper. Chop the green beans into 1-inch pieces. Thinly slice the fresh chili. This makes it easy to add them while cooking. Now, let’s dive into the cooking. First, heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add minced garlic and diced onion. Stir-fry them for about a minute. You want them fragrant and the onion to turn clear. Then, add the sliced bell pepper, chopped green beans, and fresh chili. Stir-fry these for 2-3 minutes. Keep them crisp but tender. After that, raise the heat to high and add your chilled rice. Use a spatula to break any clumps. Stir-fry everything for about 2 minutes until the rice is heated through. Next, season your rice. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Stir-fry for one more minute. Make sure every grain of rice is coated in sauce. Now, it's time to add the eggs. Push the rice mix to one side. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble them. Once cooked, mix the eggs back into the rice. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and fold in fresh Thai basil. Stir gently until it wilts. This will fill your dish with amazing flavor. For plating, serve the fried rice in colorful bowls or on a platter. Garnish with extra Thai basil leaves and slices of fresh chili. You can also add lime wedges. This enhances the flavors and makes it look beautiful too. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Enjoy your Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice! - To stir-fry without sticking, heat your pan well. Use medium-high heat and add oil before the other ingredients. - Control the temperature. Start at medium-high for aromatics, then raise it for rice. This helps keep the texture perfect. - A dash of soy sauce adds saltiness. Try adding sesame oil for a nutty twist. - Fresh herbs are key! Use Thai basil for a sweet aroma. Add cilantro for a different flavor. - Avoid overcooking your ingredients. This can make them mushy and lose flavor. - Rinse your rice well. This removes excess starch and helps keep your grains separate. {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice. Here are some great options: - Chicken: Dice boneless chicken breast. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes before adding rice. - Shrimp: Add peeled shrimp. They take about 3-4 minutes to cook. - Tofu: Use firm tofu cut into cubes. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden. These proteins boost flavor and make the dish heartier. If you want a vegetarian version, skip any meat. You can make some simple swaps: - Use mushrooms or bell peppers instead of chicken. - For a vegan version, replace oyster sauce with soy sauce or mushroom sauce. - Swap fish sauce with soy sauce or a mix of soy and lime juice. These changes keep your dish tasty and plant-based. Want more heat? Here’s how to kick up the spice: - Use 2 or 3 fresh red chilies instead of one. - Add a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha while cooking. If you prefer a milder dish, try these tips: - Use less chili or remove the seeds. - Skip the fresh chili and just use soy sauce. These adjustments let you customize the heat to your taste. To store leftovers, let the fried rice cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice can last about three to four days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells before eating. If you want to freeze the fried rice, allow it to cool completely. Scoop servings into freezer bags. Press out the air before sealing. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir often to maintain texture and flavor. To make weeknight meals easier, prep your ingredients ahead. Chop the veggies and store them in the fridge. Cook the rice a day before and chill it. This way, you can whip up Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice quickly on busy nights. Mix and match your favorite proteins for added variety. You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Here are some tips: - Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or mushroom sauce. - Use tofu instead of eggs for added protein. - Add more colorful vegetables like carrots or peas for extra flavor. - Ensure that the sauces you use are vegetarian-friendly. Yes, you can use other rice types, but results may vary. Here are some options: - Brown rice adds a nutty flavor but takes longer to cook. - Basmati rice is fragrant and light but may clump. - Sticky rice works well but gives a different texture. - Always use rice that is cooked and chilled for the best texture. This fried rice pairs well with many side dishes. Consider these: - Fresh spring rolls for a light, crunchy bite. - A simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. - Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. - A spicy dipping sauce to enhance the flavors. The spice level can vary based on your taste. Here’s how to adjust it: - Use less red chili or omit it for mild rice. - Add more chili for extra heat. - Consider using chili paste for a rich flavor. - Serve with lime wedges to balance the heat. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! In this blog post, we explored the ingredients, cooking techniques, and variations for Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice. You learned how to use chilled rice and prepare fresh vegetables for the best results. We discussed tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. This dish is versatile, making it easy to adjust for dietary needs or spice levels. With these detailed steps and insights, you can create a delicious meal that impresses everyone. Enjoy your cooking and the great taste of this dish!

Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice

Experience the bold flavors of Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice with this simple and delicious recipe! Using jasmine rice, fresh veggies, and aromatic Thai basil, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, each bite is a taste of Thailand right at home. Don’t miss out on making this vibrant meal—click through to explore the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to elevate your cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups jasmine rice (cooked and chilled)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 small onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped into 1-inch pieces

1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced (add more for extra heat)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for depth of flavor)

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves

2 eggs, lightly beaten

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the rice: If you haven't done so, cook jasmine rice following package instructions. For optimal results, use rice that has been cooked the day before and refrigerated, as this helps keep the grains separate during frying.

    Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, indicating it's ready for stir-frying.

      Sauté the aromatics: Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and the onion turns translucent.

        Incorporate the vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper, chopped green beans, and fresh chili into the skillet. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet maintain a crisp texture.

          Add the rice: Raise the heat to high and introduce the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Gently break apart any clumps with a spatula and stir-fry everything together for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to heat thoroughly.

            Season the rice: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and fish sauce. Immediately stir-fry for an additional minute, ensuring that every grain of rice is well-coated with the savory sauces.

              Incorporate the eggs: Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet, creating space on the other side. Pour the beaten eggs into this empty space and scramble until fully cooked. Once done, mix the cooked eggs back into the rice.

                Add the basil: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves, stirring until they wilt and infuse the dish with their fragrant aroma.

                  Adjust seasoning: Taste the fried rice and season with salt and pepper according to your preference, ensuring a harmonious flavor balance.

                    Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the vibrant fried rice in bowls or on a platter, garnished with an extra handful of Thai basil leaves and a few slices of fresh chili for a striking visual contrast. Optionally, include lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty finish, enhancing the dish's flavors. Enjoy your delightful homemade Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice!