Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice

$- 2 cups jasmine rice (cooked and cooled) - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, diced - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces - 1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional) - 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, start with high-quality ingredients. Jasmine rice gives a nice texture. Using day-old rice helps too. Fresh vegetables add crunch and flavor. If you can’t find jasmine rice, try basmati or long-grain rice. For a twist, swap in other veggies like carrots or peas. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This recipe is flexible. Feel free to mix and match based on personal taste. You can make it your own while keeping that bold flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Cooking jasmine rice First, cook the jasmine rice according to the package. For best results, use day-old rice. It helps keep the grains from clumping. - Preparing vegetables and aromatics Dice the onion, slice the bell pepper, and trim the green beans. Also, mince the garlic and slice the fresh chili. These will add great flavor. - Heat oil and sauté aromatics Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add the garlic and onion. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until the onion becomes soft. - Add vegetables and stir-fry Toss in the sliced bell pepper, green beans, and chili. Stir-fry for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want the veggies to stay crisp and colorful. - Incorporate rice and season Turn the heat to high and add the cooked jasmine rice. Break up any clumps and mix well for about 2 minutes. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if you want), and fish sauce. Stir-fry for another minute. - Scrambling eggs Push the rice to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble until fully cooked, then mix the eggs into the rice. - Mixing in Thai basil Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir until they wilt and release their lovely aroma. - Adjusting flavors with salt and pepper Taste the rice. Add salt and pepper as needed. This step enhances the flavors and balances the dish. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Using day-old rice is key for great texture. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky. When you cool the rice in the fridge, it dries out. This helps the grains stay separate when you fry them. To achieve the perfect stir-fry, keep your heat high. A hot pan helps to sear the rice and veggies. Make sure to stir quickly. This keeps everything from sticking and burning. You want that nice, smoky flavor. If you want more heat, add extra chilies or hot sauce. Just a little goes a long way to spice it up. You can also try other herbs or spices. Fresh cilantro or mint can add a nice twist. Experiment to see what you like best! For effective stir-frying, use a large skillet or wok. A wok lets you cook quickly and evenly. The high sides help keep everything in the pan. If you don’t have a wok, a large non-stick pan works too. Just make sure it’s sturdy and heat-resistant. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. Enjoy making your Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice! {{image_2}} You can customize your Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice by adding proteins. Chicken, beef, and shrimp are great options. Simply cook your choice of meat before adding it to the rice. For a vegetarian or vegan twist, use tofu or tempeh instead. Both options absorb flavors well and add protein. You can change the flavor of your fried rice by using different sauces. Instead of just soy sauce, try adding teriyaki or hoisin sauce for a sweet touch. You can also add citrus for a bright flavor. Squeeze some lime juice over the finished dish or mix in lime zest. Fresh herbs like cilantro can add a unique twist, too. Making larger batches of Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice is smart for meal prep. Cook a double batch and store it in the fridge. It holds up well for days. To save even more time, freeze portions in airtight containers. You can simply reheat them later for a quick meal. To keep your Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice fresh, follow these steps: - Let the rice cool down to room temperature. - Place any leftovers in an airtight container. - Store it in the fridge for the best results. For the best containers, use glass or BPA-free plastic. These types help keep the flavors locked in. When reheating, aim to keep the rice moist and flavorful. Here are the best methods: - Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil, then add the rice. Stir until heated. - Microwave: Place the rice in a microwave-safe dish. Add a little water, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through. These methods help avoid dry or rubbery rice. You can keep Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. In the freezer, it can last up to 1 month. Just remember to seal it well to prevent freezer burn. What is the best rice for fried rice? The best rice for fried rice is jasmine rice. It has a nice texture and flavor. Make sure to use cooked and cooled rice. This helps keep the grains separate when frying. Can I make Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Cook and cool the rice first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the rice before frying. This keeps it fresh and tasty. How can I make it less spicy? To make it less spicy, use fewer fresh red chilies. You can also remove the seeds from the chili. Another tip is to add more vegetables or rice to balance the heat. Caloric content and macros per serving Each serving of Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice has around 400 calories. It contains 10 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat. The carbs come to about 60 grams per serving. Is this recipe healthy? Yes, this recipe is healthy. It features fresh vegetables and lean protein from eggs. The use of Thai basil adds great flavor without extra calories. Just watch the sauces, as they can add sodium. What to serve with Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice You can serve this dish with grilled chicken or shrimp. A fresh salad on the side works well too. For a snack, try spring rolls or dumplings. Drinks pairing with this dish Pair your meal with a cold Thai iced tea. A light beer or sparkling water also complements the dish. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try coconut water for a refreshing choice. To make Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice, you need a few key ingredients. You will use jasmine rice, vegetable oil, garlic, onion, bell pepper, green beans, fresh chili, soy sauce, fish sauce, and Thai basil. 1. First, cook the jasmine rice and let it cool. 2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. 3. Sauté garlic and onion for a minute. 4. Add bell pepper, green beans, and chili. 5. Stir-fry until the veggies are crisp. 6. Next, add the cooled rice and mix well. 7. Pour in soy sauce and fish sauce. 8. Scramble the eggs in the pan. 9. Finally, fold in the Thai basil leaves. For serving, I recommend placing the fried rice in bowls. You can garnish with extra basil and fresh chili slices. A lime wedge on the side adds a nice touch. Enjoy your Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice! For the complete recipe, check out the details above. Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. We went through all the ingredients, from jasmine rice to fresh basil. I shared tips for cooking and storing your rice. You can even switch up proteins and flavors to fit your taste. This dish is perfect for quick meals or impressing friends. Enjoy every bite and keep experimenting with your own twists!$

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice! This delicious recipe combines fragrant jasmine rice, crunchy vegetables, and aromatic Thai basil with a kick of heat. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it takes just 20 minutes to whip up. Impress your family and friends with this simple yet flavorful dish.

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Ingredients

2 cups jasmine rice (cooked and cooled)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

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

1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced (more if you like it spicier)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)

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 already, cook jasmine rice according to package instructions. For best results, use day-old rice that’s been stored in the fridge. This helps the grains stay separate during frying.

Heat oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

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

Add vegetables: Toss in the sliced bell pepper, green beans, and fresh chili. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Add rice: Increase the heat to high and add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps and stir everything together for about 2 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through.

Season the rice: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and fish sauce. Stir-fry for an additional minute, ensuring the rice is evenly coated in the sauces.

Incorporate eggs: Push the rice to one side of the pan and add the beaten eggs to the empty side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them into the rice.

Finish with basil: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves, stirring until they wilt and release their aromatic flavor.

Adjust seasoning: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired, ensuring a well-balanced flavor profile.

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

- Presentation Tips: Serve the fried rice in bowls or on a platter, garnished with additional basil leaves and a few slices of fresh chili for a pop of color. Optionally, provide lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish. Enjoy your homemade Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice!