Have you ever heard of Basil Fried Rice? If not, youre in for a treat! This delicious and flavorful dish is packed with nutrients and is sure to become a family favorite.
In this article, well discuss what is Basil Fried Rice, the benefits of eating it, the ingredients needed to make it, how to prepare and stir-fry it, and finally, some delicious topping and serving suggestions.
So, without further ado, lets dive into the wonderful world of Basil Fried Rice!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Basil fried rice is a popular Thai dish made from white rice, garlic, chilies, fish sauce, and basil.
The rice is stir-fried in a wok with the garlic and chilies, then the fish sauce and basil are added and cooked until tender.
It is usually served with a variety of vegetables, meats, and sauces, and can be a delicious and flavorful meal.
What is Basil Fried Rice?
Basil Fried Rice is a popular Asian dish that combines a variety of flavors and textures to create a unique and delicious meal.
It is most commonly made with white rice that is stir-fried with garlic, fresh basil, and green onions.
To give the dish a more complex flavor, proteins such as shrimp, chicken, beef, or pork can be added.
The combination of flavors and textures makes Basil Fried Rice a favorite among people of all ages.
The fragrant basil and the crunch of the vegetables give this dish its unique flavor.
It is also a great way to use up leftover cooked rice and to add some variety to your weekly meal prep routine.
The addition of proteins makes the dish filling and nutritious, so it makes for a great lunch or dinner.
Making Basil Fried Rice is simple and requires minimal ingredients.
In just a few steps, you can have a tasty and flavorful meal ready to eat.
All you need is some cooked rice, garlic, fresh basil, green onions, and your choice of proteins.
Start by stir-frying the garlic and basil in oil.
Once they are fragrant, add the cooked rice and stir-fry until it is heated through.
Finally, add your choice of proteins and stir-fry until everything is cooked through.
Serve with a side of your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Benefits of Basil Fried Rice
Basil Fried Rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that has a variety of benefits.
Not only is it full of flavor, but it also provides many health benefits.
For starters, the combination of rice and fresh basil is a great source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestion and overall health.
Additionally, the proteins found in the dish, such as shrimp, chicken, beef, and pork, provide essential nutrients that are important for our bodies.
Basil itself is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, providing vitamins A and K, as well as iron and magnesium.
Basil is also known for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect our bodies from potential illnesses.
Moreover, Basil Fried Rice is a great dish to prepare when you are short on time.
It can be cooked in a relatively short amount of time and only requires a few ingredients.
It is a great meal to make for a quick lunch or dinner.
Finally, this dish is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to meet the tastes and preferences of anyone.
Different proteins, vegetables, and herbs can be added or removed to create a flavor that is unique to you.
Additionally, more or less rice can be added to create a dish that is more or less filling.
Basil Fried Rice is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and provides a variety of health benefits.
Whether you are looking for a quick meal or a flavorful dish, Basil Fried Rice is a great option.
Ingredients Needed to Make Basil Fried Rice
Basil Fried Rice is an incredibly delicious and versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients.
The most common ingredients needed to make this flavorful dish are rice, fresh basil, garlic, green onions, proteins, and vegetables.
To start, you will need to cook the rice according to the instructions on the package.
Once the rice is cooked, you can begin to prepare the other ingredients.
Fresh basil is a key component of Basil Fried Rice, so make sure to pick up a bunch of fresh basil at the store.
The garlic and green onions should also be finely chopped before adding to the pan.
In terms of protein, you can choose whatever you prefer.
Popular choices include shrimp, chicken, beef, and pork.
Feel free to mix and match the proteins to suit your tastes.
Other vegetables can also be added to the dish.
Popular choices include carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms.
Once all the ingredients are prepared, you can begin to cook the Basil Fried Rice.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a few tablespoons of oil.
Add the garlic, green onions, and other vegetables to the skillet and cook until tender.
Next, add the proteins and cook until they are cooked through.
Finally, add the cooked rice and fresh basil, stirring to combine.
Cook for a few minutes, or until the rice is warmed through.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Preparing the Rice
When preparing basil fried rice, the first step is to cook the rice.
Be sure to use long-grain white rice, as this will provide the best texture when cooked.
Its important to rinse the rice in a strainer before cooking to remove any excess starch and to ensure the grains are separate.
After rinsing, cook the rice in either a rice cooker or saucepan.
For a rice cooker, add two parts water to one part rice, and cook according to the manufacturers instructions.
For a saucepan, bring two parts water to a boil in a medium-sized pot.
Add one part rice, reduce the heat to low, and cover with a lid.
Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed.
Once cooked, fluff with a fork and let cool.
Stir-Frying the Rice
When it comes to making Basil Fried Rice, the key lies in the stir-frying process.
This involves heating up a wok or large skillet on a high heat and then adding a few tablespoons of oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the garlic, green onions, and fresh basil to the wok and stir-fry until fragrant.
After this, add the cooked rice and mix everything together, stirring constantly.
This process helps to create a flavorful and textured dish, as the rice absorbs the flavors of the herbs and vegetables.
Once the rice is cooked, add the desired proteins and continue to stir-fry until everything is cooked through.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Topping the Rice
When it comes to topping basil fried rice, the possibilities are endless.
You can choose from a variety of proteins such as shrimp, chicken, beef, and pork.
The choice is yours! If you want a vegetarian version, tofu is a great option.
The proteins can be cooked in a variety of ways such as stir-fried, grilled, or even steamed.
Each protein adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
You can also add vegetables to the dish such as mushrooms, bell peppers, carrots, and peas.
The vegetables add a crunchy texture and additional flavor to the dish.
Finally, you can top the fried rice with a variety of herbs and spices.
Fresh basil is a must, but you can also add garlic, green onions, and even chili flakes for a spicy kick.
With so many options to choose from, you can create a dish that is truly your own.
Serving Suggestions
Basil Fried Rice is an easy and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or as an entree.
It is often served as a main course, but can also be served as an accompaniment to grilled meats, stir-fries, or even salads.
For a quick and easy meal, serve the fried rice alongside vegetables, a protein, and a sauce for a more complete meal.
To make it a more complete meal, add protein such as shrimp, chicken, beef, pork, tofu, or eggs.
If desired, vegetables such as carrots, peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added.
For a bit of crunch, add peanuts or cashews.
To make it a bit spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha.
Lastly, to give it an extra flavor boost, drizzle some soy sauce or fish sauce over the top before serving.
Serve the fried rice warm, and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Basil Fried Rice is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that is sure to please everyone.
With a variety of herbs, proteins, and vegetables, this dish offers a unique flavor and texture combination.
Now that you know the basics of making Basil Fried Rice, why not give it a try? With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal that will become a favorite in your household.