| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 260 | 9g | 2g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 3g | 7g | 0.8g |
From my California kitchen, I’m so excited to share this recipe of Thai Basil Fried Rice with you guys! Now, I must confess, this dish isn’t technically born in the golden state, but rather, it carries the enchanting flavors of Southeast Asia. However, I’ve put my unique spin on it by incorporating ingredients near and dear to my West Coast heart — vibrant veggies and juicy fresh pineapple. Yes, indeed! This isn’t your average fried rice. It’s a fun, fruity version that is sure to elevate any dining table with its color, flavor, and health benefits.
A Twist on a Classic: The Pineapple Effect
When I first thought about reinventing this dish, I knew I wanted to feature a fruit that’s not only delectable but also packed with incredible health properties. Enter, the pineapple. This tropical wonder is known for its high vitamin C content which is great for boosting immunity. Besides, pineapple also contains bromelain which aids digestion and reduces inflammation. The natural sweetness of pineapple balances the slight heat of Thai chilies beautifully, making the dish a pleasure to savor. I love how the chunks of pineapple in this Thai Basil Fried Rice turn slightly caramelized, delivering an unexpected, delightful burst of flavor in every bite!
Classic Pairings with a Modern Twist
This Thai Basil Fried Rice shares similar elements with other Asian cuisines, such as Chinese pineapple fried rice or Indonesian nasi goreng, but the inclusion of Thai basil leaves and fish sauce set this dish apart. The nose-pleasing aroma and unique anise-like flavor of Thai basil enhance the overall profile of this dish. The fish sauce, common in Thai cooking, lends a complex, salty-sweet flavor which is further intensified by a hint of soy and oyster sauces. If you’re looking for a perfect accompaniment, consider serving it with a green papaya salad or some Thai grilled beef skewers. The light, spicy salad or the smoky skewers would contrast nicely with the sweet and savory fried rice.
And let’s not forget the rainbow of veggies in this Thai Basil Fried Rice — bell peppers, carrots, green peas, and green onions. Not only do they impart an eye-catching allure to this dish, but they also boost its fiber and nutrient content, making this fried rice a well-rounded meal that’s as nourishing as it is tasty. This comes close in line with my West Coast-inspired philosophy of preparing food that’s both comforting and healthful.
All in all, whether you want to spruce up a weeknight dinner, entertain guests, or merely satiate your craving for some Asian-inspired comfort food, this Thai Basil Fried Rice recipe is your ticket to a meal that’s both wholesome and spectacularly delicious.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups of jasmine rice, cooked and left to cool
- 1 cup chopped pineapple
- 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup of diced carrots
- 1/2 cup of green peas
- 2 thai chilies, minced (or to taste)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 6 green onions, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Method
Step One
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and Thai chilies. Cook them until they become fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step Two
Add the diced bell pepper and carrots to the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Now add the green peas and cook for another minute.
Step Three
Move the vegetables to one side of the pan and crack the eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs and cook through.
Step Four
Add the cooked, cooled jasmine rice to the pan. Stir everything together so the egg and the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the rice. If the rice is sticking too much to the pan, you can add a little more oil.
Step Five
Now add the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chopped pineapple. Stir continuously, so the rice is evenly coated with the sauces and the sugar is dissolved. Continue stir-frying for a couple more minutes.
Step Six
Turn off the heat and add the Thai basil leaves, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the basil leaves are wilted and everything is well combined. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
Step Seven
Serve the Thai Basil Fried Rice hot, with extra Thai basil on the side if desired. Enjoy your flavorful and aromatic dish!
