'Thai Shrimp and Basil fried rice' is a popular item in Thai restaurants. The addition of basil gives a unique flavor to any dish, be it curry or fried rice. The spicy, pungent, and licorice like taste of Thai basil is usually loved by most folks .It is quite different from sweet basil , which is mild and used in Italian cooking. Thai basil leaves also have a strong smell and their leaves have sharp edges like mint. The leaves of sweet basil are more rounded.
I recently found that ,Thai Basil leaves have excellent nutritional and medicinal benefits as well. It is used in treating digestive ailments and is known to have anti inflammatory and radical fighting properties.One more reason to include it in our diets.I love adding it to fried rice and curries, especially in Thai cuisines. Our home grown Thai basil is flourishing well, and I have been looking for recipes to add them into.
How to make Thai Shrimp and basil fried rice?
My post on Thai basil Chicken fried rice , received great feedback from readers . Today's recipe although similar, has some changes in ingredients and the method of preparation. I used a mortar and pestle, to grind the soaked red chilies, green chilies and garlic . This coarse grinding helps release oils ,which enhances the taste of the dish. I used shallots instead of onions in this recipe .Shrimp and basil are the two main star ingredients ,that impart a delicious and unique flavor to this dish. You can use any vegetables of your choice , like multi colored bell peppers and carrots . The ground paste, shrimp ,veggies ,scrambled eggs, rice , basil leaves and sauces are all sauteed in oil and combined well to make it a very tasty meal.
Thai Shrimp and Basil Fried rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups basil leaves washed and cleaned
- 4 cups cooked white rice cooled , left over rice works best
- 1 cup bell peppers multi colored and cut into long thin strips
- 1 carrot cut into long thin strips
- 4 shallots medium sized cut length wise
- 2 tbsp butter or oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp soya sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper powder
- 1 tbsp green chilli sauce
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- ½ cup green onions chopped
- 2 tbsp coriander and basil leaves chopped for garnish
- 1 tsp oyster sauce or fish sauce optional
- 1 tsp brown sugar or honey optional
To grind
- 4 -5 red chillies soaked in water for 2 -3 hours
- 5 green chillies
- 6 garlic pods medium size
Instructions
- Using a mortar and pestle, grind the chilies and garlic to a rough paste.
- Wash, de-vein and clean the shrimp .
- Heat butter or oil in a wok and add the chilly garlic paste and sautee well.
- Next add Shrimp and salt to taste and cook it well.
- Move all the contents to the side of the pan and break the eggs into it .
- Scramble the eggs and mix with the rest of the shrimp.
- Add the veggies and sautee well.
- Add all the sauces, pepper , salt and brown sugar if using.
- Add the basil leaves and mix well , till it wilts a little .
- Next add the rice and combine everything well.
- Garnish with chopped basil , green onions and coriander leaves.
Notes
This looks so delicious. Love the combination of shrimps and basil. 🙂
Yes Ronit turned out really good , the shrimp and basil go well in the fried rice .Thank you so much!
Oh my! Sounds flavorful and exotic! Bookmarking this wonderful recipe Nisha
Thank you Smitha, Glad to hear you loved it . I'm sure you will enjoy making and having this ,it tastes out of the world!
Ohh that sounds really yum
Thank you so much for the comment and stopping by!
Wow, I am craving for this Thai Fried Rice Nisha. It looks soo good, perfectly shot picture. Color and texture just resembles the restaurants platting. I love Thai Food and basil fried rice is one of my favorite herbed rice. Literally I can smell the basil seeing your pictures. Will sure try the recipe.
So happy to read your comments . I also love this dish and is a personal favorite . I planted the Thai Basil just so I could make it whenever I feel like making it .You are right the aroma of the basil is just mind blowing! I would love to hear if you try it . Thank you again. Keep visiting!
Thanks for the idea of how to use Thai basil. I grew some last year but never really used it for much. Looks like a great recipe!
You are very welcome Deborah. This is one recipe that we all love at our home .Pretty sure you will love it too.Thank you for stopping by!
Looks so tempting! Saving this recipe to try as soon as I get Thai basil in hand 🤤
Very well explained. We absolutely love Thai food in our home .
Thank you so much Hema, hope you try it soon !