Vegetarian Thai Basil Fried Rice Without Tofu Food

THAI BASIL FRIED RICE

Steps:

• A day before (preferably), cook the Jasmin rice. Refrigerate overnight so the rice hardens slightly. I just use my Instant Pot.
• The next day - prepare the sauce. Set aside.
• Slice onions and red bell peppers. Cut French string beans into one-inch pieces. Chop broccoli into florets.
• Using a mortar & pestle, smash the garlic and Indian green chilies (or Thai red chilies).
• This is what you have.
• Heat up a wok medium-high heat. Once hot, add oil.
• Add garlic and green chilies. Saute for 30 seconds or so.
• Add sliced onions. Saute for a minute.
• Add green beans, red bell pepper, and broccoli. Saute for a minute.
• Now add the rice and pour the sauce all over.
• Gently stir fry the rice for a couple of minutes so it heats up.
• Add the Thai basil and stir. Turn off the stove right after.
• If you choose to add egg, you can add it now. Push the rice to the side. Add a teaspoon of oil.
• Add eggs.
• Cook scrambled eggs.
• Once the eggs are scrambled, mix it into the rice. Turn off the stove.

VEGETARIAN THAI BASIL FRIED RICE (WITHOUT TOFU)

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix everything for the sauce and set it aside.
• Prepare all of your vegetables. I dice my bell pepper first, then onion, and red Thai pepper/chili. I also rinse the Thai basil in cold water and dry it with a paper towel. Pick the leaves and tear them into bite sizes if the leaves are too big.
• In a large non-stick pan, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and Thai red pepper/chili. Cook with frequent stirring until the garlic turns to light brown color. If you are adding Thai pepper, it will smell smoky and spicy. It may make you cough, but we are adding a lot of ingredients that will balance the spiciness.
• Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for a minute or two with frequent stirring.
• Add the rice and pour the sauce on top. Stir until everything is well mixed.
• Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the heat and add the Thai basil. Mix one last time until the Thai basil is slightly wilted and mixed into the rice.

VEGAN THAI BASIL FRIED RICE

Steps:

• If using Tempeh, steam the tempeh for 11 to 12 minutes. Drain. (optional)
• Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Add tempeh or tofu to marinate. (marinate for atleast 15 minutes).
• In a skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. When the oil is hot, add garlic and chilies and cook for a minute or until just turning golden. Add the bell pepper and mix in. Add onions, zucchini, carrots and other veggies. Cook for 2 minutes.
• Add the sauce with the tempeh. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. Add half of the green onions and basil and mix in. Cook for a minute.
• Add in the rice, black pepper to taste and toss well. Cover and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add more soy sauce if needed and mix in. Taste and adjust salt and spice. Add salt if needed. Garnish with black pepper or red pepper flakes and green onion or cilantro. Serve hot!

THAI SPICY BASIL FRIED RICE

Steps:

• Whisk together oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
• Spray a wok or large frying pan with olive oil spray and heat over medium-high heat.
• Add the garlic and chili (or serrano) peppers and stir fry for 30 seconds.
• Add the red pepper and onion and stir fry until the onion is translucent. If using chicken or beef, add it with the the onion and red pepper. Cook until chicken is done, or beef is about medium.
• Push ingredients in the wok/pan aside and quickly scramble the egg.
• Add the oyster sauce mixture and stir everything together.
• Raise the heat to high and add the chilled rice. Stir until blended with the sauce and other ingredients, breaking up clumps of rice with the back of a spoon.
• Add more soy, oyster, or fish sauce, if necessary (or to taste).
• When everything is blended together and rice is hot, remove from heat and stir in the basil.
• Garnish with cilantro, if desired.