Name: Thai Basil Fried Rice
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 12 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked and cooled white rice; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ((or olive or avacado or peanut oil)); ⅓ pound large prawn or shrimp ((about 12-15)); 1 shallot (or ½ onion) (diced); 2 green onions (scallions) (thinly sliced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1-2 Thai chili peppers ((optional)); 2 eggs (lightly beaten); 1½ tablespoon soy sauce; 1½ tablespoon oyster sauce; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2-3 sprigs Thai basil; tomato wedges, cucumber slices, lime wedges

1

Cook the shrimp: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook on both sides for 1–2 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

2

Sauté aromatics: Add a little more oil if needed, then stir in shallots, white part of green onions, garlic, and Thai chili. Cook until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.

3

Add the eggs: Push the aromatics to one side of the pan. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble just until set. Mix with the aromatics.

4

Add rice and seasonings: Stir in the cooked rice along with soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, pepper, sugar, and sesame oil. Stir-fry until everything is evenly coated.

5

Add basil and shrimp: Return the shrimp to the pan and stir in Thai basil. Let the bottom crisp for 1–2 minutes, stir, and repeat if desired.

6

Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra basil, green onions, and a squeeze of lime. Serve hot with tomato and cucumber slices.