Coconut Basil Thai Rice

Thai-style Basil Rice Recipe

Welcome to Love with Recipes, where we bring you delightful culinary creations from around the world. Today, we’re diving into the vibrant flavors of Thailand with our Thai-style Basil Rice recipe. This dish combines fragrant basil, aromatic garlic, and a hint of coconut to elevate simple white rice into a dish worthy of any occasion.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 265.2 kcal
Rating: 5 (from 22 reviews)

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tbsp unsweetened flaked coconut

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Base: In a large, heavy saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat.

2. Saute Aromatics: Add the chopped shallots and basil to the pan. Cook until the shallots are slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped green onion, continuing to sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add Rice: Stir in the uncooked white rice, ensuring it is well coated with the oil mixture. Saute the rice for about 3 minutes to lightly toast it, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

4. Prepare Bouillon Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the water with the chicken bouillon powder until fully dissolved. Pour this bouillon liquid into the saucepan with the rice mixture.

5. Optional Additions: If desired, add the red pepper flakes and unsweetened flaked coconut to the pan. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.

6. Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let the rice simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked to your preferred texture.

7. Fluff and Serve: Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and distribute the flavors. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious Thai-inspired flavors!

8. Serving: This recipe yields 4 servings of Thai-style Basil Rice.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 265.2 kcal
• Fat: 9.6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.2g
• Cholesterol: 15.4mg
• Sodium: 297.8mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 0.8g
  • Sugar: 0.4g
• Protein: 4.2g

Tips for Success:

• Rice Selection: Use long grain white rice for the best texture in this recipe.
• Aromatics: Don’t rush the sautéing of shallots, garlic, and basil—they build the foundational flavors of the dish.
• Flavor Variations: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. For a milder dish, you can omit it altogether.
• Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to retain moisture.

Conclusion:

With its aromatic blend of basil, garlic, and coconut, this Thai-style Basil Rice is not just a side dish but a culinary journey to Thailand’s vibrant flavors. Perfect for quick meals or as part of a larger feast, it’s a recipe that brings both simplicity and sophistication to your table. Enjoy creating this dish and sharing it with loved ones—it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, stay tuned to Love with Recipes!