Vegan Thai Basil Fried Rice

Thai Basil Fried Rice is my absolute favorite and I do not think I will get bored even if I eat it everyday. My problem with ordering this fried rice at a restaurant is that the fish sauce they add to it. This version is complete vegan and perfected after several trials. This is the closet to the authentic taste you can get using all vegan ingredients. Try it and for sure you will be hooked on to it.

Ingredients

Aromatics

• 1 tablespoon chopped Green Onions, white parts. Reserve the green part for garnish.
• 3 garlic cloves
• 4 to 5 red or green Thai chilies

Sauce

• 2 Tbsp. vegan fish sauce. Any commercial brand or make your own. See Notes.
• 2 Tbsp. light soy sauce
• 2 tsp dark soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp. vegan oyster sauce.
• 2 Tbsp. water.

Fried Rice

• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 1 Carrot, peeled and sliced
• 4 to 5 Long green beans or regular beans
• 5 to 6 Shitake mushrooms (or use any other variety)
• 1 small red bell pepper diced.
• 1 pkg of extra-firm tofu. (substitute any other protein for non-vegan version)
• 2 cups uncooked jasmine rice
• 1 cup or more Thai basil leaves
• salt as required
• Few Tbsp. vegetable or peanut oil

Directions

1. Wash the rice several times until the water is clear. Cook it in a stovetop or instant pot or in a rice cooker. Add a tsp of oil (coconut      will be great) and a bit of salt when cooking it. Make this ahead of time      as the rice needs to cool down completely.
2. Place the tofu in between 2 plates and keep a heavy object on top of it. Leave it for 1 hour. Drain the water and dice the tofu. Add some soy sauce, salt and pepper and marinade for 10 to 15 min. Then pan fry the tofu and makes sure it browns all the sides.
3. Mix all the ingredients for the sauce and set aside.
4. Chop the green onions and keep it aside. Crush the garlic and the chilies in a mortar and pestle.
5. Cut all the vegetables and keep it ready.
6. Fire up your wok or pan. Pour 2 Tbsp. oil and add the aromatics, green onions and the crushed garlic and chilies.
7. Fry until fragrant. Make sure you do not burn the garlic.
8. Add the vegetables and fry it until slightly tender.
9. Add the cooked rice, pour the prepared sauce and fry it in high heat.
10. Add in the Thai basil leaves and the fried tofu and fry a bit more.
11. Garnish with green onions and enjoy!