Description

Welcome to a culinary adventure that will take your taste buds on a vibrant trip through the streets of Thailand! If you’re a fan of bold flavors, refreshing herbs, and zesty citrus notes, then this recipe is for you. The Thai Chili Lemongrass Grilled Shrimp with Sweet Basil & Lime Fried Rice is not only an absolute delight for seafood lovers but also a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and umami flavors. Whether you’re planning a weekend dinner or looking for a new dish to impress guests, this recipe brings an authentic taste of Thai cuisine right to your table!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb large shrimp – peeled & cleaned
4 cups cooked rice (your choice on variety)

For the Marinade:

1/4 cup fish sauce (or oyster sauce if fish sauce is unavailable)
1/4 cup fresh lime (or lemon) juice
1 TBS chili paste (sambal oelek or sriracha)
1 stalk lemongrass (or the zest of half a lemon) – bruised and sliced
1 red or green jalapeno – seeded & diced
2 serrano peppers – seeded and diced
20 Thai basil leaves – diced
1/4 cup sugar
1 TBS oil (olive oil or your preferred oil)
4 garlic cloves – minced

For the Rice:

1 TBS chili garlic paste (or sambal oelek or sriracha)
30 Thai sweet basil leaves
1 ear corn – kernels cut from the cob (optional)
1 bunch mushrooms – bunashimeji, enoki, or chopped white mushrooms (optional)
2 limes – freshly squeezed
Fresh cilantro for garnish
4 TBS oil (olive oil recommended)
3 shallots – diced
4 scallions – sliced thinly
6 garlic cloves – minced
2 red jalapenos – seeded and chopped
2 TBS fish sauce
3 TBS oyster sauce
1 red bell pepper – seeded and chopped

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Cook your preferred variety of rice to yield 4 cups of cooked rice. Set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Clean the Shrimp
Peel and clean the shrimp thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add the chili paste, bruised and sliced lemongrass, jalapeno, serrano peppers, chopped basil, oil, and garlic. Toss in the shrimp, ensuring they’re well coated. Marinate in a glass bowl or resealable bag in the fridge for at least an hour (preferably 3-4 hours).

Step 4: Grill the Shrimp
Heat a grill or a grill pan over high heat. Cook the shrimp until just cooked through, flipping once to ensure they’re evenly cooked. They should be firm, opaque, and slightly charred on the outside.

Step 5: Prepare the Fried Rice
In a large wok or sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, scallions, jalapenos, bell pepper, corn, and mushrooms. Sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the fish sauce, oyster sauce, and chili garlic paste, stirring well to combine.

Step 6: Add the Rice and Basil
Toss in the cooked rice and half of the chopped basil. Mix thoroughly to ensure the rice is well seasoned. Just before serving, stir in the remaining basil and squeeze the juice of half a lime over the mixture.

Step 7: Plate and Serve
Serve a generous portion of fried rice on each plate, topped with several grilled shrimp. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Enjoy your flavorful Thai-inspired feast!

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider using fresh lemongrass instead of lemon zest. It infuses the marinade with a unique citrusy aroma that’s irreplaceable.
Use a charcoal grill for a smoky flavor that complements the spice and herbs in the marinade.