Basil Fried Rice

I was craving Thai food today and I was not disappointed. I usually go to Thai Chada down the street from my work or to Spices Thai restaurant. Both are really good Thai places here in San Diego, but nothing will ever compare to Basil, which was my favorite restaurant back in Boston. I'm not sure if it still exists, but their basil fried rice was my absolute fav! Here's a simple yet delicious recipe for basil fried rice. This is a great dish to make with your leftover cooked white rice. Try to use Thai basil for this dish, if you can.

INGREDIENTS (serves 2)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 green onion (both the green and white part), thinly sliced
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large non-stick frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
2. When the oil is hot, add in the garlic and green onion. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
3. Add in the rice and stir fry for about 2 minutes. Make sure to break up any clumps of rice and that the rice is well coated in oil.
4. Push the rice to one side of the pan. Add the 2 eggs into the empty side of the pan. As the eggs cook, use your spatula to break them up into small pieces and mix the eggs with the rice.
5. Add in the basil and soy sauce. Continue to stir-fry until the basil is wilted. Add additional salt and pepper, if needed, and serve right away.