I received a lot of nice compliments on the stir fry over basmati rice with spicy shrimp picture that I shared online. So I thought I would just quickly share the recipe. It was really a very simple dish to put together, and it was very tasty as well. This goes very well with the Mediterranean Diet I have been trying to stick with also. The recipe really has 3 main parts, so I’ll just share them one at a time.
The Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a long-grain, aromatic rice known for its unique flavor and texture. Cooking basmati rice can be tricky, but with the right techniques, it can be a delicious addition to any meal. First, rinse the rice thoroughly to remove any excess starch. This will prevent the rice from sticking together during cooking. Next, soak the rice in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Soaking helps to soften the rice and speeds up the cooking process.
To cook basmati rice, use a pot with a tight-fitting lid and add one and a half cups of water for every cup of rice. Bring the water to a boil and then add the rice. Stir once and then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with the lid. Cook for about 18-20 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Be sure not to lift the lid during cooking as this will release steam and affect the texture of the rice.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. Basmati rice can be served as a side dish or used in a variety of recipes, such as biryani or pilaf. To add extra flavor to your basmati rice, try adding spices like cumin or cardamom to the water before cooking. You can also add vegetables or meats to create a more substantial dish.
In conclusion, cooking basmati rice requires precision and patience, but it is well worth the effort for its delicate texture and unique flavor. Rinsing and soaking the rice before cooking are essential steps that should not be skipped. Using a tight-fitting lid and not lifting it during cooking will ensure that your basmati rice is perfectly cooked every time. With a little practice, you can master the art of cooking basmati rice and enjoy it as a delicious and healthy addition to your meals.
The Stir Fry
I used the following ingredients in this stir fry:
- Red bell pepper, Green bell pepper, Yellow bell pepper (sliced in strips)
- Sliced mushrooms (I used baby Bella)
- 1 Large sweet onion (sliced in strips)
- Baby corns (cut in half)
- Kalamata olives (sliced in half)
- Cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
- Sugar snap peas (wasn’t especially thrilled with these, might leave them out next time)
- Blue Dragon General Tao Stir Fry Sauce
Heat the wok (or your preferred frying pan) and then add your extra virgin olive oil. Add all the vegetables and continue to stir until they reach the preferred tenderness. Near the end of the cooking, add in the Blue Dragon General Tao Stir Fry Sauce. This ingredient isn’t absolutely necessary, but I love the flavor it adds.
The Shrimp
Last, but not least, cook the shrimp. I bought 1 pound of uncooked shrimp with the tails and veins already removed. It was on sale, so I went with the lazy approach! I rinsed the shrimp then added Paprika, Garlic powder, Cumin, and a little salt and pepper. Put them in a hot frying pan with olive oil and let them cook about 2-3 minutes per side. It doesn’t take long. Don’t overcook the shrimp!
That is really it. You have now made a Stir fry over basmati rice with spicy shrimp. Once done, I put the rice on the plate, covered with the vegetables, and then covered with the shrimp. To finish it all off, I squirted some Sriracha aioli I had bought at the store over the top as well.
