Dive into the vibrant flavors of Thailand with our Spicy Stir Fried Thai Basil Clams! This quick and tantalizing dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a perfect way to impress your guests with minimal effort. In just 25 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering seafood delight that's bursting with aromatic Thai basil and a kick of chili heat. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok. Ready to spice up your dinner table? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh clams, cleaned
- 2 cups Thai basil leaves
- 2 red chili peppers, sliced
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Begin by cleaning the fresh clams. Rinse them under cold running water, scrubbing the shells gently to remove any sand or debris. Soak the clams in a bowl of water for about 20 minutes to help them expel any remaining sand. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare your ingredients before you start cooking. Mince the garlic, slice the red chili peppers, and rinse the Thai basil leaves. It's important to have everything ready as stir-frying is a quick process.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding other ingredients to achieve a good stir-fry.
- Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Introduce the sliced red chili peppers to the wok. Stir-fry them for another 30 seconds to infuse the oil with their heat and flavor.
- Next, add the cleaned clams to the wok. Stir well to combine with the garlic and chili mixture.
- Pour in the fish sauce, and stir to coat the clams evenly. Cover the wok with a lid and let the clams steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until they have opened up. Discard any clams that remain closed after cooking.
- Once the clams are cooked, remove the lid and add the Thai basil leaves. Stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the basil is wilted and fragrant.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more fish sauce or chili if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Remove the wok from heat and transfer the spicy stir-fried Thai basil clams to a serving dish. Serve hot with steamed rice or enjoy them on their own as a delicious appetizer.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Clams: Always opt for the freshest clams available. Look for clams that are tightly closed; if any are open, give them a gentle tap—if they don’t close, they should be discarded.
- Prep Ahead: Since stir-frying is a fast-paced cooking method, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This includes cleaning the clams, chopping the garlic, slicing the chili peppers, and rinsing the Thai basil leaves.
- Control the Heat: Make sure your oil is hot before adding the garlic. This helps to release the flavors without burning. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the garlic will take longer to cook and may end up bitter.
- Watch the Clams: Keep an eye on the clams while they steam. They should open up in about 5-7 minutes; any clams that remain closed should be discarded, as they are not safe to eat.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of fish sauce and chili peppers according to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more chili or even a dash of chili paste for an extra kick!
- Serve with Rice: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, which helps balance the bold flavors and makes for a satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
