This vibrant Thai stir-fry is a flavour explosion, combining the bouncy texture of fish balls with the crisp crunch of bamboo shoots and the fragrant punch of holy basil. It's a quick and easy weeknight meal that's surprisingly sophisticated, perfect for those who love a kick of spice and a burst of fresh herbs. The combination of salty fish balls, subtly sweet bamboo shoots, and fiery chilies creates a harmonious balance of tastes and textures, all brought together by the aromatic basil. This dish is both satisfying and refreshing, making it a wonderful choice for a light lunch or a more substantial dinner.
Imagine the delicious aroma filling your kitchen as you expertly stir-fry these ingredients together. For a step-by-step guide to recreate this authentic Thai delight at home, follow the simple instructions outlined in the recipe below. You'll learn how to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, creating a stir-fry that's sure to impress your family and friends.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Mortar and pestle
Ingredients
- Bamboo shoots
- Garlic: 4 cloves (Chinese garlic)
- Red chili peppers
- Green chilies
- Basil leaves
- Fish balls: 300 grams
- Seasoning sauce
- Light soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sugar
- MSG or seasoning powder: Optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Chili Paste
- Cut into desired shapes and wash 2-3 times.
- Pound chili and garlic together in a mortar. Adjust spiciness to your liking.
Step 2. Stir-fry Fish Balls and Bamboo Shoots
- Heat a pan and add a little water. Add the pounded chili and garlic, stir-frying until fragrant.
- Add fish balls to the pan and stir-fry.
- Add water used to rinse the mortar (or plain water), then add bamboo shoots.
- Season with seasoning sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir-fry until cooked.
- Add MSG or seasoning powder (optional) for creamier taste.
Step 3. Finish and Serve
- Stir-fry until everything is well blended. Add basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted and fragrant (don't overcook).
- Serve hot.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- If you can't think of anything to add, bamboo shoots are a great option.
- Basil goes well with Thai cuisine.
- Adjust the spiciness according to your preference.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the fish balls with another protein?
Yes! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu would work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.
2. What type of basil is best for this recipe?
Thai basil is ideal for its unique licorice-like flavor, but you can use regular sweet basil if needed.
3. How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chili used, or remove the seeds before adding them to the stir-fry. You can also add a splash of coconut milk to mellow the heat.
This Spicy Fish Ball & Bamboo Shoot Stir-Fry with Basil is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying Thai dish perfect for a weeknight meal. The vibrant flavors and textures will transport you to Thailand with every bite. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary adventure!