Unveiling the Summer Freaky Friday Blog Hop: My Adventure with Ginger & Basil Fried Rice
Following the immense success and pure joy of our Spring Freaky Friday Blog Hop, we knew we had to bring it back for a summer edition! This beloved event brings together a vibrant community of foodie bloggers, each tasked with a delicious secret assignment. We expanded our culinary crew, welcoming even more talented individuals, and today, all 19 of us are thrilled to share the incredible recipes we’ve meticulously cooked and baked from our mystery blogs. Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey and discover your next favorite dish!
The Freaky Friday Blog Hop is more than just a recipe share; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the endless possibilities that emerge when passionate food bloggers connect. Each participant is secretly assigned another blogger’s site, challenging them to explore, choose, and recreate a recipe that truly embodies the spirit of their assigned kitchen. This unique concept not only introduces us to new culinary perspectives but also allows our readers to discover a wider array of amazing food blogs they might not have otherwise encountered. It’s a win-win for everyone involved, fostering a supportive environment while dishing out incredible inspiration.
Discovering Culinary Gems: My Assignment at Giramuk’s Kitchen
I was absolutely thrilled when my secret assignment revealed Giramuk’s Kitchen! Dini, the brilliant mind behind this delectable blog, is a wonderful new addition to our Freaky Friday group, and her blog quickly became a welcomed fresh voice in my regular reading. Dini’s background is as rich and diverse as her recipes. Born in Sri Lanka, she spent her formative years growing up in picturesque New Zealand, later moved to vibrant Australia, and since 2014, has been calling the USA home with her husband. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Science and a Master’s in Clinical Audiology, Dini affectionately refers to herself as a “Mad Scientist” in the kitchen, a moniker that perfectly captures her innovative and experimental approach to cooking.
Beyond her impressive academic credentials and culinary prowess, Dini is also an avid photographer. Her stunning food photography is truly inspiring, and I must admit, it made me a little nervous to even attempt to compare my own photography skills when recreating one of her beautiful dishes. Choosing just one recipe from her extensive list of mouthwatering appetizers, satisfying main courses, and inventive cocktails proved to be a delightful challenge in itself. The sheer variety of flavors and techniques showcased on Giramuk’s Kitchen is simply astounding. On my initial “short list” were her enticing 10 Minute Chicken Stir Fry Ramen Noodles, the rich and elegant Creamy Coq Au Riesling, and the refreshingly unique Peach, Mint, Tequila Sorbet. This brief selection barely scratches the surface of the incredible flavor sensations waiting to be discovered over at Giramuk’s Kitchen, a testament to Dini’s global influences and culinary expertise.
The Winning Recipe: A Colorful and Flavorful Ginger & Basil Fried Rice
In the end, this vibrant Ginger & Basil Fried Rice stole my heart and ultimately won the coveted spot for my Freaky Friday submission. I’ve been in a serious “basil state of mind” lately, drawn to its fresh, aromatic qualities that elevate so many dishes. This recipe perfectly aligned with my current cooking philosophy: creating food that is not only incredibly tasty but also visually stunning. After all, pretty food just makes the dining experience so much more enjoyable!
One of the many reasons I gravitate towards fried rice is its incredible versatility, making it a perfect solution for utilizing ingredients already on hand. This particular recipe allowed me to efficiently use up some leftover cooked chicken we had, as well as a variety of vegetables from my fridge’s “leftover” drawer. Dini’s original recipe for Ginger & Basil Fried Rice didn’t specifically call for purple cabbage, but I had some left over from another meal, and I decided to “throw it in.” The addition of purple cabbage not only added a delightful crunch and extra nutrients but also contributed a beautiful pop of color, making the dish even more appealing. Customization is key in home cooking, and I also opted to slightly reduce the amount of spice from the original recipe. This small adjustment made the heat level absolutely perfect for our family’s preferences, highlighting how easily this recipe can be adapted to suit individual tastes. I was absolutely delighted with the final result – a truly flavorful, colorful, and satisfying meal.
Fried rice is a classic Asian comfort food, renowned for its quick preparation and adaptable nature. The combination of fresh ginger and basil in this recipe provides a wonderfully aromatic base, infusing every grain of rice and every piece of vegetable with layers of bright, warm flavor. Ginger adds a zesty, slightly peppery kick, while basil contributes a sweet, herbaceous freshness that is simply irresistible. This dish truly showcases how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you simply crave a burst of vibrant flavor.
After you grab the recipe below and add this incredible Ginger & Basil Fried Rice to your cooking repertoire, I highly encourage you to explore all the links at the bottom of this post. Each participating blogger has poured their heart into creating and sharing their Freaky Friday recipe, bringing you a diverse and exciting array of culinary delights. Your visits and comments on our blogs mean the world to us and truly brighten our days!
Enjoy browsing, cooking, and most importantly, eating!
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Print Recipe
Ginger & Basil Fried Rice: A Quick and Colorful Meal
Ingredients
- 20 ounces cooked day-old Basmati or Jasmine Rice
- 2-4 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
- 2 Tablespoons fresh minced ginger (Gourmet Garden Brand recommended)
- 2 cups washed and sliced leeks (white and light green parts only)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cups raw shrimp
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 4 eggs (whisked)
- 4 green onions (sliced)
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
Instructions
- In a large wok or skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the fresh minced ginger, sliced leeks, shredded carrots, and shredded purple cabbage. Stir-fry for a few minutes, then add half of the soy sauce, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and brown sugar. Continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Add the shredded cooked chicken and raw shrimp to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turns opaque and pink. (If your shrimp is already cooked, simply add it and stir until heated through.)
- Push the vegetable, chicken, and shrimp mixture to one side of the skillet. Increase the heat to high. Add a small amount of oil to the empty side of the pan, then pour in the whisked eggs. Quickly scramble the eggs until fully cooked. Reduce heat to medium-high, then mix the scrambled eggs into the rest of the ingredients.
- Add the day-old cooked rice, chicken stock, the remaining soy sauce, and chopped fresh basil leaves to the skillet. Stir-fry vigorously, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and the liquid is absorbed. Continue to cook until the rice is heated through and slightly toasted. Taste and season with additional salt if needed.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Ginger & Basil Fried Rice!
Nutrition
Explore More Culinary Adventures with #FreakyFriday
Are you ready to expand your culinary horizons and discover some truly awesome new foodie friends? The #FreakyFriday Blog Hop is the perfect opportunity to explore a fantastic collection of blogs, each offering unique recipes and perspectives. Our community of talented bloggers works hard to bring you a diverse range of dishes, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Dive into the links below to find your next cooking inspiration, learn new techniques, and connect with passionate food enthusiasts!
A Dish of Daily Life
Life Currents
Café Terra
Pic-Nic
Who Needs A Cape?
Big Rigs ‘n Lil’ Cookies
Honey & Birch
The Devilish Dish
Giramuk’s Kitchen – Food & Recipe Blog
An Affair from the Heart
Aunt Bee’s Recipes
Full Belly Sisters
The Foodie Affair
Wildflour’s Cottage Kitchen
A Kitchen Hoor
Belle of the Kitchen
LeMoine Family Kitchen
The Magical Slow Cooker
Christine It
Thank you for joining us on this culinary adventure! Freaky Friday will be returning in the fall, promising even more fantastic recipes and exciting discoveries from our growing community of food bloggers. Stay tuned for another round of delicious inspiration!