Isn’t it the best combination when we eat rice and seafood? I personally think it is one of the most exquisite dishes in the world. And what about having a glass of good wine? Delicious!
Which one is your favorite combination? Mine is definitely rice with shrimps!
Today we are going to talk about Bangkok rice and one of the most enjoyable –and flavourful– combinations.
You can check https://riceselect.com/recipe/bangkok-rice-shrimp-salad for more information. You are going to find a complete description of this tasty type of rice.
And if you continue reading, you are going to find out what I’m talking about.
What do we know about rice in Thailand?
It wasn’t until the 1960s that the focus on agriculture arose, and it happened because of two main reasons: the enormous pieces of land that were available for farming and the government policies.
A great portion of Thailand’s economy is devoted to rice production: it is a combination between the purchase of the product and the labor force.
Thailand has the fifth-larger amount of land dedicated to rice cultivation around the globe and it is also the world’s second largest exporter of rice.
That is why rice is central to Thai society.
What about its culture?
A very common ceremony in Thailand is the rain-making ceremony. It takes place in Bangkok and there the lord of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony throws rice as he walks outside the Grand Palace, and the Prince of Thailand watches.
There’s another interesting tradition that also shows how important rice is in this country that consists of a cat procession. They believe that, if a cat cries, it brings a fertile rice crop. So much faith, right?
And its properties?
There’s no news, rice is a very rich source of proteins, as the carbohydrates it has can denote. But, what’s more, organic rice is produced in Thailand, and also exported! So, no matter where you are, you can always try this healthy and natural rice.
Why am I telling you all this? Because I am going to show you an amazing rice recipe based on Thai cuisine.
To get to that point, we should move to the opposite side of the world, where we can find the delicious Jasmati rice. Where? To the United States.
This type of rice can be fried and simmered. But what I would definitely recommend is to try a Jasmati rice and shrimps salad, a recipe inspired in Thai cuisine. Is there anything better?
But first, what is Jasmati rice?
Jasmati rice is a long grain variety of rice whose name derives from jasmine rice and basmati rice. The advantage is that Jasmati rice possesses the traits of both grains: the softness when cooked of basmati, and the characteristic aroma of jasmine rice.
It was created in the United States and it has its unique merits as a cooking ingredient.
This hybrid of Thai jasmine rice and basmati white rice cooks up light and fluffy with a subtle aromatic taste. And, what’s more, the low starch content of Jasmati allows it to cook up with separate grains.
How to cook jasmati rice
Another upside of this tasty type of rice is that it only takes 15 minutes to get it cooked.
It can also be used in fried rice dishes, rice puddings or cold rice salads.
It enhances every single meal it is combined with. So, when thinking about how to cook it, let’s decide first which sort of meal we want to prepare.
Let me help you out.
Now it’s time for a tasty recipe
If you want to try this exquisite dish inspired in the Thai cuisine, you will need two key ingredients: Jasmati Rice and shrimps. Let’s read the full list:
Ingredients
- 6 cups of uncooked Jasmati rice.
- 1 cup of canned coconut milk.
- ½ cup of rice vinegar.
- 2 tablespoons of oil.
- A pinch of salt.
- 6 tablespoons of basil.
- 2 pounds of frozen cooked shrimps.
- 1 cup of salted peanuts.
Instructions
- To begin with, you are going to cook the rice according to what is said in the package directions, and set it aside.
- After that, whisk milk, vinegar and oil in a bowl. Chop the basil and add it to the mixture with some salt.
- Then, stir the rice, the shrimps and the coconut milk mixture in another bowl until it is blended.
- Put it into a serving bowl and sprinkle with peanuts.
Cook’s tip: you can garnish with some basil leaves.
Something I love about Thai cuisine is that it has a blend of many different tastes going on within one dish.
If you love that, too, you can also try making a spicy Thai shrimp salad. This salad, combined with Jasmati rice as a side dish is a true flavor party!
Surely you will agree with me on this
What I always think and say is that rice is a truly noble ingredient. Why? Because it’s unique and different from many others.
You can combine rice with as many ingredients as you want. It tastes fantastically well with meat, fish, vegetables, mushrooms, and even seeds.
You can also make main courses –such as the delicious Jasmati rice and shrimp recipe I’ve taught you– as well as side dishes, and also desserts!
It is a very versatile ingredient and it is ideal for culinary exploration.
So, let’s enhance creativity and try as many recipes as you feel like. That’s one of the things I love the most about cooking: creating new dishes. Something that goes very well with an adaptable ingredient as Jasmati rice.
What is more, something else I love about cooking is to get to know new cultures through the senses. To explore, cook and try different flavors and textures. It is one of the pleasures of life!
We start to feel we are traveling to another country, we are getting immersed into another culture, just by heading off to the kitchen and following a recipe of an exquisite dish.
So, what are you waiting for? Head off to your kitchen and start planning your next meal with this easy-to-cook and tasty type of rice.
Bon appétit!
