Basil Clams (Hoi Lai Pad)

Thai Translation – Hoi Lai = Clam, Pad = stir fry

Basil clams are a healthy, tasty and always popular dish that are very easy to cook. This dish can be made as spicy or as mild depending on your own preference.. The sauce is particularly tasty when it is soaked up with some steamed rice or you could even serve with some fresh bread too. This dish can be cooked in under 10 minutes and very little preparation is required. You should cook the clams over a very hot heat and for not too long otherwise you will find they will become tough and chewy.

Cooking Time - 5 minutes

Preparation Time - 30 minutes

Serves 4

Ingredients

200g clams

1/3 cup Thai basil leaves

1-2 garlic cloves

1-3 dried chilli's (depending on how spicy you like it)

2 tsp vegetable oil

1 tbsp fish sauce

1 ½ tbsp oyster sauce

1 tsp sugar

½ tsp ground white pepper

2 tbsp water

Method

1. Rinse your clams under running water then place in a bowl and cover with cold water. Leave for 15 minutes. Drain and rinse again, making sure that any dirt is removed.
2. Roughly cut your garlic and set aside. If you like spicy food, chop your dried chilli's into large pieces, allowing the seeds to come out. Pick and wash the leaves of the Thai basil.
3. 
   In a wok or saucepan over medium, heat your oil and add your dried chilli's. Fry gently for 1-2 minutes to release the oils, ensuring that you do not burn them. Add the garlic and fry until it begins to turn golden in colour.
4. Turn the heat of your burner up to high. Carefully toss your clams into the wok or saucepan and toss, ensuring the garlic and oil coats the clams well.
5. Add the fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar and white pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Cover the clams with a lid and cook for approximately 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove lid and add the water and basil leaves. Toss well and turn heat off.
8. Serve with a side of rice.