Creating a vegan Thai basil pancake is a delicious and flavorful twist on a classic Thai dish. Thai basil, also known as holy basil, has a distinctive flavor that adds a unique dimension to this recipe. Here’s how you can make vegan Thai basil pancakes:

Ingredients:

For the Pancakes:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup rice flour
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red, green, or both)
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1-2 Thai red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, cornstarch, and water. Set this sauce aside.
  2. Prepare the Pancake Batter:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rice flour, water, coconut milk, salt, and sugar. Mix until you have a smooth batter.
    • Add in the chopped Thai basil leaves, diced bell peppers, diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped Thai red chilies. Stir to incorporate the ingredients evenly.
  3. Cook the Pancakes:
    • Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add a little vegetable oil to coat the bottom.
    • Pour a ladleful of the pancake batter onto the skillet, spreading it out to form a thin pancake. You can adjust the size of the pancake to your preference.
    • Cook the pancake for 3-4 minutes on one side until it’s golden brown and crispy.
    • Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until cooked through.
    • Remove the pancake from the skillet and place it on a plate. Repeat this process with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
  4. Serve:
    • Once all the pancakes are cooked, cut them into wedges or squares.
    • Drizzle the prepared sauce over the pancakes or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
    • Garnish with extra Thai basil leaves, if desired.

Enjoy your vegan Thai basil pancakes as a savory and aromatic treat! These pancakes are perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or snack. Adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more or fewer Thai chilies.