Basil Fried Rice with "Chicken"

Without fail, Aaron orders basil fried rice with chicken at Thai restaurants. I don't think I've ever seen him order anything else. This was my attempt to veganize the dish, and we both loved it. I read somewhere that chilled rice is better for fried rice, so make the rice at least a few hours ahead of time so it can hang out in the fridge. And if fake meat products aren't your thing, feel free to substitute tofu, tempeh, or just leave it out all together.

Basil Fried Rice with "Chicken" (serves 4)

For the rice:
1 cup (dry) any rice, cooked and chilled
Sesame oil
1 white or yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup shredded carrots (2 small-medium carrots, if you're shredding them yourself)
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 cup bean sprouts
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into strips
1 package Beyond Meat Chicken-Free Strips Grilled (I've never tried Gardein's chicken strips. Any thoughts on which is better?)
1 lime, quartered (for serving)

For the sauce:
1/4 cup Bragg's Liquid Aminos (or tamari, if you aren't watching your sodium)
2 Tbls. brown sugar
1 tsp. fresh grated ginger
1 Tbls. mirin
1/2 Tbls. seasoned rice vinegar
1 Thai chili, minced with seeds (add more or less depending on how spicy you like your food)

Cook the rice according to package directions at least a few hours ahead of time, and chill. At some point before you make the dish, mix all of the ingredients for the sauce, and set aside (in the fridge, if it's more than an hour before you are cooking).

Heat a heaping drizzle of sesame oil in a wok over medium heat. If you don't have a wok, use the largest frying pan or pot you own. And then explore your options for getting a wok. Saute the onion and garlic for about 10 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.

While the onion and garlic are cooking, cut the chicken strips however you want - chunks, matchstick, etc. Heat a dry pan over high heat and saute the chicken for 2-3 minutes, just until heated through. Set aside.

Add the broccoli to the onions and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes. Then add the carrots, rice, and sauce, and cook for a few more minutes. Add the peas, bean sprouts, and basil, and cook for a few more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chicken.

Spoon into bowls and squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish before serving.