This Basil Fried Rice recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful main or side dish that is a true crowd-pleaser in less than 15 minutes. Whether you choose Thai, Holy, or Italian basil, each brings its unique flavor profile to this versatile and quick-to-make rice recipe.
I've been making different South East Asian dishes ever since we came back from Vietnam, and Jay and I can't get enough. We tried Thai basil fried rice in Ho Chi Minh City (I know Thailand and Vietnam are two separate countries!) and we are hooked!
I have a nice collection of fried rice recipes, from garlic fried rice or egg fried rice when I want a quick side dish to crispy chicken fried rice and steak fried rice when I want a one-pot meal.
This basil fried rice can be either, and it is unique in flavor. The freshness of basil paired with the soy sauce and fish sauce is just... chef's kiss! Thai food at its finest.
💎 Why This Recipe Works
- Like many fried rice recipes, this one is quick to prepare! You will need only 15 minutes, about the same time it takes to prepare this Mexican fried rice!
- It is a very versatile recipe. You can use the fresh basil you have - Thai, Italian, or Holy basil - and each will give a different aroma. Moreover, you can also make it more or less spicy, depending on your preferred spice level.
🛒 Ingredients
- Long Grain Rice: Basmati and Jasmine rice are my go-to. Use day-old rice (or cold) so that your fried rice doesn't become mushy. You can prepare it fresh, but spread it out until it is thoroughly cooled and dry, so you can achieve that nice flavor and consistency typical of your favorite restaurant. We shared how to cook basmati rice and how to cook Jasmine rice, however, I suggest also checking out this easy guide on how to store cooked rice.
- Oil: Choose a flavorless vegetable oil like sunflower or canola, or opt for stir-fry oil, which usually contains some sesame oil and ginger and garlic essence.
Be sure to check out the recipe card for all the ingredients and instructions you'll need to make this dish. Don't miss out on any of the details!
♻️ Substitutions and Variations
- Onion: Red, yellow, or white will all work. You can also use the white part of green onions or some shallots, should you wish.
- Fresh Red Chillies: You can choose them as hot or mild as you like. I went for medium heat, as I was serving the basil fried rice with a spicy chicken curry. However, you can go as mild as red bell pepper and as hot as Thai chili!
- Fish Sauce: To keep the recipe vegetarian, choose vegetarian oyster sauce or vegan fish sauce. You can find these in larger grocery stores or at your local Asian grocery store.
Fresh Basil: Choose the one you prefer or find. Each will bring something different to the table:
- Thai Basil: Its spicy, licorice-like flavor is perfect for adding a kick to this dish.
- Holy Basil: Less sweet, with a peppery kick that enhances the heat from the chili.
- Italian Basil: Sweeter and more subtle, best if you prefer a milder basil flavor.
👩🏻🍳 How to Make Basil Fried Rice
- Sauté the onion, garlic, and chili until the onion is translucent. [Picture 1]
- Add and heat up the rice, then add the soy and fish sauces. [Picture 2]
- Stir in the scrambled eggs and basil leaves until the basil is just wilted. [Picture 3]
- Serve the basil fried rice immediately with your preferred protein. [Picture 4]
🙋♀️ People Also Ask [FAQs]
Yes, simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari to make this dish gluten-free.
Basil fried rice, like all fried rice, is best when freshly prepared, however, leftover rice can be stored. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze it for up to one month. When you are ready to eat it, thaw the frozen rice in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet or wok over medium heat until hot throughout, adding a splash of water if the rice seems dry.
💡 Pro Tips
- Egg Allergy: Omit the eggs or use a tofu scramble as a substitute.
- Protein: Add any protein you like - chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, tofu, or more eggs - all work great for turning this side dish into a main course.
🍴 More Delicious Recipes to Try
🍽️ Recipe
Basil Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Rice Cold
- 2 tablespoon Oil
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Red Onion finely chopped
- 2 Garlic Cloves peeled and minced
- 2-3 Red Chilies washed and sliced
- 15-20 Basil Leaves washed
- 1 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce
- ½ tablespoon Fish Sauce optional
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- This recipe is very quick, so keep all the ingredients at hand, ready to use.
- Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Heat a teaspoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the eggs and scramble until just set. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan. Sauté the finely chopped onion, garlic, and chili until the onion is translucent and soft.
- Increase to high heat and add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the rice is heated through. You can break the clumps of rice before adding it to the pan, however, this is easier if your hands are wet with water or oil.
- Add dark soy sauce and fish sauce. Mix well and cook for a further minute.
- Reduce the heat again, stir in the scrambled eggs and basil leaves until the basil is just wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the basil fried rice immediately. It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish or prawns, and you can place a few leaves of basil on top for garnish.
Notes
- Thai Basil: Has a spicy, licorice-like flavor, perfect for adding a kick to this dish.
- Holy Basil: Less sweet, with a peppery kick that enhances the heat from the chili.
- Italian Basil: Sweeter and more subtle, best if you prefer a milder basil flavor.
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