basil fried rice recipe

basil fried rice recipe

The Best basil fried rice recipe

Living in a multicultural city has its perks, and one of the things I love about it is the diverse culinary scene. One dish that I’ve fallen in love with is basil fried rice, a staple in many Asian cuisines. The combination of fragrant basil, savory soy sauce, and fluffy rice is a match made in heaven.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to whip up this dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, and they love being able to customize their own bowls with extra veggies or a fried egg on top. The best part?

It’s ridiculously easy to make and requires minimal ingredients – just what I need after a long day of work. When I’m cooking for my family, I like to serve it with some steamed broccoli on the side for a balanced meal. But let’s be real – we all know that the real star of the show is the basil fried rice itself.

It’s creamy, it’s flavorful, and it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at home or packing it in lunchboxes for school (or work!) , this recipe never fails to impress.

The key to making great basil fried rice lies in using high-quality ingredients – fresh basil leaves, good-quality soy sauce, and short-grain rice that holds together well. Now that I’ve convinced you to give this recipe a try, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of how to make it.

Thai Basil Fried Rice

Thai Basil Fried Rice

4.9 from 973 votes

A fragrant and spicy stir-fried rice dish made with fresh Thai basil, vegetables, and protein. This quick and easy recipe brings the flavors of street food to your home kitchen.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Fried Rice

3 cups cooked jasmine rice, day-old
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, thinly sliced
1 red chili, sliced (optional)
200g protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu), diced
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
2 large eggs
1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegan)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or mushroom sauce for vegan)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon white pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper until the sugar dissolves.
Set aside.
2Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
3Add garlic, shallot, and chili, and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4Add your chosen protein and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
5Push the protein to one side of the wok.
6Crack the eggs into the empty side of the wok and scramble them for about 1 minute until just set.
7Mix the eggs with the protein.
8Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften.
9Then add the day-old rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula.
10Pour the prepared sauce over the rice and toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until the rice is evenly coated and heated through.
11The rice should look glossy and slightly charred in spots.
12Remove the wok from heat and fold in the fresh Thai basil leaves until they wilt from the residual heat.
Serve immediately.

🔧Equipment

Wok or large skillet
Spatula
Small bowl
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 115mg🧂Sodium: 890mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For best results, use day-old refrigerated rice to prevent mushiness. Adjust the amount of chili to suit your spice preference. You can substitute Thai basil with regular sweet basil if unavailable.

Watch Video Of How Thai Basil Fried Rice Works

I’ve made this recipe countless times for family gatherings and potlucks – everyone always asks for seconds! One of my favorite things about this dish is how versatile it is: serve it as a main course or as part of a larger spread; add protein like cooked chicken or shrimp; or mix-and-match different veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.

To store leftovers safely, keep them refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below within two hours after cooking; when reheating, make sure food reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When serving leftovers later that week (or even days later), reheat only what you plan to eat immediately so food stays fresh.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Basil Fried Rice

1. What is the difference between Chinese-style fried rice and Thai-style basil fried rice?

Fried rice dishes can vary greatly depending on the region and personal preferences. Chinese-style fried rice often includes scrambled eggs, vegetables like carrots and peas, and sometimes meat or seafood. Thai-style basil fried rice, on the other hand, relies heavily on fresh herbs like basil and chilies for added depth of flavor.

2. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?

While frozen vegetables can be convenient, they won’t provide the same texture and flavor as fresh ones. If you do choose to use frozen veggies, make sure they’re thawed completely before adding them to your dish.

3. How do I store leftover basil fried rice?

Store leftover basil fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

4. Can I substitute chicken or beef broth with vegetable broth?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth adds a delicious depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

(Note: For vegetarians who want to avoid any animal-derived products in their diet)

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