Description
Basil Fried Rice is a popular Thai-inspired dish that bursts with fresh flavors and comforting textures. Featuring fragrant jasmine rice, colorful vegetables, and fresh basil leaves, this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. The sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce coats every grain of rice, making it irresistible. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main meal, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- Cooked jasmine rice – ideally cold, for the best texture.
- Fresh Thai basil leaves – the star ingredient that gives this dish its unique aroma.
- Garlic – finely chopped for a rich base flavor.
- Vegetables – bell peppers, carrots, and onions for color and crunch.
- Eggs – scrambled into the rice for extra protein.
- Soy sauce – adds salty umami flavor.
- Oyster sauce – deepens the savory taste.
- Fish sauce – for authentic Thai flavor (optional).
- Chili peppers – for a spicy kick (adjust to taste).
- Oil – for frying.
Instructions
- Prepare the rice – If you’re using freshly cooked rice, let it cool completely to prevent clumping.
- Heat the wok – Add oil and stir-fry garlic and chili until fragrant.
- Add vegetables – Toss in bell peppers, carrots, and onions. Stir-fry until slightly softened.
- Cook the eggs – Push vegetables to the side and scramble the eggs until just set.
- Add the rice – Break up clumps and stir-fry until evenly heated.
- Season – Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Toss well.
- Add basil leaves – Stir gently until wilted.
- Serve hot – Garnish with extra basil or sliced chili if desired.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for the best fried rice texture.
- Thai basil is ideal, but sweet basil works in a pinch.
- Adjust spice level by adding or reducing chili peppers.
- For a vegetarian version, skip fish sauce and use extra soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes