Quick Thai Basil Fried Rice Recipe
A fast, flavorful Thai basil fried rice recipe ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This easy homemade meal features fragrant basil, garlic, and a balance of savory and spicy flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh Thai basil leaves (about 25g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or peanut oil
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, omit for vegetarian)
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten (optional)
- 1 cup cooked protein of choice (chicken, shrimp, or tofu, about 150g, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: mince garlic, slice chili, chop green onions, and pluck Thai basil leaves. Have cooked protein ready if using. Prep time about 5 minutes.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 1 minute). Add garlic and chili; stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Push garlic and chili to one side; pour in beaten eggs. Let sit 10 seconds, then scramble until just set (about 1 minute).
- Add cooked jasmine rice and protein if using. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, breaking up lumps and coating rice in oil until hot and slightly toasted.
- Drizzle soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar over rice. Stir quickly and thoroughly to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add Thai basil leaves and green parts of green onions. Stir for 30 seconds until basil wilts but remains bright green.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra basil leaves or a lime wedge.
Notes
Use day-old jasmine rice for best texture to avoid sogginess. Add basil at the end to keep its fresh aroma. Adjust chili to preferred spice level. For vegetarian version, omit fish sauce and eggs, and add tofu or extra veggies. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of water or oil to prevent drying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1.5 cups (300g
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 23
- Sodium: 600800
- Fat: 1012
- Saturated Fat: 23
- Carbohydrates: 4550
- Fiber: 23
- Protein: 1520
Keywords: Thai basil fried rice, quick fried rice, easy Thai recipe, weeknight dinner, basil rice, stir-fry rice, homemade fried rice