Thai Fried Rice Basil has a way of transporting me straight back to the bustling night markets of Bangkok. I remember the first time I tried an authentic version, the aroma of chilies and garlic hitting me before I even saw the dish. It was an explosion of flavor – savory, spicy, and incredibly fragrant from the fresh basil. This easy Thai basil fried rice recipe is my attempt to capture that magic in my own kitchen. It’s a quick meal that delivers big on taste, perfect for those weeknights when you crave something exciting. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Thai Fried Rice Basil
This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons. Get ready to fall in love with this simple Thai basil fried rice!
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of savory pork, fiery chilies, garlic, and aromatic Thai basil is simply irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this authentic Thai basil fried rice on a busy weeknight.
- Customizable Spice Level: Easily adjust the heat by adding more or fewer Thai bird’s eye chilies.
- Uses Leftover Rice: Perfect for using up day-old rice, which gives fried rice the best texture.
- Versatile Protein: While this recipe uses pork, it’s adaptable for other proteins like chicken or shrimp.
- Authentic Taste: Captures the true essence of a classic Thai street food experience.
- Satisfying Meal: It’s a complete and hearty meal that will leave you feeling completely satisfied.
Ingredients for Authentic Thai Basil Fried Rice
Gathering these key components is the first step to making incredible authentic Thai basil fried rice. Don’t worry if you can’t find all the specific items; substitutions can work!
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably day-old – This is crucial for the right texture; fresh rice is too moist.
- 1/2 lb ground pork – A classic choice for this dish, but feel free to swap for chicken or shrimp!
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – Or any neutral cooking oil like canola or grapeseed.
- 4-5 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped – These pack the heat! Adjust to your spice preference for a truly spicy Thai basil fried rice.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced – Essential for that pungent aromatic base.
- 1 small onion, sliced thin – Adds a touch of sweetness and softens beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce – The salty, umami backbone of Thai cooking.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce – For depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce – Primarily for color, but adds a hint of savory goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar – Balances the savory and spicy notes.
- 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves, loosely packed – This is the star! Its unique anise-like flavor is what defines the dish.
- 1 egg, optional – Adds richness if scrambled in, or serve a fried egg on top.
- Lime wedges, for serving – A squeeze of fresh lime brightens everything up.
- Sliced cucumbers, for serving – For a refreshing cool contrast.
- Fried shallots, optional garnish – For an extra layer of crispy flavor.
- Sliced scallions, optional garnish – Adds a fresh, mild onion bite.
- Fresh cilantro, optional garnish – For a burst of herbaceousness.
How to Make Thai Fried Rice with Basil
Making this vibrant dish is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for an amazing Thai fried rice basil experience right at home.
- Step 1: Prepare IngredientsStart by getting everything ready. Gently break apart your day-old jasmine rice so the grains are separate. Finely chop the garlic and those fiery Thai bird’s eye chilies. Slice your onion thinly, and give your Thai basil leaves a quick rinse and pat dry. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process smooth and fast.
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and PorkHeat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat with the vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add the minced garlic and chopped chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until you can smell their amazing fragrance. Then, add the ground pork. Break it up with your spoon and stir-fry until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add Onion and SauceToss in the thinly sliced onion and cook for another 2 minutes, just until it starts to soften and become slightly translucent. Now, it’s time for the flavor boosters! Pour in the fish sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Stir everything together until the pork and onions are beautifully coated in the rich, savory sauce. This is where the magic starts to happen for your Khao Pad Krapow recipe.
- Step 4: Incorporate Rice and Stir-fryTurn the heat up to high. Add the prepared jasmine rice to the wok. Use your spatula to break up any clumps and thoroughly combine it with the pork and sauce mixture. Stir-fry vigorously for 2-3 minutes, ensuring every grain of rice is heated through and gets slightly toasted. You want that perfect texture that makes this dish so satisfying.
- Step 5: Finish with Thai BasilTurn off the heat completely. Now, add the fresh Thai basil leaves to the wok. Stir them in quickly; the residual heat will wilt them perfectly, releasing their incredible aroma. If you’re adding an egg, you can scramble it into the rice during the last minute of stir-frying in step 4, or fry one separately to place on top. Serve your delicious Thai basil stir-fried rice immediately!
Pro Tips for the Best Thai Fried Rice Basil
Want to elevate your stir-fry game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a huge difference in achieving that perfect restaurant-quality Thai basil fried rice recipe right at home. These simple tips ensure your dish is packed with flavor and has the ideal texture.
- Always use day-old, refrigerated rice. It’s drier and separates easily, preventing a mushy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the wok! Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything fries properly instead of steaming.
- Get your wok or skillet screaming hot before adding ingredients for that essential smoky “wok hei” flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving – a little more fish sauce or sugar can make all the difference.
What’s the secret to perfect Thai Fried Rice Basil?
The real secret to a perfect authentic Thai basil fried rice lies in the “wok hei” – that smoky essence from a searing hot wok. Also, using day-old rice is non-negotiable for the best texture. Don’t be shy with the aromatics, either!
Can I make Thai Fried Rice Basil ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients (chop veggies, measure sauces) ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to a day. However, the actual stir-frying is best done just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Thai Fried Rice Basil?
A common pitfall is using fresh, sticky rice, which leads to a mushy texture. Another mistake is overcrowding the pan, which steams the ingredients instead of frying them. Finally, ensure your heat is high enough for that characteristic stir-fried flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Thai Fried Rice Basil
Once your fragrant Thai basil stir-fried rice is ready, serving it is all about enhancing that incredible flavor. I love to pair it with simple, refreshing elements that balance the spice and richness.
- Classic Thai Presentation: Serve hot on a plate, garnished with fresh lime wedges for a zesty squeeze, slices of crisp cucumber for a cool contrast, and a sprinkle of fried shallots or scallions for added texture and aroma.
- With a Fried Egg: A perfectly fried egg with a runny yolk on top is a fantastic addition. Break the yolk and let it mix into the rice for an extra layer of creamy richness. This is a common and delicious way to enjoy Pad Krapow fried rice.
- Complementary Sides: For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a light, clear soup like a simple chicken broth or a fresh, crisp salad with a ginger-sesame dressing.
Variations of Thai Fried Rice Basil
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility! You can easily adapt this Thai basil fried rice recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Thai Basil Fried Rice: Swap the pork for your favorite plant-based protein. Firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, works wonderfully. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas for extra color and nutrients.
- Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice: For a classic protein swap, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook them thoroughly before adding the onions and sauces. This variation is a crowd-pleaser!
- Thai Basil Fried Rice with Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly, so add them towards the end of the meat-cooking stage (Step 2). Cook just until they turn pink and opaque, then remove them briefly before adding the onions and sauces. Return them with the rice to ensure they don’t overcook.
- Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice: If you love heat, don’t shy away from adding more Thai bird’s eye chilies. You can also add a dash of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Thai Basil Fried Rice
To make a delicious vegetarian version, replace the pork with about 1 cup of cubed, extra-firm tofu. Pan-fry the tofu until golden before adding the aromatics, or use your favorite plant-based ground “meat.” Ensure your sauces are vegetarian-friendly if needed.
Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice
Simply substitute the ground pork with 1/2 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into small, bite-sized pieces. Cook the chicken thoroughly in the wok until browned before adding the onions and sauces. It’s a straightforward swap for an equally satisfying meal.
Thai Basil Fried Rice with Shrimp
For a seafood twist, use 1/2 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp. Add them to the wok after the garlic and chilies, cooking for just 1-2 minutes until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp temporarily, then add them back with the rice to prevent overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Fried Rice Basil
What is Thai basil fried rice?
Thai fried rice basil, also known as Khao Pad Krapow, is a popular Thai street food dish. It features fragrant jasmine rice stir-fried with savory ground meat (often pork or chicken), spicy chilies, garlic, onions, and a generous amount of fresh Thai basil leaves. It’s known for its bold, spicy, and aromatic flavor profile.
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
While you *can* use regular Italian basil in a pinch, it won’t give you that authentic Pad Krapow fried rice flavor. Thai basil has a distinct anise-like, slightly peppery taste that is crucial to the dish’s character. If you can find it at an Asian market, it’s definitely worth the effort!
How do I make this spicy Thai basil fried rice vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of this spicy Thai basil fried rice, simply omit the ground pork and substitute it with cubed firm or extra-firm tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based ground “meat.” You might also want to add other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra texture and nutrition. Ensure your oyster sauce is vegetarian-friendly or use an extra splash of soy sauce.
What makes this Thai basil stir-fried rice so flavorful?
The incredible flavor comes from a few key elements working in harmony. The combination of spicy chilies, pungent garlic, savory fish sauce and oyster sauce, and the unique aroma of fresh Thai basil creates a complex taste profile. When stir-fried with day-old rice over high heat, it develops a wonderful texture and a slightly smoky flavor, making it the best Thai basil fried rice.
Nutrition Facts for Thai Fried Rice Basil
This Thai basil stir-fried rice is packed with flavor, and here’s a look at its estimated nutritional breakdown per serving. Remember, these are just approximations and can vary based on exact ingredient amounts and brands used.
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Thai pork fried rice basil.
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Thai Fried Rice Basil: 1 Amazing Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This extra-spicy Thai fried rice with basil and pork offers a fiery twist on a classic. It combines aromatic Thai basil, hot chilies, and savory ground pork with fragrant jasmine rice for an unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, preferably day-old
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4–5 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves, loosely packed
- 1 egg, optional
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Sliced cucumbers, for serving
- Fried shallots, optional garnish
- Sliced scallions, optional garnish
- Fresh cilantro, optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Break apart day-old rice. Chop garlic and chilies. Slice onion. Wash Thai basil leaves.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat wok over medium-high heat with oil. Add garlic and chilies, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the pork: Add ground pork, sear for 30 seconds, then stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Break up meat into small pieces.
- Add onion and sauce: Add sliced onion, cook for 2 minutes until softened. Pour in fish sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir until pork is coated.
- Add the rice: Increase heat to high. Add jasmine rice, break up clumps, and mix thoroughly with pork and sauce. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
- Stir in Thai basil: Turn off heat. Stir in Thai basil until wilted. If using egg, scramble it in during step 5 or fry separately.
- Serve: Spoon fried rice onto a plate. Garnish with lime wedges, cucumbers, and optional toppings. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a deeper aroma from the chilies and garlic, consider mashing them in a mortar and pestle.
- If you don’t have a wok, a large non-stick skillet will work.
- Adjust the number of chilies to your preferred spice level.
- Leftover rice is recommended for the best texture in fried rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
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