Save to Pinterest Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of Thailand with this Fragrant Thai Basil Chicken Fried Rice. This spicy and aromatic main dish features tender chicken pieces stir-fried with fragrant holy basil and Thai red chilies, offering an irresistible quick meal that is both comforting and exhilarating.
Save to Pinterest With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and another 15 minutes of cooking, this Thai classic is designed for efficiency without sacrificing authentic taste. The recipe yields four servings, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 400 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- Rice: 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- Vegetables & Herbs: 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2–3 Thai red chilies (finely sliced), 1 cup holy basil leaves, 1 medium red bell pepper (sliced, optional)
- Sauces & Seasonings: 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, ½ tsp white pepper, 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Garnish: Lime wedges, Sliced cucumber
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
- Step 2
- Add the garlic and chilies; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add the sliced chicken and cook until it turns opaque, about 3–4 minutes.
- Step 4
- Stir in the onion and bell pepper (if using); cook for another 2 minutes.
- Step 5
- Add the cooked jasmine rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
- Step 6
- Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Toss everything together until the rice is evenly coated and heated through.
- Step 7
- Remove from heat, fold in the holy basil leaves, and stir until just wilted.
- Step 8
- Serve immediately, garnished with lime wedges and sliced cucumber.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best texture and flavor, use day-old jasmine rice. Chilled rice has less moisture, which prevents the grains from becoming mushy during the high-heat stir-fry. Additionally, ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding the ingredients to achieve that signature charred flavor.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly adaptable; you can substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or pork as desired. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of Thai red chilies, or if you want extra heat, feel free to add a drizzle of chili oil during the final tossing of the rice.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the fried rice immediately while it is steaming hot. The addition of fresh lime wedges is essential, as the acidity cuts through the richness of the sauces, while the sliced cucumber provides a cool, refreshing crunch that balances the spicy chilies.
Save to Pinterest This dish contains approximately 410 calories and 24 g of protein per serving. Please be aware that the recipe contains soy, shellfish, and fish due to the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce used. Always check specific brand labels for additional allergen information to ensure a safe and delicious meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Why should I use day-old rice for this dish?
Day-old rice has less moisture content, which prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy or clumpy. Fresh rice tends to stick together and steam rather than fry properly, resulting in a less desirable texture. Storing rice in the refrigerator overnight separates the grains and allows them to fry evenly.
- → Can I substitute holy basil with regular basil?
While regular basil can be used, holy basil (Thai basil) has a distinctly peppery, slightly anise-like flavor that defines authentic Thai cuisine. If holy basil is unavailable, Thai basil is the best substitute. Sweet basil will alter the flavor profile significantly, so use it only if other options aren't accessible.
- → How do I control the heat level of this dish?
The heat comes from Thai red chilies. Remove the seeds and membranes from chilies before slicing to reduce spiciness, or use fewer chilies altogether. For extra heat, add more chilies or a drizzle of chili oil at the end. You can also adjust heat by adding sriracha or Thai chili paste to taste.
- → What proteins work best as chicken alternatives?
Shrimp, tofu, and pork are excellent substitutes. Shrimp cooks quickly (2-3 minutes), making it ideal for the timing. Extra-firm tofu should be pressed and cubed before cooking. Pork shoulder or tenderloin works similarly to chicken and requires about 4-5 minutes to cook through.
- → How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the wok?
Use high heat and ensure your wok is well-oiled before adding rice. Break up any clumps with a spatula as you stir-fry. Toss the rice frequently to coat it evenly with oil. If sticking occurs, add another tablespoon of oil and increase heat to create more separation between grains.
- → Can I prepare ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, this is an excellent candidate for meal prep. Slice chicken, chop vegetables, and mince garlic several hours in advance. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Keep cooked rice covered. When ready to cook, everything comes together in 15 minutes or less.