Thai basil fried rice recipe is stuffed with sweet and spicy flavor thanks to the Thai basil leaves and blends perfectly with the delicious sweet oyster sauce and the umami flavors of the fish sauce seasonings. If you are a fan of the taste of rice fried served with Chinese sausage or Filipino rice fried (sinangag), then you’ll want to give this simple recipe for Thai basil rice fried.
What exactly is Thai basil rice fried?
This authentic version of Thai Fried Rice is as delicious as the traditional Chinese Fried Rice, and depending on the mood, much more delicious. What makes it so delicious is that it has its name: Thai basil.
It’s crucial to understand the fact that Thai basil differs from the regular basil that you find in the American supermarket that is typically Italian basil. Based on the appearance, Italian basil typically has bright green leaves and stems with rounded edges, while Thai basil is deep purple stems, broad, dark green leaves.
The flavor is also a major differentiator when comparing the two varieties. Italian basil tastes more spicy in taste, while Thai basil has a more savory, spicy, and more intense flavor. Some people liken Thai basil with the exact taste as star anise or licorice. One of my favorites foods to enjoy that contains Thai basil, is Pho.
The use of Thai basil to flavor this rice dish gives an entirely different flavor, which is delicious and goes well with other spices such as Thai oyster sauce, and even fish sauce.
Ingredients are present in Thai basil rice that are fried
For making Thai basil-infused fried rice the primary ingredients that make it distinct from traditional Chinese rice include Thai basil (obviously! ) jasmine rice oyster sauce, fish sauce as well as Thai chilis. The rest of the ingredients you’d think of in fried rice is included as well: garlic onions and proteins (chicken or shrimp, pork tofu, etc. ) eggs, other choices like bell peppers.
Oyster sauce
Contrary to the traditional Chinese rice fried that is salty and season the rice using soy sauce as its main ingredients, Thai basil fried rice generally does not contain soy sauce (and even if there is, then it won’t make use of a lot). It is more of a Thai Basil Fried Rice concentrates heavily on oyster sauce, and the fish sauce as the main liquid seasoning. I enjoy the use of Thai oyster sauce to match the Thai taste profile. It’s slightly more sweet than traditional Chinese oyster sauce.
Rice
Similar to Thai basil Jasmine rice plays an extremely essential in this dish due to of its simple and fragrant flavor, as well as its texture. The use of day-old (and cool) Jasmine rice that has been cooked for this fried rice aids in absorbing the flavoring.
Chilis
If you’ve ever gotten to know or be in contact with someone who is a Thai individual in your lives, you’re aware that the spice level is an essential component of any Thai dish . And “Thai spice level” is extremely hot. For a little spice to this rice dish (but not excessively) is Thai chillies. They are tiny red and green peppers you may find in an Asian supermarket.
Don’t think that their size is a deceiver They may seem tiny, but they are packing an enormous amount of spice. In the recipe I wasn’t looking to overwhelm the rice with spice as we already use Thai basil which is why I chose just one Thai chili. If you’re a fan of spice up your meals You can also include additional.
Use meat cuts
In this recipe I used deboned chicken thigh that I made thin slices (about 1/4 inch thick) because it’s a soft and delicious piece of meat. I do not marinate the chicken because there’s plenty of flavor and saltiness that’s in the seasoning.
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can opt for chicken breasts as well! Thai basil Fried rice is great with other types of protein like pork, shrimp tofu, beef, and so on.
What kind of rice should you use?
The best rice to use for Thai basil-fried rice is jasmine rice that has been sitting for a day. The rice that is fresh and fresh from the fridge is recommended since it’s a bit more dry than freshly cooked rice, which lets the rice absorb the delicious spices within the pot. Jasmine rice is a great choice since it’s not too sticky to stir in the pan and is a staple that is used in Thai cuisine , so it’s possible to purchase a bag and then take advantage of this along alongside different Thai recipes.
In the event that you do not have fresh day-old rice, you may make fresh rice. I prefer to take the rice from the rice cooker, put it on the surface of a plate. I then place it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, then let it get it to cool and dry some.
How to make basil-fried rice?
The most effective method of cooking Thai basil-fried rice (well actually any fried rice) is with the carbon-steel wok since it is more convenient to move components around, and then mix. If you don’t own a wok, you may make use of an iron skillet cast-iron pan or a huge stirring pan.
Here’s how you can make it:
- Garlic Thai chilies and vegetable oils: Saute garlic and chilis in the wok/pan at first, to release the spicy and savory smells
- Protein: Pour the protein in the pan and allow it to cook
- Onions: Add the onions during the third step to make sure you don’t cook it, while maintaining a crispy texture
- Eggs: Move the protein and all other ingredients to the side of the skillet and then making the eggs.
- Sugar and sauce: Pour the sauce to the pan, and then sprinkle the sugar. Mix everything in.
- Jasmine rice: Put the rice to the skillet and mix it until it’s well coated in the seasoning. I like to make the rice to become a bit crisp in the oven by simmering it for about a minute.
- Basil Then add the fresh basil to the pot and cook for a further minutes or so that it begins to wilt.
This helps make the preparation of Thai basil-fried rice simple , and all you need is a single pan!
Storage and serving
Thai basil-flavored rice is best served hot in the wok or pan so that you can have it fresh and warm. It is traditionally served with cold and crisp slices of cucumbers served on the side, however it is not mandatory. I love eating Thai basil-fried rice along with an iced glass of Thai tea with a side dish with pad see ew, Panang curry and then, mango sticky rice to finish the meal. It’s a must!
If you have leftovers, you can put it inside an airtight container, and then put it in the fridge for up to three days. I usually reheat leftovers using the microwave. It takes approximately 1 minute at high according to how much rice you’re heating.
Thai Basil Fried Rice with Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large saute pan or wok or cast iron
Ingredients
- 15 g (1 tbsp) garlic minced
- 2 g (1 ) Thai chili sliced thinly
- 150g (8 oz) chicken thigh cut into ¼ thick strips (or shrimp, pork belly, tofu…)
- 24 g (2 tbsp) vegetable oil
- 77 g (1 medium) onion chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 16 g (1 tbsp) fish sauce Thai fish sauce preferred
- 36 g (2 tbsp) oyster sauce Thai oyster sauce preferred
- 300g (1c) cooked Jasmine rice day-old and cold preferred
- 4 g (1 tsp) white granulated sugar
- 20 g (1 c) Thai basil leaves
- cucumbers sliced optional
- salt
Instructions
- In a large saute pan wok or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, place the garlic, vegetable oil, and Thai chilies. Cook for 30-seconds or so until the chiles are fragrant.
- Incorporate the chicken (or any other proteins) to the pan and mix. Cook for approximately two minutes, or till the chicken is cooked.
- Add the onions, and cook for about 1 min or till they start to change color. Transfer the chicken and onions to the other side from the skillet. Crack two eggs in the center of the skillet, and make use of a spatula or spoon stirring the eggs till they become opaque. Stir to mix the scrambled eggs with chicken.
- Serve the oyster sauce and fish sauce and sprinkle the sugar on top of the chicken mix until it's completely integrated.
- Utilize your hands add the rice from the day into the pan, breaking any pieces. Mix the rice with a spatula. Cook and stir frequently for approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
- Incorporate to the Thai basil. Stir, and cook for one minutes or so until it is wilted in a delicious scent. Test the rice before serving and add salt if needed.
- Serve the rice right away with cucumbers as a side.
