Description
This flavorful Thai Basil Fried Rice is a quick and easy dish that combines fragrant garlic, fresh Thai basil, colorful bell peppers, and day-old rice stir-fried with a savory blend of oyster sauce, soy sauces, and fish sauce. Perfect for a satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes, it balances savory and sweet notes with the option to add spicy heat for extra kick.
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic (smashed)
- 2 large handfuls Thai basil leaves
- 2 bell peppers (diced)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 400 grams day old white rice
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons sweet soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
Cooking Oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and fish sauce until well combined. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Sauté garlic and basil: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and Thai basil leaves, stirring quickly just until fragrant to release their aromas, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Cook vegetables: Add the diced bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables soften but still retain some crunch and vibrant color.
- Add rice and sauce: Add the day-old white rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with your spatula to ensure the grains separate. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the rice and vegetables, stirring continuously to distribute the sauce and heat everything through evenly.
- Incorporate extra basil and optional spice: Toss in additional Thai basil leaves if desired for extra fragrance. To add heat, include red chilies or your preferred spicy ingredient, adjusting the level according to taste.
- Serve immediately: Once everything is hot, well combined, and fragrant, remove from heat and serve the Thai Basil Fried Rice immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use day-old rice because it’s drier and less likely to clump during frying, giving better texture.
- Adjust the amount of fish sauce and soy sauces according to your preferred saltiness and depth of flavor.
- Add protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu if desired to make it a more substantial meal.
- Be careful not to overcook the basil, as it will lose its vibrant flavor and texture.
- This dish is best served fresh and can be accompanied by a simple cucumber salad or fried egg on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
