Name: Basil Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp soy sauce; 3 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tsp white sugar; ¼ cup peanut oil for frying; 2 eggs; 6 garlic cloves (minced); 2 Thai chilies or Serrano peppers (minced); 1 pound boneless (skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips); 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced); 1 onion (thinly sliced); 4 cups cooked jasmine rice (chilled); 2 cups sweet Thai basil

This mouthwatering basil fried rice dish is the ultimate comfort food, combining fragrant basil and stir-fried rice with a mix of crunchy vegetables and chicken.

What We Love About This Basil Fried Rice

Customizable: Add your choice of protein and veggies or try using different sauces to customize this recipe to your liking.
So filling: Basil fried rice is a well-balanced and filling meal, making it a go-to option for those hectic weeknight dinners.
Kids Love It: Kids love the flavorful combination of ingredients in this dish as well as its fun colors and textures, making it perfect for picky eaters who may not be interested in more traditional dishes like stir-fries or salads.

Basil Fried Rice Ingredients

Stir-Fry Seasonings – Soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and white sugar serve as flavor enhancers and help bring a distinct Thai flavor to the dish.
Oil for Frying – Peanut oil adds a nutty flavor to the fried rice while also serving as the main cooking oil.
Aromatics – Minced garlic cloves, red bell pepper, and onion serve as aromatics and add subtle savory elements to the dish.
Eggs – Eggs are great to add to fried rice because they help tie all of the ingredients together and they cook in no time at all.
Chicken Breast – Thin strips of chicken breast add a meaty texture to the fried rice. You can use chicken thighs as well.
Jasmine Rice – This recipe calls for chilled Jasmine rice because the grains of rice become loose once fried. You can also use day-old rice for this.
Thai Basil – Basil fried rice wouldn’t be complete without some Thai basil. It adds a fragrant aroma to the dish while also keeping it really light and fresh.

How to Make Basil Fried Rice

Make the sauce. Combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce and white sugar.
Scramble the egg. Cook the eggs in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into small bits.
Stir-fry the garlic and chilies. Cook for about 30 seconds or until softened.
Add the chicken, bell pepper and onion. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and not pink in the center.
Add the rice and oyster sauce mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps.
Add the eggs and Thai basil. Add other toppings of your choice.
Mix well then serve.

Storing and Reheating Instructions:

To store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to two days.
To reheat: Warm in a pan on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Additional Toppings

Add some crunch: Nuts and seeds are another great way to add texture and crunch to your basil chicken fried rice. Popular options include roasted cashews nuts, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds.
Add a creamy element: You can add a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top to make this dish richer and creamier. It also adds a hint of tanginess that balances out the richer flavors.
Top with more fresh herbs: Garnish with a handful of chopped fresh herbs such as lemongrass and cilantro to complement the Thai basil in this recipe.