How to Make Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice

One of my all-time favorite dishes is Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice—a true explosion of flavors! Fragrant jasmine rice wok-tossed with tender chicken, vibrant Thai basil, garlic, and fiery Thai chili peppers. Each bite is a symphony of garlicky, spicy goodness that’s both comforting and incredibly flavorful. If you’re a fan of spice, this fried rice is a must-try!

This recipe comes highly requested. And since it’s the season of giving, I decided to share my Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice recipe from my digital cookbook. If you haven’t grabbed my E-cookbook, RUN, don’t walk and go get it!

If you know me, then you know how much I LOVE Thai food. And Thai Basil Fried Rice is one of my favorite dishes to order. Fried rice, packed with protein, spicy chilis, and tons of Thai basil. It’s flavorful, spicy and so so good!

Growing up getting Thai food was one of my favorite things to do. Literally the highlight of my day. Ordering family-style and trying different Thai dishes. Between the 5 of us, we’d have at least 5-7 dishes lol. Thai food quickly became my favorite cuisine. And it still is! If you ask me to make dinner plans or where I want to eat, 9/10 I’m choosing Thai food.

So many delicious flavors. When you talk about range? Thai food has it! Sweet, spicy, salty, and sour. So flavorful, and SO delicious.

Thai Basil Fried Rice Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice

• Jasmine Rice: you’ll want to use day old rice. It cooks better when stir fried.
• Thai Basil: The star of the show. Adds such a delicious flavor. Can be found at most grocery stores and the Asian market. If you can’t find Thai basil, Italian basil will work.
• Onion: I like to use sweet onion for this recipe. You can also use yellow onion.
• Garlic: as much as your heart desires.
• Thai Chili Peppers (use to your discretion). If you can’t find fresh Thai chillies, dry Thai chillies work just as well.
• Oyster Sauce: I love using this oyster sauce from Lee Kum Kee.
• Soy Sauce– light and dark soy sauce are used for the recipe. Dark soy sauce is thicker and has a sweetness. You can also use coconut aminos.
• Fish Sauce:
• Brown Sugar
• Limes

Note- For that classic takeout-style individual rice grain effect, it’s best to use old rice—rice that has been refrigerated and somewhat dried out. Freshly made rice tends to be too sticky and can cause the grains to clump together when adding the sauce. If you’re short on time, a quick trick is to pop the rice in the freezer to speed up the drying process.

How to make Thai Basil Fried Rice

Step 1: In a mortar, add garlic cloves and Thai chili peppers. With the pestle, mash down ingredients to create a paste.

Step 2: Make the sauce- In a bowl, combine oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar and dark and light soy sauce. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.

Step 3: Season protein of choice with white pepper, garlic powder and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: In a wok or large skillet, add in oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers and easily coats the pan, add protein and sear until cooked. Remove meat from the pan.

Step 5: Next add in chili garlic paste and onions. Sautè for a few minutes until fragrant. Push onions to the side of the skillet/wok. Add more oil if needed then pour in beaten eggs. Using a spatula, scramble the eggs. Once the eggs are cooked, combine with the sautéed onions.

Step 6: add in day old rice, cooked protein and mix together. Break down the rice so that it is not clumped. Then pour in sauce. Stir and mix until rice is heated and sauce is well combined. Reduce heat to low and add in Thai basil. Stirring well. 

Serve warm. Garnish red pepper flakes, basil and fresh

Tips for the best Thai Basil Fried Rice

• Use day old rice
• Slowly add in the sauce to not make sure the rice doesn’t get too saucy.
• If you can’t find Thai basil or Holy basil, Italian basil will work.
• When you add in the basil be sure to reduce the heat so the basil won’t get bitter.
• Use less chilis for a milder dish.
• You can make this with any protein. My favorite is with chicken or shrimp. I’ve made both and they never disappoint.

Serving options

Here are some ideas to serve alongside the Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice:

• Fresh cucumbers
• Limes
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Crispy fried egg
• Spicy Thai Beef Salad
• Shrimp Pad Kee Mao

Looking for more weeknight meals?

Honey Harissa Chicken Rice Bowl
Pineapple Steak Bowl
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
Chili Garlic Ramen

If you try this Spicy Thai Basil Fried Rice, please be sure to leave a comment, and or tag me on Instagram @cookwithci. I would love to see your recreations and hear your thoughts.

Did you make it?

Tag @cookwithci on Instagram and hashtag #CookwithCi