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    Home » Recipes » Mains » Thai Spicy Basil Fried Rice

    Thai Spicy Basil Fried Rice

    Last Modified: March 28, 2022 - Published by: christieathome - Comments: 16 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Thai Basil Spicy Fried Rice. This is the best Thai chicken fried rice as it’s packed with a spicy savoury umami flavour that totally hits the spot.

    Thai Spicy Basil Fried Rice

    The Thai basil really elevates this dish making it perfect for dinner or lunch. Ready in just 30 minutes.

    Hit the spot!

    I am OVERLY excited to share this recipe with you! It is my version of spicy Thai basil fried rice recipe. It honestly satisfies all your taste buds thanks to the umami flavour of the fish sauce and oyster sauce, to the spiciness of the chilies.

    Thai Spicy Basil Fried Rice

    Addictive

    You will not be able to stop at one bowl for this authentic Thai basil chicken fried rice. You will want seconds, so if you're feeding your family, you may want to quadruple the portion size. My spicy Thai basil fried rice recipe is similar to Pad Gra Pow, but the rice and the chicken topping is all mixed in.

    Easy to make!

    This Thai spicy basil fried rice recipe is easy to make and only calls for 30 minutes of your time if you have day old, cooked rice. Making it a fantastic meal for those long days after work when you're craving Thai food, but you don't want to make a trip to the restaurant to get some. You may think this recipe is complicated due to its complex flavours but it’s really not.

    Thai Spicy Basil Fried Rice

    What you’ll need

    For this spicy Thai basil chicken fried rice, you’ll need the following ingredients:

    • cooked jasmine rice, day old leftover rice strongly recommended
    • chicken breast
    • Thai basil leaves
    • red chili
    • garlic
    • vegetable oil

    Sauce:

    • oyster sauce
    • fish sauce
    • regular soy sauce
    • white granulated sugar

    Chicken marinade:

    • fish sauce
    • regular soy sauce

    Optional:

    • lime
    • fried egg(s)
    Thai Spicy Basil Fried Rice

    How to make Thai basil chicken fried rice

    Below are brief steps with visuals to show you how to make spicy Thai chilli and basil fried rice. Please scroll down to the recipe card below to find full instructions and details.

    Marinate chicken with marinade ingredients as listed. Set aside.

    Meanwhile, in a mortar and pestle (or food processor), pound (or pulse) red chili, and garlic until oils and juices release.

    In a separate bowl, combine sauce ingredients.

    In a hot wok set over medium high heat, add oil. Fry chicken until 75% cooked.

    Add chili garlic paste and mix with chicken.

    Push everything to the side. Add more oil if needed into empty space. Throw in rice. Toss to mix.

    Pour in sauce and toss again until granules are coated in sauce. Note: it is fine if your rice is a bit moist as this fried rice is more on the saucier side than dry.

    Thai Spicy Basil Fried Rice

    Throw in fresh basil and mix again.

    Remove off heat and enjoy optionally with a fried egg and lime juice.

    Thai Spicy Basil Fried Rice

    Cooking Tips

    Below are tips on making Thai basil chicken fried rice:

    Use day old leftover rice

    Using day old leftover rice prevents your rice become sticky and clumpy if you were to use fresh warm rice. Because this rice is saucier than most fried rice recipes, you’ll definitely want to use day old.

    Separate cooked rice with hands

    To ensure your rice doesn’t stick together, separate the granules with your hands prior to cooking.

    Pound the chili and garlic

    Using a mortar and pestle will help the juices and oils release from the chili and garlic if you pound it. You may also use a food processor but less oils will release due to the processing motion.

    Prepare ingredients in advance

    This step is crucial as the cooking process only takes about 5 minutes in a ripping hot wok and the last thing you want to be doing is fumbling around your kitchen looking for the next ingredient to toss into the pan.

    Slice chicken thinly but not overly thinly

    Because we are cooking this in a hot wok, the high heat will cook the chicken fast, so you want the chicken sliced thinly but not too thin! About 0.75 cm per slice.

    Pre-mix the sauce

    Since the cooking process is about 5 minutes and the heat is blazing hot, we want to combine our sauce ahead of time so we can easily pour it over the rice to fry.

    FAQ

    Below are frequently asked questions about this Thai spicy basil chicken fried rice recipe:

    Is Thai fried rice different than Chinese fried rice?

    Yes, Thai fried rice usually uses fish sauce for seasoning with oyster sauce, unlike Chinese fried rice. Thai fried rice also doesn’t usually contain soy sauce, however for the purposes of taste, I like to add a tiny bit to mine.  

    Can I substitute the fish sauce?

    Fish sauce is essential to Thai cooking especially in this fried rice dish, so it’s highly recommended for that umami taste. However, if you don’t have this ingredient or do not want to add this ingredient to your pantry, then you may omit. Just add more oyster sauce as needed.

    If you’re vegan, vegan fish sauce is available for purchase at some grocers or online.

    Can I replace the oyster sauce?

    Yes, you can substitute with vegetarian stir fry sauce especially if you’re trying to avoid animal products.

    May I remove or substitute the chicken?

    Yes, you can remove or sub the chicken with your protein of choice. Shrimp, beef, pork or tofu will work.

    What kind of rice do you use?

    1–2-day old cooked Thai Jasmine rice for best texture.

    Can I use brown rice?

    Yes.

    Other recipes you may like!

    If you enjoyed this Thai spicy basil fried rice, you may enjoy these other fried rice recipes:

    Thai Railway Fried Rice
    Shrimp Fried Rice
    Kimchi Sausage Fried Rice
    Spam Fried Rice
    Tomato Egg Fried Rice
    Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice

    Try it!

    Well, I hope you give my Thai Basil Spicy Fried Rice a try! It always excites me when you make my recipes and I hope this is one you try and most importantly, enjoy.

    Sharing is caring

    If you enjoyed my Thai spicy basil fried rice with chicken, please share it with your family and friends or on social media! Take a picture of your re-creation and make sure to tag me @ChristieAtHome in your feed or stories as I would love to see it!

    Did you enjoy it?

    If you genuinely enjoyed my best Thai basil chicken fried rice, please leave a 5-star review. I would greatly appreciate it 🙂

    Take care,
    Christie

    *This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I also earn from qualifying purchases through additional affiliate programs

    Thai Basil Spicy Fried Rice (30-min.)

    christieathome
    Thai Basil Spicy Fried Rice. This is the best Thai chicken fried rice as it’s packed with a spicy savoury umami flavour that totally hits the spot. The Thai basil really elevates this dish making it perfect for dinner or lunch. Ready in just 30 minutes.
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 5 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course dinner, lunch
    Cuisine thai
    Servings 1 large serving
    Calories per serving 1057 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice day old leftover rice (see Note 1 for quantity of uncooked rice)
    • 250 grams chicken breast skinless boneless, thinly sliced at 0.75 cm thick
    • 1 cup Thai basil loose cup not packed (or sub with holy or Italian basil)
    • 1 red chili pepper finely chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic
    • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or as needed for frying

    Sauce:

    • 1.5 tbsp oyster sauce
    • 1 tbsp fish sauce
    • ½ tbsp regular soy sauce not light or dark soy sauce
    • ½ tsp white granulated sugar

    Chicken marinade:

    • ½ tsp fish sauce
    • ½ tsp regular soy sauce not light or dark soy sauce

    Optional:

    • 1 lime for serving
    • 1 egg fried

    Instructions
     

    • Slice chicken thinly, about 0.75 cm thick.
    • Marinate sliced chicken with marinade ingredients as listed. Set aside.
    • Meanwhile, in a mortar and pestle (or food processor), pound (or pulse) red chili, and garlic until oils and juices release.
    • In a separate bowl, combine sauce ingredients.
    • In a hot wok set over medium high heat, add oil. Fry chicken until 75% cooked.
    • Add chili garlic paste and mix with chicken. Push everything to the side. Add more oil if needed into empty space.
    • Throw in rice and toss to mix.
    • Pour in sauce and toss again until granules are coated in sauce. Note: it is fine if your rice is a bit moist as this fried rice is more on the saucier side than dry.
    • Mix in fresh basil. Remove off heat and enjoy optionally with a fried egg and lime juice.

    Notes

    Note 1: If you're preparing the rice a day or two before, please steam ¾ measuring cups of uncooked Thai jasmine rice to make 3 cups cooked rice.
    Note 2: To make this vegan
    • Remove chicken and sub with tofu
    • Sub the oyster sauce with vegetarian stir fry sauce by Lee Kum Kee
    • Sub the fish sauce with vegan fish or omit completely and add double the quantity of regular soy sauce
    Enjoyed my recipe?Please leave a 5 star review (be kind)! Tag me on social media @christieathome as I'd love to see your creations!
    Copyright PolicyPlease do not copy and paste my recipes or use my photos in your own site/blog or social media. If you use my recipe for adaptation, please provide a link back to my recipe and re-write in your own words. Thank you.

    Suggested Equipment & Products

    Rice Cooker
    Wok
    Measuring Set
    Cutting Board
    Santoku Knife
    Nutrition
    Calories: 1057kcal | Carbohydrates: 155g | Protein: 77g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 324mg | Sodium: 3421mg | Potassium: 1572mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2044IU | Vitamin C: 94mg | Calcium: 192mg | Iron: 5mg
    Course dinner, lunch
    Cuisine thai
    Keyword authentic thai basil chicken fried rice, authentic thai basil fried rice, authentic thai spicy basil fried rice, best thai basil chicken fried rice, easy thai basil fried rice, how to make spicy thai basil chicken fried rice, spicy thai basil chicken fried rice, spicy thai basil fried rice recipe, spicy thai chilli and basil fried rice, thai basil chicken fried rice, thai basil fried rice with chicken recipe, thai basil stir fried rice, thai chili basil fried rice, thai chilli basil fried rice, thai chilli basil fried rice recipe, thai spicy basil chicken fried rice recipe, thai spicy basil fried rice, thai spicy basil fried rice recipe, thai spicy basil fried rice with chicken
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michelle | Sift & Simmer

      July 30, 2020 at 2:01 am

      5 stars
      Love all the flavours (and chillies) happening in this Thai spicy basil fried rice! I could use a bowl right now! YUM!

      Reply
    2. Katerina | Once a Foodie

      July 30, 2020 at 7:42 am

      5 stars
      Ohhh yum! This looks amazing, Christie. I might turn the heat down for the kids, by omitting the chillies, but otherwise this is definitely going to become a family favourite around here - we love fried rice and this looks just marvellous.

      Reply
    3. Never Ending Journeys

      July 30, 2020 at 5:46 pm

      5 stars
      This fried rice bowl looks so flavorful! I absolutely love how this dish is Thai, too - one of the best cuisines!

      Reply
    4. Heidi | The Frugal Girls

      July 30, 2020 at 6:44 pm

      5 stars
      Your amazing rice dish looks so so tempting!! Making your fried rice with avocado oil is so smart, and I love the basil and chillies you added!

      Reply
    5. Josiah - DIY Thrill

      July 30, 2020 at 7:36 pm

      5 stars
      This fried rice looks really tasty!

      Reply
    6. Alex

      July 30, 2020 at 9:42 pm

      5 stars
      We love Thai Basil so much in our household, so this fried rice is definitely a favourite - gorgeous flavours!

      Reply
    7. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      July 31, 2020 at 1:17 pm

      5 stars
      I've been growing Thai basil and only using it for Thai basil chicken, so now I have another use for it 🙂 Looks so delicious - Etienne and I love all things spicy! And Thai!

      Reply
    8. Lauren - BasicGinger.com

      July 31, 2020 at 4:28 pm

      5 stars
      I am such a sucker for anything with Thai basil, I cannot wait to make this! Beautifully done! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • christieathome

        July 31, 2020 at 5:16 pm

        Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    9. Tasia ~ two sugar bugs

      August 03, 2020 at 7:47 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my husband and my favorite Thai dishes!! We usually use ground pork, but I cannot wait to try your version. We'll make ours nice and spicy and definitely with a fried egg!

      Reply
    10. Stacey Benjamin

      May 31, 2022 at 3:17 am

      I can’t find Thai basil or red chilies in my area. Is there something that I can use to substitute these two ingredients?

      Reply
      • christieathome

        May 31, 2022 at 1:54 pm

        Hi Stacey, feel free to sub with normal or Italian basil. As for the chilis, if you can find dried whole red chilies and rehydrate them before pounding in the mortar and pestle. The chili is essential to this dish. You could use red chili pepper flakes as a very last resort but only enough to taste.

        Reply
    11. Sai

      July 26, 2022 at 10:32 pm

      5 stars
      Okay this recipe is a 10 out of 10! It was really good. I was hesitant at first when I measured out the sauce, I was thinking I might have to double it but I’m so happy I didn’t. It had the perfect amount of flavor and spice.
      I did tweak it a little here and there. Like I added 4 1/2 garlic cloves, I love garlic, and two Thai chili peppers. I also did 1 teaspoon of the sauces for the chicken marinade instead of 1/2 teaspoon. Also I put the garlic and chilis in a plastic bag and smashed it with a bread roller, it worked like a charm.
      I topped it off with some bean sprouts and it was amazing!
      This is my new favorite go to fried rice recipe. I will be making it again!

      Reply
      • christieathome

        July 27, 2022 at 12:08 pm

        Thanks so much for making and leaving this very kind review, Sai! I'm so glad you enjoyed it with the tweaks 🙂 Smart idea in placing the garlic and chilis in a bag to grind them. Appreciate you sharing this tip for those without a mortar and pestle! Have a great day - Christie

        Reply
    12. Emily

      August 08, 2022 at 10:27 am

      5 stars
      This was excellent! The kids ate it and the adults went back for seconds. I didn't plan ahead and had to use fresh rice, but will do so next time. Also had to sub Sriracha for the chili because their wasn't one to be had anywhere near me. Thanks for the recipe. Will be making again.

      Reply
      • christieathome

        August 08, 2022 at 12:54 pm

        Thanks so much for making my recipe, Emily! I'm so glad your family enjoyed it and the sriracha is a great idea for a sub!

        Reply

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    Christie

    Christie is an Asian Recipe Blogger sharing delicious recipes that you can make at home! Her goal is to make Asian cooking approachable and less intimidating. With a social media following of over 500k, she has been featured on Buzz Feed Tasty, Food52, The Kitchn and more! Christie's recipes have been made over and over again by her loyal readers.

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