Thai Fried Rice with Basil
Thai Fried Rice with Basil is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, broccoli, and jasmine rice for a satisfying meal. Fresh basil adds a burst of aromatic goodness, elevating every bite.
This homemade version rivals any restaurant, offering crispy rice, savory chicken, and perfectly cooked vegetables. The subtle sweetness from coconut aminos and the fragrance of sesame oil make this dish irresistible.
Perfect for any night of the week, this Thai Fried Rice with Basil is quick to prepare and sure to impress. A squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro make it even more refreshing.
Thai Fried Rice with Basil – Ingredients
Tender chicken breast brings a lean protein base to this dish, perfectly complementing the crisp, vibrant broccoli. Jasmine rice serves as the flavorful backdrop, absorbing the aromatic essences of toasted sesame oil and coconut aminos. Fresh basil infuses each bite with a fragrant, herbal burst, elevating the dish to new heights. Garlic and sweet onion deliver essential savory depth, while eggs add richness, binding the flavors together. A touch of lime and cilantro at the end offers a refreshing, zesty finish, balancing the savory profile beautifully.
Recipe Tips for Thai Fried Rice with Basil
- Use Day-Old Rice for Best Texture
For the perfect fried rice, day-old rice is your best friend. Fresh rice tends to be too moist and sticky, making it hard to achieve that crispy texture. Spread the rice out on a baking sheet and let it cool before storing it in the fridge overnight. This will dry it out slightly, giving you the ideal texture for frying. - Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When frying the rice, ensure the pan isn’t overcrowded. If you add too much rice at once, it will steam instead of crisping up. Spread the rice in an even layer and cook in batches if necessary. This ensures that each grain gets a chance to crisp up and absorb the flavors. - Adjust Coconut Aminos to Taste
Coconut aminos are a great soy sauce alternative that brings a mild sweetness and umami flavor to the dish. Depending on your taste preferences, feel free to adjust the amount of coconut aminos in the recipe. If you like a more savory profile, you can increase the coconut aminos slightly, but be careful not to overpower the dish with saltiness.
What to Serve with Thai Fried Rice with Basil
- Thai Spring Rolls
Pair this Thai Fried Rice with Basil with crispy Thai spring rolls for a delightful contrast in textures. The freshness of the vegetables wrapped in delicate rice paper complements the savory flavors of the fried rice, and a tangy dipping sauce will enhance the overall experience. - Thai Green Curry
For a more indulgent meal, serve your fried rice with a fragrant Thai green curry. The rich, creamy coconut milk and bold spices in the curry will complement the mild sweetness of the fried rice. A bowl of green curry alongside adds a comforting, balanced contrast to the dish. - Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Add a protein boost to your meal with grilled shrimp skewers. Marinated with lime, garlic, and chili, the shrimp offers a burst of flavor that works wonderfully with the savory rice. Their slight char from the grill adds a smoky element that will enhance the fresh basil notes in the fried rice.
FAQ for Thai Fried Rice with Basil
- Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Yes, you can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just ensure they are cooked to a tender-crisp texture, so they maintain their flavor and texture in the fried rice. - Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Be sure to adjust the cooking time for the tofu, and press it beforehand to remove excess moisture. - Can I make Thai Fried Rice with Basil ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh for optimal crispness, you can make the fried rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan with a little oil to bring back some of the crispness. - What if I can’t find coconut aminos?
If you can’t find coconut aminos, you can substitute it with tamari or low-sodium soy sauce. However, note that coconut aminos has a slightly sweeter flavor, so adjust the seasoning to balance the taste as needed.
Thai Fried Rice with Basil
This flavorful Thai Fried Rice with Basil combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and aromatic basil, offering a delightful alternative to restaurant versions. Jasmine rice serves as the perfect base, absorbing the savory ingredients to create a well-balanced and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups cooked white rice ideally day-old
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil julienned
- ½ sweet onion cut into ½-inch-thick slices
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 3¾ teaspoons sea salt
- 2½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 4-5 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup coconut aminos
- Fresh cilantro leaves optional
- 1 lime cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by filling a large pot with 3 quarts of water, adding 2 teaspoons of salt, and bringing it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the broccoli and onion, cooking until the broccoli is tender and vibrant green, about 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the vegetables to a plate, leaving the water in the pot for later use.
- In a separate bowl, place the chicken pieces, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and toss with the cornstarch to coat evenly.
- Add the chicken to the boiling water and cook for about 4 minutes, or until it turns opaque. Drain the chicken and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs with ½ teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of coconut aminos, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the garlic, broccoli, and onion, sautéing until the vegetables begin to brown, about 2 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
- To the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. When the oil is heated, reduce the heat to low and pour in the egg mixture. Allow the eggs to set slightly for 15 seconds before gently stirring and scrambling them until just set, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the eggs to the plate with the vegetables.
- Increase the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Once heated, add the chicken and cook until it begins to brown, about 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and transfer it to the plate with the vegetables and eggs.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil and sesame oil to the skillet. Spread the rice evenly across the bottom, cooking it undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the rice begins to crisp. Stir the rice, then cook again for another 2 to 3 minutes to achieve a slightly crispy texture. Return the chicken, vegetables, and eggs to the skillet. Stir in the basil and remaining coconut aminos, cooking for 1-2 minutes to combine everything thoroughly.
- Divide the fried rice onto four plates. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired, and serve immediately.
