Name: Thai Basil Fried Rice – 15-Minute Street-Style Dinner
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 300 g cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old); 100 g chicken breast or tofu, cubed; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 red chili, finely chopped (or 1 tsp chili flakes); 1 small onion, sliced; 50 g red bell pepper, sliced; 1 small carrot, julienned; 1 egg; 30 ml soy sauce; 10 ml fish sauce (optional for authentic flavor); 5 ml honey or brown sugar; 1 handful Thai basil leaves (or regular basil if unavailable); 15 ml vegetable oil

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If you’re craving something fast, flavorful, and full of that Thai street-food charm, this thai basil fried rice is the perfect choice.
It’s aromatic, spicy, and ready in just 15 minutes — the kind of quick meal that turns your kitchen into a Bangkok street stall. Made with garlic, chili, soy sauce, and fresh basil, it’s vibrant, easy, and absolutely addictive.

If you love bold Thai-inspired comfort food, you’ll also enjoy our Pad Thai, a classic noodle dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Unlike regular fried rice, this dish gets its unique flavor from the combination of fish sauce, chili, and holy basil — giving it that signature Thai aroma and kick.

🍳 Why You’ll Love This Thai Basil Fried Rice

There’s something magical about the balance of spicy, sweet, and savory in every bite.
This thai basil fried rice hits all the right notes — the garlic and chili bring heat, the soy and honey add depth, and the fresh basil adds a burst of freshness.

✨ Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Ready in just 15 minutes
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Perfect for using up leftover rice
Customizable — add chicken, shrimp, or tofu
Balanced flavor: spicy, sweet, and aromatic

It’s a complete one-pan meal that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but flavorful enough to impress guests.

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Thai Basil Fried Rice

Use day-old rice – it’s drier and fries better.
Keep the heat high – that’s how you get real Thai flavor.
Add basil last – it should wilt, not cook down completely.
Want it vegetarian? Skip the fish sauce and add more soy sauce.
Craving spice? Add more red chili or a drizzle of sriracha.

It’s also perfect for lunchboxes — it reheats beautifully the next day.

🌏 A Taste of Thailand

Thai basil fried rice represents everything Thai food stands for: balance, aroma, and color. Every bite has the perfect mix of spicy heat, sweetness, and earthy basil aroma. It’s a simple dish, yet deeply comforting — a reminder that great food doesn’t need to be complicated.

For another spicy Thai dinner recipe, try Chicken Pad Krapow, packed with heat and fresh basil flavor.

A bowl of thai basil fried rice with vegetables, egg, and basil served with lime on top. 🍋

Thai Basil Fried Rice – 15-Minute Street-Style Dinner

5 from 1 vote

This Thai Basil Fried Rice is bold, fragrant, and bursting with flavor — just like the kind you’d get from a Bangkok street stall! Made with garlic, chili, soy sauce, and fresh basil, it’s a quick and colorful dish ready in under 15 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving authentic Thai flavors at home.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings: 2

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

300 g cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
100 g chicken breast or tofu, cubed
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red chili, finely chopped (or 1 tsp chili flakes)
1 small onion, sliced
50 g red bell pepper, sliced
1 small carrot, julienned
1 egg
30 ml soy sauce
10 ml fish sauce (optional for authentic flavor)
5 ml honey or brown sugar
1 handful Thai basil leaves (or regular basil if unavailable)
15 ml vegetable oil

Equipment

Wok or large non-stick skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Mixing bowl
Knife & chopping board

Method

Prepare the rice: If using leftover rice, break apart any clumps with a fork to make it fluffy.
Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and chili; cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Cook the protein: Add chicken or tofu. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until cooked through.
Add vegetables: Toss in onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly tender.
Add the rice and sauces: Add rice, soy sauce, fish sauce, and honey. Stir constantly until everything is well combined and heated through.
Add egg and basil: Push rice to one side, crack in the egg, and scramble it. Mix into the rice, then add fresh basil leaves. Stir until wilted.
Serve: Serve hot with a squeeze of lime juice and extra basil on top.

Notes

Day-old rice works best — freshly cooked rice can get mushy.

For a vegan version, skip the egg and fish sauce.

Use Thai holy basil for an authentic flavor boost.

Add shrimp, chicken, or beef for a protein-packed version.

💭 Final Thoughts

This thai basil fried rice is proof that fast food can be fresh, wholesome, and absolutely delicious. 🌿🍚
In just 15 minutes, you can bring the bold, colorful flavors of Thailand right to your table.

The garlic, chili, and basil create an aroma that fills the kitchen, while the combination of textures — fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and tender chicken — makes every bite satisfying.

If you enjoy Asian comfort food, Authentic Japanese Ramen is another delicious recipe worth trying for a cozy homemade meal.

It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor — the perfect weeknight meal for when you need something fast but unforgettable.

Next time you’re craving takeout, skip the delivery app — make this instead. One wok, one meal, endless flavor.

If you’re curious to learn more about authentic Thai cooking and regional variations, check out Wikipedia’s article on Thai cuisine — it’s a great resource on the ingredients and traditions behind these amazing flavors.