This Thai Basil Fried Rice has all of the delicious flavors you know and love from Thai Basil Chicken, just reimagined in fried rice form. It's salty and slightly spicy, with some crunch from the veggies, and a ton of sweet licorice-like flavor from Thai basil.
I think of Thai Basil Chicken as the western version of Thailand's famous Pad Kra Pao. In Thailand, Pad Kra Pao is made by stir frying lots of garlic and chilis with minced chicken, some salty seasoning sauces, and the key ingredient: holy basil. Thai Basil Chicken, on the other hand, is often made in western Thai restaurants with bite-sized pieces of chicken stir fried with fewer chilis, more veggies, and Thai basil instead of holy basil. Although these differences may seem small, but the resulting flavor is quite different.
Just like the Stir Fries, the Fried Rice versions of these dishes are likewise similar, yet so different. Holy Basil Fried Rice is made just like the stir fry, with minced chicken, lots of spice, and the strong peppery flavor of holy basil. Thai Basil Fried Rice, as made in western Thai restaurants, however, contains bite-sized pieces of chicken, veggies such as white onion, bell pepper, and green beans, and the sweet licorice-like flavor of Thai basil.
Although they have very different flavors, both Basil Fried Rice dishes are really delicious! Read on to learn how to make restaurant-style Thai Basil Fried Rice with Chicken.
Holy Basil vs Thai Basil
Holy basil is known as Kaprow or Ka Prao in Thai, although it's often spelled Kra Pao in English. It can be distinguished from other basil varieties by its fuzzy stems, leaves with saw-tooth edges, and really unique taste. This basil has a strong peppery flavor with a lingering spicy aftertaste.
Thai basil is known as Horapa in Thai. It is grown all over Southeast Asia and used extensively in Thai cuisine. Thai basil has narrow green leaves that are slightly serrated, smooth purple stems, and purple flowers. It has a sweeter flavor than Holy Basil, with tastes of anise and licorice and much less spice.
Holy basil can be hard to find in western countries, so Thai basil is sometimes used in its place in western Thai restaurants. However, these two basils have very different flavors and are not interchangeable.
Ingredients
- Garlic: The garlic should be peeled and chopped finely.
- Thai chili pepper: The chili(s) should be sliced finely and stir fried with the garlic. You can use as few or as many chilis as you prefer, although Thai Basil Fried Rice in western restaurants is not usually very spicy. One chili pepper will give you a medium level of spice.
- Chicken: Chicken breast or thighs work well in this fried rice. Cut into thin, bite-sized pieces. You could also use a different meat such as pork or beef, or leave the protein out altogether, if you prefer.
- Red pepper: A mild red pepper such as red bell pepper or slightly spicier red jalapeno pepper is used mainly for color and a little extra crunch.
- White Onion: A bit of white onion adds a subtle sweetness to the fried rice.
- Chinese Long Beans: Long beans add a crunch and mild flavor to the dish. Green beans can be substituted, although they will require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Oyster sauce, Thick dark soy sauce, Thin soy sauce: These Thai sauces add salty umami flavor to the fried rice. The oyster sauce and dark soy sauce also add a subtle sweetness. They should be used in combination to achieve the correct flavor profile.
- Jasmine rice: Cooked jasmine rice is the base of this fried rice. It should be left out on the counter or refrigerated for several hours before using in the fried rice so that the rice grains do not clump together while stir frying.
- Thai basil leaves: The star of this dish is the Thai basil. It's licorice-like flavor permeates the fried rice and provides a wonderful freshness to the dish.
Instructions
This Thai Basil Fried Rice is quick and easy to make. The only thing you need to prepare ahead of time is the jasmine rice, and if you're like me, you most always have some leftover rice in the fridge. Then just follow these steps:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the garlic and red Thai chili finely. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Cut the long beans/green beans into 1 inch segments. Slice the red bell pepper and onion into thin strips.
- Stir Fry the Chicken: Heat your wok or pan over high heat and add 1-2 Tablespoons of a mild flavored oil. Add the finely chopped garlic and chilis and stir fry until the garlic is golden brown. Add the chicken pieces and stir fry until it is cooked through.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables: Add the long beans and red bell pepper slices. Then add all of the seasoning sauces. Stir fry everything together until the veggies are close to done. Then add the onion slices and stir fry for 30 seconds to a minute longer until they are translucent, but still firm.
- Stir Fry the Rice: Finally, add the cooked jasmine rice and mix together with the other ingredients. Once the sauces have been mixed thoroughly with the rice, add the Thai basil and give everything another quick toss. Take off the heat and serve while hot!
Serving Suggestions
Fried Rice dishes in Thailand are often served with a side of Nam Pla Prik. This condiment is composed of fish sauce, Thai chilis, and lime juice, with garlic or shallots sometimes added as well. Although this Thai Basil Fried Rice is packed full of flavor, having a little Nam Pla Prik on the table allows you to enhance the flavor further, if you like.
Storage
If you have leftovers, Thai Basil Fried Rice keeps fairly well in the refrigerator. The flavors will still be intact, although the Thai basil may wilt or turn brown, especially upon reheating. Reheating in the microwave is recommended.
Like it's counterpart stir fried dish Thai Basil Chicken, this Thai Basil Fried Rice is a great dish to make for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With rice, chicken, some vegetables, and tons of flavor, it's a definite crowd-pleaser.
Recipe
Thai Basil Fried Rice | Khao Pad Horapa | ข้าวผัดโหระพา
Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic chopped finely
- 1 red Thai chili pepper chopped finely
- ½ cup chicken cut into thin, bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup red bell pepper or red jalapeno slices
- ¼ cup onion slices
- ¼ cup Chinese long beans cut into 1” pieces
- ½ cup Thai basil leaves
- 1 Tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon thick dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons thin soy sauce
- 2 cups pre-cooked jasmine rice leftover or left out for 1-2 hours
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by finely chopping the garlic and red Thai chili. Slice the chicken into thin, bite-sized pieces. Slice the Chinese long beans, red bell pepper, and onion into thin strips.
- Heat a wok until very hot and then add 1-2 Tablespoons of canola oil (or any other mild oil of your choice). Add the finely chopped garlic and chilis and stir fry until the garlic is golden brown.
- Add the chicken pieces and stir fry until it is cooked through. This should take 3-5 minutes, depending on how thick your chicken pieces are. Then add the long beans and red bell peppers, quickly followed by all of the sauces.
- Once the long beans and peppers are close to done, add the onion slices and stir fry for 30 seconds to a minute until they are translucent, but still slightly firm.
- Finally, add the rice and mix together with all of the other ingredients. Once the sauces have been mixed thoroughly with the rice, add the Thai basil and turn off the heat. Give everything one more toss and remove from the heat. Serve with a little dish of nam pla prik (fish sauce with sliced Thai chilis).
Pey-Lih
My go to recipe for Thai basil fried rice - you know Thai food!
Kenny
So simple and incredibly delicious!
Stephanie
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!
Katy
Seems quite tempting I must try it out. We grow culinary herbs and Thai basil is one of them. Thanks a lot.
Kaleb
There is a great Asian market in Uptown in Chicago – Lawrence at Broadway.
Diya
I followed the exact recipe and its perfect, better than takeout. thank you so much!!
admin
So glad to hear it, Diya!
Erika
The recipe is very precise and easy to follow.
As I am a hotel management student i loved the way you described your recipe. I did tried your dish and it was awesome. 🙂
admin
Wonderful, so glad to hear it!
ROBYN
Tried to cook this and it was perfect! 🙂
admin
Awesome, so glad to hear it!
HelloUrsula
Hi Rachel! I have been on the hunt to find fresh Thai basil and have been unable to locate it. This morning I stopped by Whole Foods and the gentleman that helped me said Thai Basil is out of season. Do you have any recommendations on where to find it, either online or somewherein the Chicagoland area?
Rachel
Fresh Thai produce can be ordered from several online sites, including ImportFood.com. I also have good luck finding Thai basil at local Asian markets like Ranch 99. Best of luck!
Alicia sturdy
There is a great Asian market in Uptown in Chicago - Lawrence at Broadway.
HelloUrsula
Hi Rachel! I have been on the hunt to find fresh Thai basil and have been unable to locate it. This morning I stopped by Whole Foods and the gentleman that helped me said Thai Basil is out of season. Do you have any recommendations on where to find it, either online or somewherein the Chicagoland area?
Rachel
Fresh Thai produce can be ordered from several online sites, including ImportFood.com. I also have good luck finding Thai basil at local Asian markets like Ranch 99. Best of luck!
Alicia sturdy
There is a great Asian market in Uptown in Chicago - Lawrence at Broadway.
Mary C
Hi Rachel,
I love to visit your blog, have been coming here for a few years now. It gives me hope that as an American, I can cook ethnic food that I love! My favorite dish from my Viet/Thai restaurant is Thai Basil Fried Rice. I'm hoping to get the ingredients to try and make it at home, but I can order it for $10 dollars here in my local restaurant. It has such a blast of heat and wonderful flavors that I may not be able to duplicate it. Holy basil is very hard to come by here. 🙂
Cheers ~ Mary
Mary C
Hi Rachel,
I love to visit your blog, have been coming here for a few years now. It gives me hope that as an American, I can cook ethnic food that I love! My favorite dish from my Viet/Thai restaurant is Thai Basil Fried Rice. I'm hoping to get the ingredients to try and make it at home, but I can order it for $10 dollars here in my local restaurant. It has such a blast of heat and wonderful flavors that I may not be able to duplicate it. Holy basil is very hard to come by here. 🙂
Cheers ~ Mary
Adrian Fleur
Hi there Rachel =) I've been looking at your blog for some time, and finally started following it. I'd just like to point out that your food photography is FANTASTIC! I really enjoy seeing simple and local Thai dishes shown in such a flattering light. I'm not saying local Thai food isn't delicious or that it looks bad - it's just never showcased like this. Most of my meals come straight out of a bag into a bowl, and I eat it without any thought on presentation. You have a great eye, and please keep up the excellent work! =)
Rachel
Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Adrian!
Adrian Fleur
Hi there Rachel =) I've been looking at your blog for some time, and finally started following it. I'd just like to point out that your food photography is FANTASTIC! I really enjoy seeing simple and local Thai dishes shown in such a flattering light. I'm not saying local Thai food isn't delicious or that it looks bad - it's just never showcased like this. Most of my meals come straight out of a bag into a bowl, and I eat it without any thought on presentation. You have a great eye, and please keep up the excellent work! =)
Rachel
Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Adrian!