Easy Thai Basil Fried Rice

Thai basil fried rice is a fast, straightforward dish made with garlic, shrimp, eggs, and a savory sauce tossed with cooked rice. Everything comes together in one pan, with lightly crisped rice, tender shrimp, and soft scrambled eggs mixed throughout. A handful of Thai basil goes in at the very end, adding that fresh, slightly peppery aroma that gives the dish its character.

It’s full of flavor without feeling heavy, and once you start cooking, it’s on the table in about 15 minutes. This is also one of my favorite ways to use up Thai basil before it wilts in the fridge. If you’ve ever bought a bunch for pho or bun rieu and weren’t sure how to use the rest, this fried rice takes care of that. Simple, flexible, and easy to keep in regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Basil Fried Rice

• Ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish
• A great use for cold rice and leftover Thai basil
• Easy to adapt with different proteins or vegetables
• Bold, savory flavor with a little heat and freshness
• One pan and very little cleanup

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cold, cooked rice is key. Day-old rice fries better and stays fluffy instead of clumping. If your rice is fresh, spread it out and chill it briefly before cooking.

Shrimp cooks quickly and works really well with the basil, but chicken, pork, tofu, or even leftover grilled meat all work here.

The sauce is simple: soy sauce and oyster sauce for depth, plus a pinch of sugar to balance everything out. This is similar to the seasoning base in my Vietnamese fried rice, but the Thai basil changes the direction completely.

Thai basil is what sets this dish apart. It’s more peppery and aromatic than regular basil, and it holds up well to heat. Regular basil will work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be the same.

Please scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card for the full ingredient amounts and instructions.

How to Make Thai Basil Fried Rice

Start by cooking the shrimp in a hot pan with oil until just pink. Remove them so they stay tender.

In the same pan, cook the aromatics: shallots or onion, garlic, and Thai chilis if you’re using them. This is where the flavor builds.

Push everything aside and scramble the eggs directly in the pan. Keep them soft so they mix into the rice instead of drying out.

Add the rice and sauces, then toss quickly over high heat. Let the rice sit briefly before stirring so it can crisp a little.

Return the shrimp to the pan and finish with Thai basil. Once the basil wilts, it’s ready.

Serve right away with lime wedges or fresh cucumber slices on the side.

FAQs (Stuff People Actually Ask)

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water or oil to loosen the rice.

What to Serve With It

This fried rice works well on its own, but it also pairs nicely with lighter dishes like Vietnamese shrimp toast or fresh spring rolls. If you want to round out the meal, a simple soup like wonton noodle soup or something grilled on the side, like lemongrass chicken, works well too.

One of Those Recipes You’ll Keep Coming Back To

Thai basil fried rice is fast, flexible, and full of flavor. Once you make it a couple of times, it becomes one of those dishes you can throw together without thinking too much.

If you enjoyed this one, my Thai-style crab fried rice is another great option when you want something similar but a little different. Save this recipe and come back to it the next time you’ve got leftover rice and Thai basil to use up.

RECIPE