Thai food has a magical way of bringing together bold, punchy flavors in perfect harmony—and this extra-spicy Thai fried rice with basil and pork is no exception. This isn't your average stir-fried rice recipe. It's loaded with the aromatic depth of Thai basil, the kick of fresh chilies, and the savory richness of ground pork, all tangled together with fragrant jasmine rice. If you're a fan of heat and crave dishes that bring the sizzle, this is the one to bookmark. While it's deeply rooted in a thai fried rice recipe authentic to street-side cooking in Bangkok, we’ve added an extra fiery edge for spice lovers. Let’s dive into what makes this dish truly unforgettable.
Extra-Spicy Thai Fried Rice with Basil and Pork
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Wok or large non-stick skillet A carbon steel wok is ideal for achieving wok hei (the smoky, seared flavor), but a large sauté pan works in a pinch.
Spatula or wok spatula A metal or silicone spatula helps with stir-frying without scratching your pan.
Cutting board and knife For prepping herbs, garlic, onion, and chilies.
Rice Cooker or Saucepan To cook your jasmine rice. If you're using leftover rice, skip this.
Bowl and fork For beating the egg, if using.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice preferably day-old for the best texture
- 1/2 lb ground pork you can sub chicken thigh for a different take—more on that later
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil canola or peanut oil work too
- 4 –5 Thai bird's eye chilies finely chopped (adjust to your heat tolerance)
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 small onion sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves loosely packed
- 1 egg optional but recommended for richness
- Lime wedges and sliced cucumbers for serving
Optional Garnishes
- Fried shallots
- Sliced scallions
- Fresh cilantro
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
If you're using day-old rice, break it apart gently with your hands or a fork to loosen clumps. Chop the garlic and chilies (you can mash them in a mortar and pestle for deeper aroma), slice the onion, and wash your Thai basil leaves. Have everything ready—this dish moves fast once the heat is on.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat your wok over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once hot, toss in the garlic and chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned. This is the flavor base of your dish.
Step 3: Cook the Pork
Add the ground pork and spread it out in the wok. Let it sit undisturbed for 30 seconds to sear, then stir-fry until browned and fully cooked. Break up the meat into small pieces for even distribution.
Step 4: Add the Onion and Sauce
Add the sliced onion and cook until it softens, about 2 minutes. Then pour in the fish sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir everything together until the pork is well coated and glossy.
Step 5: Add the Rice
Crank the heat to high and toss in the jasmine rice. Use your spatula to break up any clumps and mix thoroughly so that every grain gets coated in the sauce and pork mixture. Stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy in places.
Step 6: Stir in Thai Basil
Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the Thai basil. The residual heat will wilt the leaves while keeping their fresh flavor intact. If you’re using an egg, you can either scramble it into the rice during step 5 or fry it separately and top your dish with it.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon the fried rice onto a plate and garnish with lime wedges, sliced cucumbers, and optional toppings like fried shallots or scallions. Serve hot and enjoy the fiery kick!
Perfect Pairings
This dish stands strong on its own, but a few smart pairings can elevate your experience:
- Cooling cucumber salad: Helps balance out the heat from the chilies.
- Thai iced tea: Sweet, milky, and refreshing—it’s the ultimate contrast to spicy food.
- Pickled vegetables: A side of pickled radish or carrots adds tangy brightness.
- Spring rolls: Add a crunchy appetizer to round out the meal.
- Dessert recipes: A scoop of coconut ice cream or mango sticky rice is perfect for cooling your palate.
If you love exploring other variations of rice dishes, you might also enjoy diving into Korean fried rice, Indian fried rice, or even a savory Vietnamese fried rice loaded with egg and scallions.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Absolutely! In fact, this dish is a great candidate if you're looking for chicken thigh recipes. Thigh meat is juicy and flavorful, making it a perfect substitute for pork. Dice it small for quick cooking and great texture.
2. What’s the best rice for Thai fried rice?
Day-old jasmine rice is the gold standard. It’s aromatic and has the right amount of stickiness without being mushy. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too wet and clumps together.
3. How do I make this dish vegan?
Replace the pork with crumbled tofu or a vegan meat alternative. For a seafood twist without animal products, try using vegan fish. Skip the fish sauce and use a vegan “fish” sauce or light soy sauce instead.
4. Can I tone down the heat?
Of course. Just reduce the number of chilies or use a milder chili like Fresno or jalapeño. If you’re still looking for flavor without the fire, consider adding bell peppers or green beans for some veggie bulk.
5. What makes this different from regular fried rice?
This isn’t your basic fried rice recipe. The combination of Thai basil, bird’s eye chilies, and fish sauce creates a uniquely Thai profile. While it's related to other asian fried rice traditions like special fried rice recipe or curry fried rice, this version is squarely focused on bold, spicy flavors.
