🌿 Savory Thai Basil Fried Rice with Garden Veggies

Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I genuinely trust and believe will bring value to my readers. Also, some of the content was created with strategic use of AI tools. For more information, please visit the Privacy Policy page. Thank you for supporting my blog and helping me continue to provide valuable content.

A savory, herby rice stir-fry that puts your summer harvest to work.

I can always count on Thai basil to keep growing long after the lettuce bolts and the tomatoes start taking over. It thrives in the summer heat—and lucky for us, it turns a simple stir-fry into something deeply fragrant and totally crave-worthy.

This Thai Basil Fried Rice is one of those last-minute meals that doesn’t feel like one. It’s fast, flexible, and absolutely packed with garden goodness. I love tossing in whatever’s ripe—bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, even a handful of chopped green beans. The sauce is savory and slightly sweet, and the basil adds that unmistakable licorice-peppery aroma that fills the whole kitchen.

📌 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ A perfect way to use garden veggies and Thai basil
• ✅ Vegan-friendly with easy protein add-ins
• ✅ Comes together in under 30 minutes
• ✅ Great for cleaning out the fridge
• ✅ Naturally dairy-free and easily gluten-free

📌 Quick Reference

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 3–4
• Dietary Info: Vegan optional, Gluten-Free adaptable

⭐ Key Ingredients at a Glance

cold cooked rice • Thai basil • garden veggies • garlic • soy sauce • sesame oil

📌 Ingredients

• 3 cups cold cooked jasmine rice (day-old preferred)
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other high-heat oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ red onion or 2 green onions, chopped
• 1½–2 cups chopped garden vegetables (bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1–2 teaspoons chili paste or sriracha (optional)
• 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, loosely packed
• Optional: fried egg, tofu cubes, or leftover grilled chicken

📝 Substitutions & Notes:

• No Thai basil? Use Italian basil + mint for a similar twist.
• Swap soy sauce for fish sauce for a more traditional version.
• Add chopped peanuts, lime wedges, or cucumber slices for serving.

📌 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔪 1. Prep Ingredients

Chop veggies into small, quick-cooking pieces. Mince garlic.
Loosen the cold rice with your hands or a fork to break up clumps.

🍳 2. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add garlic and onion and stir-fry until fragrant and starting to color.

🥕 3. Add the Veggies

Toss in your garden vegetables and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender.
Add protein now if using pre-cooked chicken or tofu.

🍚 4. Add Rice & Sauce

Push veggies to the side and add rice to the pan. Drizzle in soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chili paste.
Toss everything together and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until rice is hot and coated evenly.

🌿 5. Add the Basil

Turn off the heat and stir in the Thai basil. Let the residual heat wilt it gently.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

📌 Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve with lime wedges, sliced cucumber, or a fried egg on top
• Add a spoonful of spicy pickled veggies or quick carrot daikon slaw
• Pair with iced Thai tea or lemongrass lemonade

📌 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Keeps well for up to 3 days in a sealed container
• Reheat: Use a skillet for best texture, or microwave with a splash of water
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 1 month—great for meal prep

📌 Final Thoughts

Thai basil fried rice is the kind of meal I come back to over and over. It’s quick, it’s flexible, and it tastes like you put in way more effort than you did. If your garden’s bursting, this is the kind of skillet supper that makes it all worthwhile.

If you make it, tag @SouthernSoilSunshine and show me your veggie mix! For more quick garden stir-fries, check out Garlic Cilantro Lime Chicken Fried Rice or Garlic Butter Zucchini Noodles with Parmesan.