This vegan Thai basil fried rice pairs fragrant jasmine rice with pan-fried tofu, fresh Thai basil, and a balance of salty-umami sauces for an authentic Thai-inspired dish that comes together in under 20 minutes.
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To make the sauce, whisk together oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar in a bowl until well-combined.
Next, pound or crush garlic cloves and chile.
To make the fried rice, heat a large wok or non-stick skillet. Add a tablespoon of oil.
Sauté onion for a minute or two or until slightly soft.
Add the garlic and chile and stir-fry for a few seconds.
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the tofu and toss for a few more seconds.
Add the rice and swirl in the prepped sauce.
Using the back of the spatula, press the rice lightly and toss all the ingredients until well-combined.
Finally, fold in the Thai basil and cook until the leaves start to wilt a little.
Serve the rice warm with a side of cucumber and salad. Don't forget to add a squeeze of lime juice too.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a wok or skillet with a tablespoon of soy sauce to restore texture.
Thai basil has a distinct anise-like flavor essential to this dish. Regular basil will change the taste noticeably. If you must substitute, use holy basil or increase garlic and chiles slightly.
Day-old cooked jasmine rice is ideal because it's drier and won't clump. Avoid freshly cooked rice, which is too moist. You can also use long-grain white rice or jasmine rice cooled and refrigerated overnight.
Yes—it adds authentic umami depth. If unavailable, substitute with soy sauce (use 2 tablespoons total) or tamari, though the flavor profile will be less complex.
Press the tofu firmly to remove excess moisture before pan-frying, and fry in batches over medium-high heat until golden on all sides. Don't stir constantly; let each side develop a crust.
Fried rice is best served fresh, but store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a wok or skillet with a splash of soy sauce to restore texture.
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