Aromatic fried rice with holy basil, chili, and a fried egg
Thai Basil Fried Rice (Khao Pad Krapao)
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
8 min
Total Time
18 min
Servings
2
2 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Thai Basil Fried Rice (Khao Pad Krapao)
Aromatic fried rice with holy basil, chili, and a fried egg
★4.4(22)
Thailand's beloved street food rice dish with ground pork, holy basil, garlic, chilies, and fish sauce, crowned with a crispy-edged fried egg.
10m
Prep Time
8m
Cook Time
18m
Total Time
2
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Thai basil fried rice is one of Thailand's most popular street foods, and the reason is simple: it hits every flavor note — salty from fish sauce and soy sauce, sweet from a touch of sugar, spicy from fresh chilies, and wonderfully aromatic from a generous handful of holy basil leaves stirred in at the last second.
This is fast, punchy cooking at its best. The entire dish comes together in the time it takes to fry an egg, and every bite delivers an explosion of flavor that proves Thai food is not about complexity — it is about bold, confident seasoning.
Ingredients
- 3 cups day-old jasmine rice, cold
- 6 oz ground pork
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-4 Thai bird chilies, sliced (to taste)
- 1 cup packed Thai holy basil leaves (or regular basil)
- 1.5 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 2 fried eggs for serving
Instructions
- 1
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok over high heat. Add garlic and chilies, stir-frying for 30 seconds.
- 2
Add ground pork. Stir-fry, breaking into small pieces, until cooked through, about 3 minutes.
- 3
Add cold rice. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, pressing against the wok to develop crispy bits.
- 4
Add fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Toss until evenly distributed.
- 5
Remove from heat and stir in holy basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt them.
- 6
Fry eggs in remaining oil until the edges are crispy and the yolk is still runny. Serve the rice topped with a fried egg.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
Ground porkGround chicken or crumbled tofu
Both absorb the seasonings well.
Holy basilThai basil or Italian basil
Different flavors but still delicious.
Fish sauceSoy sauce
Less complex but works for those who avoid fish sauce.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Holy basil is available at Asian markets. If you cannot find it, Thai basil or Italian basil will work but the flavor will be different.
The fried egg is essential — the runny yolk acts as a rich sauce.
Adjust the chilies to your heat tolerance. Thai bird chilies are quite hot.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat in a hot wok or skillet. Add fresh basil after reheating.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 plate with egg) · 2 servings
Calories450
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein22g
Carbohydrates50g
Fat18g
Fiber1g
Sugar2g
Sodium820mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between holy basil and Thai basil?
- Holy basil has a peppery, clove-like flavor and is the correct choice. Thai basil is sweeter and more licorice-like. Both work.
- Can I use chicken instead of pork?
- Yes, ground chicken is a common alternative. Shrimp or tofu also work well.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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