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    Home » Recipe » Main Dish » Tomato Basil Fried Rice

    Tomato Basil Fried Rice

    Published May 1, 2017 · Updated Jan 20, 2023 by Ginnie · 2 Comments

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    Treat yourself to this amazing Tomato Basil Fried Rice! This delicious, easy recipe is packed with tofu, fresh veggies, and fragrant basil. It's the perfect weeknight meal, and you can make it as spicy or as mild as you like!

    Tomato Basil Fried Rice in a bowl and frying pan on a wood table.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    This Spicy Tomato Basil Fried Rice is one of my all time favorite recipes. It was actually one of the first recipes I ever shared here!

    When I lived in San Francisco, and there was a little Thai restaurant that we'd stop at after going to the beach. I love trying new things when eating out, but once I had their amazing Basil Fried Rice, I don't think I ever ordered anything else again!

    Of course, I had to recreate it at home, and this is my version of that scrumptious dish. I think you're going to love it just as much as I do!

    This easy recipe is loaded with fresh veggies, including juicy tomatoes and crisp-tender broccoli, but it's the fragrant basil that puts it over the top. Best of all, it's quick and easy to make!

    If you're a spicy food lover, then this recipe is for you! You can make it as hot (or as mild) as you like.

    Have I tempted you to try this irresistible Thai Fried Rice for yourself? Then keep reading for all the delicious details!

    Closeup of the finished tomato fried rice served in a white bowl.

    Ingredients

    This recipe uses simple, easy to find ingredients! Here's what you'll need:

    • Rice - The most important thing when making Fried Rice, is to start with COLD rice. If you use hot rice, the finished dish won't have the right texture. It's actually a great way to use takeout or leftover rice! I used brown rice this time, but white rice works great, too.
    • Basil - Fresh basil gives this recipe its distinctive flavor. You can use Thai basil if you can find it, but regular basil is totally fine, too.
    • Veggies - I used a combinations of tomatoes, broccoli, onion, and garlic here, but other vegetables will work. This recipe is actually a great way to clean out your fridge!
    • Tofu - Baked tofu adds tons of flavor to this recipe, and I love that there's no pressing necessary. Both Trader Joe's and Whole Foods have different varieties of baked tofu, and they're all delish (choose your fave). If you can't find it, you can use regular firm (or extra firm) tofu. Just make sure to press it to remove excess water, and fry it separately until golden.
    • Eggs - A few eggs add some extra protein to the rice. Leave them out to make the recipe vegan, if you prefer.
    • Oil - I used olive oil to make this recipe, but a more neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) would also work. You'll also add a little toasted sesame oil, which adds tons of flavor to the finished dish. Don't skip it!
    • Soy Sauce - The rice is seasoned with a little salt, plus soy sauce (I prefer Kikkoman), which adds a great umami flavor.
    • Sriracha Sauce - Spicy sriracha sauce is what give this recipe its kick! Feel free to use as much or as little as you like.

    This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, leave out the eggs. You can also make it gluten free, by substituting tamari for the soy sauce.

    You'll Also Need

    To make this recipe, you'll need a large skillet (at least 12-inches). I used my favorite nonstick frying pan, and it worked perfectly!

    A bowl of the spicy rice with a bottle of sriracha behind it.

    How to Make Basil Fried Rice

    If you've never cooked Fried Rice before, you might be surprised by just how easy it is to make. You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:

    1. Prep the ingredients. This recipe moves quickly once you get started, so make sure to prep everything (gather ingredients and chop the veggies) in advance.
    2. Cook the veggies + tofu. You'll start by sautéing an onion until softened and starting to brown. Next, you'll add the broccoli and the baked tofu, cooking just until the broccoli starts turning bright green. Finally, you add the tomatoes. Cook everything until the tomatoes are softened and the broccoli is tender crisp.
    3. Fry the rice. Remove the veggies from the pan, then add some olive oil and the sesame oil. Cook the garlic in the oil just until fragrant, then add the rice. Continue cooking until the rice has some color.
    4. Scramble eggs. Push the rice to the side of the pan, then add the eggs. Cook the eggs, stirring constantly, until they're scrambled.
    5. Season + serve. Once the eggs are cooked, add the veggies back into the pan, along with the sriracha and soy sauce. Mix everything together really well, then stir in the fresh basil.

    And that's all there is to it ... your mouthwatering Spicy Tomato Basil Fried Rice is ready to eat!

    A bowl of the finished dish served with a yellow napkin and chopsticks on a wood table.

    Variations

    This recipe is easy to customize according to your tastes and the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some easy ideas:

    • Spicy or Mild - Make this Basil Fried Rice as spicy or as mild as you like, simply by using more or less sriracha to taste. You can also leave it out altogether, and the spicy food lovers can add it at the table.
    • Chili Sauce - I've also made this recipe with Sambal Oelek and Chili Garlic Sauce instead of sriracha, and both worked great. It would be delish made with Spicy Chili Crisp, too!
    • Veggies - Feel free to substitute different vegetables here. Bell Peppers, greens, carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, zucchini, and more would all be tasty.
    • Vegan - To make this recipe vegan, just leave out the eggs.
    • Gluten Free - To make this gluten free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
    A closeup of the finished rice with sriracha drizzled on top.

    Related Recipes

    If you loved this Tomato Fried Rice, make sure to try my Kimchi Fried Rice and Pineapple Fried Rice recipes, too!

    For more Thai inspired recipes, try my Chickpea Lentil Curry, Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry, Pumpkin Curry, Veggie Spring Rolls, and Chickpea Spinach Curry, too!

    You may also like my Banh Mi Bowl, Vegetable Tofu Lo Mein, Curried Veggie Quinoa Stir Fry, Teriyaki Tofu Bowl, and Vegetarian Bibimbap.

    If it's spicy food you're craving, then don't miss my Spicy Egg and Potato Breakfast Burritos, Crock Pot Spicy 3 Bean Chili, Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, and Southwest Hummus with Spicy Corn Relish.

    A frying pan and bowl of the finished recipe on a wood table.
    A bowl of Basil Fried Rice next to a pair of chopsticks.
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    5 from 2 votes

    Tomato Basil Fried Rice

    This Basil Fried Rice is the perfect weeknight dinner! It's easy to prepare and so delicious ... make it as spicy or as mild as like!
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time40 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Thai
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 484kcal
    Author: Ginnie

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
    • 1 large onion, diced
    • kosher salt
    • 1 large bunch broccoli, cut into florets; stems peeled and chopped
    • 1 (6-ounce) package baked tofu, cubed
    • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved (or cherry tomatoes)
    • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
    • 1 large garlic clove, minced
    • 4 cups cold cooked rice (white or brown)
    • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
    • 2 to 3 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 to 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce
    • 5 large basil leaves, julienned

    Instructions

    • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Stir onion into oil and season lightly with salt; cook until softened and beginning to brown, stirring often.
    • Add broccoli (florets and stems) and tofu to pan, then season lightly with salt.
    • Cook until broccoli turns a brighter green and tofu starts to brown, stirring often (about 3 to 5 minutes).
    • Add tomatoes to pan; cook until tomatoes are softened and broccoli is tender crisp.
    • Remove veggies from pan and set aside.
    • Wipe out pan, then return to heat. Add remaining tablespoon olive oil, plus the sesame oil.
    • Stir in garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
    • Add rice to garlic. Cook, stirring often, until it has a little color (about 5 minutes).
    • Push rice to side, then add eggs to open space. Cook, stirring constantly, until scrambled.
    • Mix eggs into rice, along with the reserved veggies.
    • Season rice to taste with soy sauce and sriracha.
    • Stir in basil, then serve hot. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Both regular basil and Thai basil work great for this recipe.
    Make sure to read the info before this recipe card for more ideas and tips!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 484kcal
    Did you make this recipe?I love hearing from you! Leave a comment and rating below, or tag @HelloLittleHome or #hellolittlehome on Instagram!
    A bowl of Tomato Basil Fried Rice with a frying pan in the background.
    A photo collage showing two images of the finished Thai Basil Fried Rice.
    A bowl of spicy fried rice on a yellow napkin next to a pair of chopsticks.
    Tomato Basil Fried RiceTomato Basil Fried Rice
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    About Ginnie

    Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.

    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)
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    2 Comments
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    Amy
    8 years ago

    This looks really tasty, Ginnie, and the 20-minute prep time is a winner in my book!

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    Ginnie
    8 years ago
    Reply to  Amy

    Thanks, Amy! Yes, I'm all about fast recipes, too! 🙂

    0
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    Hi, I'm Ginnie! Welcome to Hello Little Home, which is all about inspiring everyday creativity! I'm excited to share my favorite things with you ... vegetarian recipes, travel inspiration, DIY projects, decor ideas, beauty and fashion tips, and more! Read more about me here!

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