Learn How to Make Perfectly Cooked Basmati Rice

Aromatic Long-Grain Rice with a Distinctive Flavor. Learn how to make delicious Basmati Fried Rice with this easy recipe. Perfectly cooked Basmati rice stir-fried with vegetables and savory seasonings for a flavorful side dish or main meal. It’s been a cool and slow week for me too, and I’ve found myself embracing the slower pace, enjoying the little things and letting time pass by just a bit more leisurely. The Nairobi sun has been teasing us with glimpses of a sunnier month ahead, and it feels like the promise of warmth and light. It's hard to believe that August is almost over, it seems like just yesterday I was welcoming in the new month. Time moves quickly, doesn't it? But enough of that, let's dive into today’s recipe: a simple yet delicious Basmati Fried Rice.

This dish turned out to be the perfect fit for my week. It was just one of those days where I didn’t feel like going all out in the kitchen but still wanted something satisfying and flavorful. The beauty of fried rice is that it’s so versatile and easy to make. You don't need to start from scratch with fresh ingredients, and if you’ve got leftovers lying around, you can transform them into a whole new meal. It’s the kind of recipe that takes very little effort but delivers so much flavor, which was exactly what I was in the mood for.

Basmati rice has always been one of my favorites. Its sweet aroma when it’s cooked is simply irresistible, and it’s one of the few rice varieties that doesn’t turn sticky unless you go overboard with the water. That distinct fragrance and the light, fluffy texture make it a treat all on its own. Sometimes, I’ll just cook up a batch of Basmati and enjoy it without anything extra, because it’s that good. But when you want to level it up a bit, turning it into a fried rice dish is one of the best ways to go.

My Basmati Fried Rice is incredibly simple, with fewer ingredients than the traditional fried rice you might find. I love that it doesn’t require a lot of fuss or fancy ingredients, just a few key items that elevate the dish to something really delicious. Plus, because it’s so quick and easy to whip up, you can make it any day of the week, whether you’re feeling lazy, like I was, or just want a meal that’s simple and satisfying.

The great thing about this recipe is that it’s super adaptable. You can throw in whatever you like, Vegetables, leftover meat, or even some spices if you want a little extra kick. It’s a fantastic way to clean out the fridge, and the result is always flavorful, filling, and comforting.

Here’s how I made mine: I started by sautéing some onions and garlic in a bit of oil, which is always a great base for any fried rice. Then, I added in my pre-cooked Basmati rice and tossed it around in the pan to get it heated through. From there, I added whatever leftover veggies and protein I had on hand, this time, it was a little bit of chicken and some carrots. A few dashes of soy sauce, a sprinkle of salt, and a little pepper, and bam! Just like that, you’ve got yourself a quick and satisfying meal. No need for a complicated sauce or long cooking time.

It’s the kind of dish that feels both light and hearty at the same time, and it’s definitely one I’ll be making again. Whether you make it as a side dish or enjoy it as the main meal, Basmati Fried Rice is always a winner. So if you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, quick, and full of flavor, give this simple fried rice recipe a try. I think you’ll find it to be just the right kind of comfort food for those laid-back days when you want something satisfying without the hassle. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 Bowl left over white rice
1 Teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
1 Tablespoon Garlic
1/2 Cup Green Bell Pepper
1/2 Cup Red Onions
1 Bunch Cilantro
2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Method

Heat a pan/ skillet and add the chopped onions
Cook until the onions become translucent and start to brown

 Add in the crushed garlic

Let the garlic and onions cook until the garlic turns brown

Add in the chopped green pepper

Cook the onions, garlic and green bell pepper until they become soft

After a few minutes add in the left over rice and let it cook

Now mix the ingredients so that all the ingredients are evenly distributed and incorporated

Add in the chopped cilantro (dhania)

Gently mix completely and let the rice cook
You can taste to see if the dish needs more salt and you can add

Drizzle in the Soy sauce, mix and let the fried rive cook for a few more minutes

The fried rice will have a lovely mix of different colors and flavors from all the beautiful ingredients

You can have your basmati fried rice as is or you can serve with a side, stew or soup
Enjoy!

print recipe

BASMATI FRIED RICE

by Mulunga Alukwe August-25-2017

Ingredients

• 1 Bowl Rice (cooked left over)
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic
• 1/2 Cup Green Bell Pepper
• 1/2 Cup Red Onions
• 1 Bunch Cilantro
• 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Instructions

Heat a pan/ skillet and add the chopped onions. Cook until the onions become translucent and start to brown. Add in the crushed garlicAdd in the chopped green pepper. Cook the onions, garlic and green bell pepper until they become softAdd the Basmati Rice. Now mix the ingredients so that all the ingredients are evenly distributed and incorporated. Add in the chopped cilantro (dhania). Gently mix completely and let the rice cook. You can taste to see if the dish needs more salt and you can addDrizzle in the Soy sauce, mix and let the fried rive cook for a few more minutesServe immediately as is or with stew, vegetables even meats

Details

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 20 mins Total time: 30 mins Yield: 2 Servings

If you have been enjoying these foodie adventures, I would love to stay connected. Follow me on all my social platforms for real-time updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and event alerts. See behind-the-scenes looks and join conversations around all things delicious. Follow me on Instagram for beautiful food photos and quick reels. Find me on Facebook for longer stories and community chats. Join the fun on Twitter(X) where I share food thoughts and tips. Get creative with me on Pinterest where you can pin your favorite recipes for later. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for the full recipe creation. Leave a comment in the comment section and let's chat!

Basmati Rice

📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What makes Basmati rice unique?
A: Basmati is prized for its long grains, fragrant aroma, and fluffy texture when cooked. It’s traditionally grown in the Indian subcontinent.

Q2: How do I cook Basmati rice perfectly?
A: Rinse thoroughly to remove excess starch, soak for 20–30 minutes if possible, then cook with a 1:1.5 to 1:2 rice-to-water ratio, using a gentle simmer.

Q3: Is Basmati rice gluten-free?
A: Yes, naturally gluten-free and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Q4: What dishes pair well with Basmati rice?
A: Curries, grilled meats, biryanis, pilafs, and vegetable stir-fries.

Q5: Is Basmati rice healthier than other rices?
A: It has a slightly lower glycemic index compared to some white rices and is a good source of energy and some minerals.

Q6: Can I store cooked Basmati rice?
A: Yes, refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating.

📊 Nutrition Card – Per 1 cup cooked (approx. 158g)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	~190 kcal	Light and filling
Protein	4 g	Plant-based protein source
Total Fat	0.4 g	Very low fat
Saturated Fat	0.1 g	Minimal
Carbohydrates	40–45 g	Main energy source
Sugars	0 g	No natural sugars
Fiber	1 g	Low fiber
Sodium	0 mg	Naturally sodium-free

Dietary Labels

Category	Status	Notes
Vegetarian	✔ Yes	Pure plant-based
Vegan	✔ Yes	Naturally vegan
Gluten-Free	✔ Yes	Safe for gluten intolerance
Dairy-Free	✔ Yes	No dairy content
Nut-Free	✔ Yes	Free of nuts

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.