There is something truly magical about the marriage of fragrant basmati rice with the bold, exciting flavors of Chinese-style sauces and spices. This Indo Chinese Fried Rice (Basmati Fried Rice) Recipe brings together perfectly cooked, fluffy basmati rice with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a harmonious blend of savory, spicy, and tangy elements. Each bite delivers a delightfully satisfying contrast of textures and tastes that feel both comforting and adventurous. If you love vibrant, colorful dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites for quick weeknight dinners or impressive lunchboxes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large round white plate holds a colorful fried rice dish with many thin layers mixed together. The base layer is white rice, scattered with light brown chicken pieces. Mixed throughout are thin strips of pale green cabbage, thin orange carrot shreds, bright green peas, and chopped green onions. The vegetables and rice are evenly spread, creating a mix of soft rice and fresh greens. The texture looks fluffy, with small bits of egg visible, adding a pale yellow color. In the background, a white bowl with fresh green herbs sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role, whether it’s the simple backbone of aged basmati rice providing fluffy, separate grains, or the punchy chili garlic sauce that gives the dish its signature lively kick. Together, they create a symphony of flavor and texture that makes this Indo Chinese Fried Rice (Basmati Fried Rice) Recipe truly unforgettable.

1 ¼ cup aged, long-grain basmati rice: Using aged basmati ensures the grains stay fluffy and separate after cooking.
7 cups water: For perfectly cooking the rice without it becoming mushy.
1 tbsp sea salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the rice while cooking.
1 tbsp neutral oil: Helps keep rice grains separate and adds a light sheen.
1 tsp distilled white vinegar (or lemon juice): Adds subtle acidity to balance flavors and improve rice texture.
1 ½-2 tsp oyster sauce: A rich, umami-packed sauce that deepens the savory notes.
1 tsp chili garlic sauce: Adds a pleasant spicy heat with garlic punch; choose your favorite brand for best results.
1/2 tsp all-purpose soy sauce: Adds saltiness and color without overpowering.
1/4 tsp sesame oil: Just a small amount introduces a toasty, nutty aroma signature to Indo Chinese cuisine.
1 egg: For tender egg ribbons that add richness and visual appeal.
1/8 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper: Season the egg perfectly.
3 tbsp + 1 tsp neutral oil (such as avocado oil): Used for stir-frying to keep ingredients crisp and flavorful.
4 garlic cloves (finely chopped/crushed): For an irresistible aromatics base.
1/2 inch ginger (finely chopped/crushed): Adds warmth and zing.
6 oz chicken breast (cut into 1/3-inch thick pieces): Tender, bite-size chicken bites that cook quickly.
1 tsp soy sauce: For seasoning the chicken.
1 tsp chicken powder (or 2 tsp MSG Ajinomoto): Deepens meatiness and umami.
1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1/4 tsp ground white pepper, 1/4 tsp sea salt: Fine-tuning the savory flavors in the chicken stir-fry.
1 ½ cups green cabbage (thinly sliced): Adds crunch and a mild sweetness.
1/2 cup frozen green peas (thawed): Pops of sweetness and vibrant color.
1/2 cup carrot (peeled and diced): Offers natural sweetness and lovely bright hues.
2 green onions (finely chopped, reserve some for garnish): Freshness and sharpness to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Indo Chinese Fried Rice (Basmati Fried Rice) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

This is a critical step to set the foundation for your Indo Chinese Fried Rice (Basmati Fried Rice) Recipe. Boil the water with salt, oil, and vinegar or lemon juice, then add the aged basmati rice. Cooking it until just tender but not mushy ensures the grains will stay separate and fluffy after stir-frying. Draining and fluffing the rice immediately prevents clumping and helps achieve that perfect texture.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

While the rice cooks, combine oyster sauce, chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This sauce mixture brings that characteristic tangy, spicy, and umami flavor that defines Indo Chinese cuisine — you’ll love how it intensifies the dish.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg

Whisk the egg with a pinch of salt and pepper, then set aside. This step readies the eggs to be quickly cooked into tender ribbons that will be stirred through the fried rice, adding richness and color.

Step 4: Cook the Egg

Heat a teaspoon of neutral oil in a wok or large pan, pour in the whisked egg, and spread it evenly. After a brief cook to set the bottom, flip and cook fully, then cut into thin strips. These egg ribbons add texture and savory depth to the finished dish.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Chicken and Veggies

In the same wok, add the remaining oil along with garlic and ginger to unleash their fragrant aromas. Toss in the chicken pieces and season generously with soy sauce, chicken powder or MSG, black and white pepper, and salt. Stir-fry on high heat until the chicken turns from pink to white. Add cabbage, peas, carrots, and green onions, cooking just until vegetables are tender but still vibrant and crisp — this combination keeps the dish lively and fresh.

Step 6: Combine Rice and Sauce

Add the cooked rice and the prepared sauce to the wok. Gently toss everything with spatulas or paddles to distribute the sauce and ingredients evenly, careful not to break the delicate rice grains. Finish by folding in the cooked egg strips and the reserved green onion slices, then turn off the heat. This final mix binds everything together with perfect harmony — a true celebration of the Indo Chinese Fried Rice (Basmati Fried Rice) Recipe.

How to Serve Indo Chinese Fried Rice (Basmati Fried Rice) Recipe

A cooked, slightly browned omelette with a textured surface that shows some small bubbles and uneven edges sits in the center of a gray non-stick pan with green handles. The omelette has light yellow and golden brown spots spread unevenly across its surface, and part of one side curls up slightly. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a small piece of wood board partly visible under the pan’s top left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle additional chopped green onions or freshly cracked black pepper for a fresh finish and mild heat. Thinly sliced fresh red chilies or a drizzle of chili garlic sauce can also be added on the side for extra punch. Garnishing with toasted sesame seeds offers a lovely nutty crunch and elevates the visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This Indo Chinese Fried Rice (Basmati Fried Rice) Recipe pairs beautifully with classic Indo Chinese mains like chili chicken, manchurian, or crispy honey chili potatoes. A simple hot and sour soup or vegetable momos also complement the flavors nicely, making a perfectly cohesive meal full of textures and tastes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stylish presentation, serve the fried rice in a hollowed-out bell pepper or pineapple bowl to wow your guests. Layering it alongside grilled skewers or topped with a fried egg brings extra flair and indulgence. Even packing it in bento-style lunch boxes or meal prep containers makes for an attractive and satisfying meal on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Indo Chinese Fried Rice (Basmati Fried Rice) Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Refrigerate as soon as cooled to maintain freshness and prevent dryness. The rice grains retain a nice texture, and the flavors continue to meld beautifully overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze this fried rice in portions for up to 1 month. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags and remove excess air before sealing. To avoid freezer burn, spread the rice out in a thin layer when freezing, then press together once solid.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently to preserve texture: microwave covered with a damp paper towel or stir-fry quickly in a hot pan with a splash of water or oil. Avoid overheating which could make the rice dry or mushy. Adding a bit of fresh chopped green onion during reheating refreshes the dish wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I make this Indo Chinese Fried Rice vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with tofu, paneer, or extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. The sauce and spices are versatile and delicious enough to carry the dish without meat.

What’s the best way to cook basmati rice for this recipe?

Use aged, long-grain basmati rice and cook it fully in boiling salted water with a little oil and vinegar or lemon juice. This method keeps grains fluffy yet tender, perfect for stir-frying without clumping or breaking.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes! The chili garlic sauce can be adjusted according to your heat tolerance—add less for a mild flavor or more if you love spice. You can also garnish with extra fresh chilies or a dash of chili oil for extra kick.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely. Indo Chinese Fried Rice (Basmati Fried Rice) Recipe is excellent for meal prep because it reheats well and maintains great flavor and texture even after a few days in the fridge or freezing.

What should I serve with this Indo Chinese Fried Rice?

This flavorful fried rice shines as a main or side, pairing wonderfully with Indo Chinese staples like chili chicken, gobi manchurian, or vegetable stir-fries. A light soup alongside makes it an even more satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Indo Chinese Fried Rice (Basmati Fried Rice) Recipe enough—it’s a flavorful, comforting dish that brings a touch of culinary adventure to your table with ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends with an unforgettable homemade recipe. Don’t wait to make this your new kitchen favorite!