Thai Fried Rice

Introduction

There’s something about a good fried rice that just feels like home. It’s the ultimate comfort food, isn’t it? And when it comes to Thai Fried Rice, it’s like a little taste of Thailand right on your plate. This dish is the perfect combination of salty, sweet, savory, and just a touch of heat, all wrapped up in a beautiful, fragrant rice base.

Thai Fried Rice is so much more than just a side dish. With its vibrant flavors and crispy bits of rice, it can easily stand alone as a main course or become the perfect complement to your favorite Thai-inspired dishes. Whether you’re craving something quick and easy for a weeknight dinner or planning a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The beauty of Thai Fried Rice lies in its simplicity, but also in the balance of flavors. It’s all about combining fresh ingredients like garlic, ginger, cilantro, lime, and fish sauce with just the right touch of heat. With a few tricks and tips along the way, this recipe will soon become a family favorite in your house too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thai Fried Rice is not just delicious—it’s also incredibly easy to make. If you’ve ever ordered it at a Thai restaurant and wondered how to make it yourself, you’re in the right place. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

Quick and Easy: You can whip up this Thai Fried Rice in about 20 minutes, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights. All you need is a bit of prep work, and then you’re ready to get cooking.

Customizable: This recipe is incredibly flexible. Whether you want to make it vegetarian, add some protein, or adjust the spice level, you can do it all!

Full of Flavor: The combination of fish sauce, soy sauce, and lime gives this dish an unbeatable depth of flavor that’s both savory and a little sweet. You’ll also get a subtle kick from the chili peppers and fresh cilantro.

Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this one. It’s simple enough to please everyone, yet it’s packed with flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 350 calories
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 50g
Fat: 12g

Ingredients

To make this flavorful Thai Fried Rice, you’ll need a few key ingredients that come together beautifully to create this dish:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best for fried rice as it helps create that perfect texture)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any oil you prefer)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, finely grated
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (this is what gives Thai food its distinct flavor, but you can substitute with more soy sauce if needed)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
• 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, minced (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed (you can also use fresh vegetables, but this is a great shortcut)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Essential Ingredients:

• Jasmine rice: The fragrant rice is a staple in Thai cooking and brings an aromatic base to the fried rice.
• Fish sauce: A must for authentic Thai flavor, this adds saltiness and complexity to the dish.
• Eggs: They provide richness and help to bind everything together.
• Fresh herbs and lime: These give the fried rice a fresh, zesty finish that makes every bite delightful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the rice: If you’re using fresh rice, make sure it has cooled down. Fresh rice can be too soft and sticky for fried rice, so day-old rice is perfect for achieving that perfect fried rice texture.

2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Let it get nice and hot before adding the ingredients, which will help them cook quickly.

3. Add garlic and ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—you just want to release those lovely flavors.

4. Stir-fry the veggies: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they soften and start to get a little bit of color. This is where your rice starts to develop a rich, savory base.

5. Scramble the eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and crack the eggs into the other side. Scramble them until cooked through, then mix them into the veggies.

6. Add the rice: Once the eggs are cooked, add the cold rice to the pan. Break up any clumps with a spatula and stir everything together, ensuring the rice gets coated with the oil and veggies.

7. Season the rice: Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Stir to evenly coat the rice in these flavorful liquids. This is where the magic happens, as the rice soaks up all those savory and tangy flavors.

8. Add the peas and carrots: Toss in the thawed peas and carrots, and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

9. Add the chilies: For an extra kick, add the minced bird’s eye chilies. Stir well, and adjust the quantity to your liking depending on how spicy you want the dish to be.

10. Garnish: Once the rice is perfectly cooked and heated, sprinkle with fresh cilantro and green onions. This adds brightness and freshness that balances the richness of the fried rice.

11. Serve: Serve the Thai Fried Rice with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some lime over the rice before taking a bite for a fresh burst of citrus.

How to Serve

• Serve Thai Fried Rice on its own as a satisfying meal.
• Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
• For a complete meal, serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or a spicy Thai soup like Tom Yum.
• You can even use it as a side dish with other Thai staples like Pad Thai or Thai Basil Chicken.

Additional Tips

• Day-old rice is key: The best fried rice uses rice that has been chilled for at least a few hours. This allows the grains to firm up and helps achieve that signature fried texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making a large batch, it’s better to cook in batches to ensure the rice gets crispy and doesn’t steam in the pan.
• Adjust the spice: If you’re not a fan of heat, skip the Thai bird’s eye chilies, or reduce the number for a milder dish.
• Add protein: You can toss in cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu to make this a more substantial meal.
• Fresh herbs are a must: Don’t skip the cilantro—it adds a refreshing, herbaceous note that really brings the dish to life.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the fish sauce and use soy sauce instead, or opt for a vegetarian oyster sauce. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, baby corn, or broccoli for a heartier version.
• Vegan Version: For a vegan take, simply swap the eggs for tofu and use soy sauce or coconut aminos instead of fish sauce.
• Add Protein: Thai Fried Rice can easily become a complete meal with the addition of grilled chicken, shrimp, or beef.
• Spicy Thai Fried Rice: For an extra kick, increase the number of bird’s eye chilies or add a spicy sriracha sauce to the mix.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve with a refreshing Thai cucumber salad or a bowl of crispy spring rolls.
• Beverages: Pair with a cold Thai iced tea or a light beer for a perfect meal combo.
• For Kids: Serve over buttered noodles or with crispy chicken tenders for a kid-friendly option.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftover Thai Fried Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: To freeze, let the rice cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a little bit of oil to prevent the rice from drying out.

Special Equipment

• Wok or large skillet: For stir-frying the rice evenly and getting that crispy texture.
• Fine mesh strainer: To drain excess moisture from the rice before frying.
• Sharp knife: To finely chop the vegetables and herbs for perfect flavor distribution.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought rice for Thai Fried Rice?
Yes, store-bought rice can work as long as it’s cold and not freshly cooked. Fresh rice tends to be too soft for fried rice.

Can I make this recipe ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rice a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors will actually develop even more.

What if I don’t have fish sauce?
If you don’t have fish sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce or a vegetarian oyster sauce.

Can I freeze uncooked rice?
For best results, it’s better to cook the rice before freezing. But yes, you can freeze the cooked rice and use it for fried rice later.

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Conclusion

Thai Fried Rice is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients together in a way that will make your taste buds dance. It’s perfect for any meal, whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd. I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do!

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Share your photos, tag me on social media, and let’s connect over this amazing recipe. Happy cooking!