This simple Thai Fried Rice recipe is delightful and easy-to-make. Bursting with vibrant flavors and aromatic spices, Thai Fried Rice is a quintessential dish that embodies the essence of Thai cuisine. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe will guide you through the simple steps to create a mouthwatering dish that will have you craving more of this beloved Thai classic.
What is Thai Fried Rice?
Thai Fried Rice, also known as “Khao Pad” in Thai, is a popular and flavorful dish that originated in Thailand. It’s a staple street food and can be found in restaurants and food stalls throughout the country. Thai Fried Rice typically consists of cooked rice stir-fried with a variety of ingredients, including vegetables, protein (such as chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu), eggs, and aromatics, seasoned with soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and other spices.
The dish is known for its vibrant flavors, which are achieved through the use of ingredients like Thai basil, green onions, chili peppers, and lime juice. Thai Fried Rice can vary in spiciness and can be customized to suit individual preferences. It’s often served with additional condiments such as lime wedges, cucumber slices, and chili sauce on the side.
Thai Fried Rice is not only delicious but also versatile, making it a great option for using up leftover ingredients and creating new dishes. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day. It does not matter if as a quick lunch, a hearty dinner, or even as a late-night snack.
What is the best rice for fried rice?
The best rice for fried rice is typically long-grain rice that becomes fluffy and separate when cooked, allowing it to absorb flavors and maintain a slightly chewy texture without becoming mushy.
Jasmine rice is a popular choice for Thai fried rice due to its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture when cooked.
Alternatively, you can use medium-grain rice like Japanese sushi rice or even basmati rice, which also work well for fried rice dishes. It’s essential to use rice that has been cooked and cooled beforehand. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and may result in a soggy fried rice dish.
What ingredients go into this simple Thai Fried Rice Recipe
To make this delicious Simple Thai Fried Rice Recipe, you will need some basic yet essential ingredients. Begin by gathering some fragrant jasmine rice and chop some onions, red bell pepper and large carrots.
For this recipe, you will also require some vegetable oil and pressed garlic cloves. You can use chopped vegan chicken to add some protein to the dish.
To make the flavorful sauce, you will need to finely chop some red chili and press some garlic cloves. Mix this with some soy sauce, sugar, salt and pepper to create a perfect blend of sweet, salty and spicy flavors.
How to make Thai Fried Rice
To prepare the dish, start by cooking the jasmine rice in a pot. Let it cool down. The best is to use cold rice or leftover rice.
In a separate pan or large wok, heat some vegetable oil and add the chopped onions and vegetables. Stir fry them on medium-high heat until they are cooked and add the chopped vegan chicken.
Once the chicken is cooked, add the cooked rice and mix well. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir-fry for a few more minutes until everything is evenly coated.
You can serve the dish with some lime slices and cilantro to add some freshness and tanginess to the dish. This Simple Thai Fried Rice Recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
What can I do with leftovers of Thai Fried Rice?
You can easily transform leftover Thai Fried Rice into delicious new dishes with just a few creative twists. Here are some ideas:
1. Thai Fried Rice Omelette: Heat a non-stick pan, add a little oil, and pour beaten eggs over the leftover fried rice. Cook until the eggs are set and the bottom is golden brown. Fold the omelette over the rice filling, and serve with a side of sweet chili sauce for a satisfying breakfast or lunch.
2. Thai Fried Rice Stir-fry: Heat a wok or skillet with a bit of oil and stir-fry any leftover vegetables, tofu, chicken, or shrimp. Add the leftover fried rice to the pan and toss everything together with some additional soy sauce or fish sauce. Serve hot for a quick and flavorful meal.
3. Thai Fried Rice Salad: Turn your leftover fried rice into a refreshing salad by tossing it with fresh salad greens, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and chopped herbs like cilantro and mint. Drizzle with a dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar for a light and zesty dish.
4. Thai Fried Rice Stuffed Peppers: Cut bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Stuff the peppers with leftover fried rice and top with a sprinkle of cheese. Bake in the oven until the peppers are tender and the cheese melts for a tasty and colorful dinner option.
5. Thai Fried Rice Spring Rolls: Use spring roll wrappers to wrap leftover fried rice along with shredded cabbage, carrots, and herbs. Fry or bake the spring rolls until crispy and golden brown. Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, lime juice, and a hint of chili for a delightful appetizer or snack.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but feel free to get creative and experiment with your favorite ingredients to make the most of your leftovers.
Other Thai Recipes to Try
- Sheet Pan Thai Vegetables
- Easy Thai Chicken Recipe with Sweet and Spicy Flavors
- Easy Pad Thai Sauce Recipe & how to make in 10 minutes
- Thai Quinoa Salad
- One Pot Pad Thai Noodles
Comment below on how you like this simple Thai Fried Rice recipe, and also on Instagram and Facebook.
Enjoy, Florian.
Best Thai Fried Rice Recipe
This simple Thai Fried Rice recipe is delightful and easy-to-make. Bursting with vibrant flavors and aromatic spices, Thai Fried Rice is a quintessential dish that embodies the essence of Thai cuisine. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe will guide you through the simple steps to create a mouthwatering dish that will have you craving more of this beloved Thai classic.
Ingredients
- 2 cups preferably jasmine rice, uncooked
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup vegan chicken, chopped
For the Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic pressed
- 1 red chili, chopped
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp sugar
- Salt, pepper
Optional:
- Lime slices and cilantro for serving
Instructions
- To prepare the dish, start by cooking the jasmine rice in a pot. Let it cool down. The best is to use cold rice or leftover rice.
- In a separate pan or large wok, heat some vegetable oil and add the chopped onions and vegetables. Stir fry them on medium-high heat until they are cooked and add the chopped vegan chicken.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the cooked rice and mix well. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir-fry for a few more minutes until everything is evenly coated.
- You can serve the dish with some lime slices and cilantro to add some freshness and tanginess to the dish.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 271Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 829mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 3gSugar: 7gProtein: 9g