Thai Fried Rice Recipes With Classic Flavors and Easy Steps

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Ruby Bennett
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Why You’ll Love This Thai Fried Rice

Thai Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish that makes mealtime exciting with its mix of fresh ingredients and bold tastes. It’s perfect for busy nights since it comes together in just about 20 minutes total, letting you enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll appreciate how versatile this recipe is, allowing swaps for shrimp, chicken, or even your favorite protein to fit any dietary needs.

This dish packs in health benefits too, with ingredients like jasmine rice and vegetables providing vitamins and minerals that keep you energized. Per serving, it offers around 236 calories, including 29 grams of carbohydrates, 11 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fat, making it a balanced choice for diet-conscious folks. Whether you’re a student rushing between classes or a working professional seeking easy meals, this Thai Fried Rice delivers on taste and nutrition while inspiring new cooking adventures.

Plus, its distinctive flavors from sauces like oyster sauce or fish sauce create an authentic Thai experience right at home. You can easily adapt it for vegan or gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone at the table can dive in. From my kitchen to yours, this recipe is all about making cooking fun and accessible for home cooks like you.

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Essential Ingredients for Thai Fried Rice

To make the perfect Thai Fried Rice, you’ll need a mix of fresh, simple ingredients that build layers of flavor. This recipe highlights the use of cold, day-old jasmine rice for the best texture, along with proteins and veggies that make it customizable. Let’s break down the essentials so you can gather everything ahead of time.

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For frying and blending flavors.
  • 2 finely chopped large garlic cloves – Enhances aroma and savory notes.
  • Half a diced onion – Adds sweetness and depth.
  • 150 grams (5 ounces) of small prawns or thinly sliced chicken breast – Supplies protein, making it adaptable for your preferences.
  • 3 green onions cut into 4 cm (1.5 inch) pieces – Provides freshness and crunch.
  • 2 lightly beaten eggs – For a tasty scramble that mixes into the rice.
  • 3 cups of cold cooked jasmine rice, preferably refrigerated overnight – The base that prevents stickiness and ensures even frying.

For the sauce, you have options to choose from based on your taste:

  • Option 1: 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • Option 2: 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Option 3: 1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce and 1 1/2 tablespoons Thai seasoning sauce

These ingredients form the heart of the recipe, helping you create a dish that’s both nutritious and full of authentic Thai flavors. If you’re curious about how jasmine rice fits into a healthy diet, check out this resource on jasmine rice for more insights.

How to Prepare the Perfect Thai Fried Rice: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting Thai Fried Rice just right starts with prepping your ingredients for a smooth cooking process. Begin by gathering everything, including that cold jasmine rice to avoid clumping during stir-frying. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat to kick things off.

Next, stir fry the 2 finely chopped large garlic cloves and half a diced onion for about 30 seconds until they release their aroma. Add the 150 grams of small prawns or thinly sliced chicken breast along with the white parts of the 3 green onions, cooking for 1 minute to sear the protein. Then, push the ingredients to one side and pour in the 2 lightly beaten eggs, scrambling them quickly for around 20 seconds.

Now, add the 3 cups of cold cooked jasmine rice and your chosen sauce option, stirring everything for 2 minutes to coat the rice evenly. Halfway through, mix in the green parts of the onions for a fresh burst. Serve it right away, perhaps with garnishes like fresh coriander, tomato wedges, and cucumber slices for an extra touch. This whole process takes about 6 minutes of cooking time, making it ideal for busy parents or students.

Tips to remember include using that cold, day-old rice for the best results and selecting your protein based on what you have on hand. If you’re new to Thai cooking, for more healthy meal ideas, you can read our article on healthy cooking techniques to enhance your skills.

Additional Preparation Notes

Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning, and feel free to add Asian greens or chili for more flavor. This step-by-step approach ensures your Thai Fried Rice turns out authentic and delicious every time.


Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Thai Fried Rice

One of the best parts of Thai Fried Rice is how easy it is to tweak for different needs. For protein, swap the 150 grams of small prawns or chicken with options like tofu or tempeh if you’re going vegan. This keeps the dish hearty while fitting your lifestyle.

When it comes to veggies and sauces, you can replace the mixed vegetables with seasonal ones like bell peppers or zucchini for a fresh twist. For the sauce, if fish sauce doesn’t work for you, try soy sauce or coconut aminos instead to maintain that umami punch without allergens. These changes help keep the flavors balanced and suit diets like gluten-free or low-sodium.

Remember, adding chili flakes can amp up the spice if you like it hot. By making these adjustments, you ensure Thai Fried Rice remains a go-to meal for food enthusiasts and newlyweds alike.

Mastering Thai Fried Rice: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, take your Thai Fried Rice to the next level with some pro techniques. Use high heat in a well-seasoned wok to get that perfect stir-fry texture, and always start with cold, dry rice to keep grains from sticking together. Experimenting with flavors, like tossing in pineapple chunks for sweetness or roasted cashews for crunch, adds fun variety.

Presentation matters too, so garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced chilies, and lime wedges to make your dish pop. If you’re planning ahead, pre-cook the rice and proteins, then store them separately for quick meals later. These strategies make Thai Fried Rice even more enjoyable for baking enthusiasts and travelers seeking authentic tastes.

TechniqueBenefit
Use high heatPrevents sogginess and enhances flavor
Add variationsCustomizes taste for different preferences
Pre-cook componentsSaves time on busy days

As you master these tips, your Thai Fried Rice will become a staple that impresses everyone at the table.

How to Store Thai Fried Rice: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Thai Fried Rice tasty and safe for later. Put leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers, where they can last about 2 months.

When it’s time to eat, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of water or oil to keep it moist. This method helps maintain the original texture, making meal prep simple for working professionals. By following these steps, you’ll reduce waste and enjoy flavorful meals anytime.

Thai Fried Rice

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Fried Rice

What makes Thai fried rice different from Chinese fried rice?

Thai fried rice typically uses jasmine rice and is seasoned with fish sauce rather than soy sauce, which is common in Chinese fried rice. Traditional Thai fried rice avoids heavy soy sauce, giving it a lighter, fragrant flavor profile. Thai fried rice often includes fresh herbs like coriander and is served with fresh vegetables like cucumber and tomato, while Chinese fried rice tends to have a more savory, soy-based taste.

Why is leftover cold rice best for making Thai fried rice?

Leftover cold rice is drier and has separate grains, which helps prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy or sticky. Freshly cooked hot rice contains more moisture, causing clumping when stir-fried. Using day-old rice or rice that has been cooled in the fridge ensures the grains fry evenly for the ideal texture.

How do you cook the egg in authentic Thai fried rice?

In authentic Thai fried rice, the egg is cooked separately inside the wok by pushing all other ingredients to one side, then cracking and scrambling the egg on the empty side. Once the egg is partially cooked, it’s mixed into the rice and other ingredients. This method gives the egg a soft texture and evenly distributes it throughout the dish.

What sauces are traditionally used to season Thai fried rice?

Traditional Thai fried rice seasonings include fish sauce, oyster sauce, and a bit of sugar for balance. Some recipes add light soy sauce or Thai seasoning sauce (such as Gold Mountain brand) for a slightly different flavor. Unlike Chinese fried rice, thick soy sauce is rarely used in authentic recipes.

Can I add vegetables or protein to Thai fried rice and which ones work best?

Yes, Thai fried rice is versatile and commonly includes proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Vegetables such as spring onions, tomatoes, cucumber slices, and leafy greens can be added. Finely chopped red chili or chili paste can enhance the spiciness if desired. Using fresh, well-prepared ingredients helps keep the dish flavorful and balanced.
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Thai Fried Rice

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🍚 Transform simple ingredients into an authentic Thai restaurant experience with this quick fried rice that delivers perfect texture and bold flavors in minutes
🌶️ Master the art of Thai cuisine with this versatile recipe that adapts to your preferred protein and brings the taste of Thailand to your dinner table

  • Total Time: 26 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying and blending flavors

– 2 finely chopped large garlic cloves for enhancing aroma and savory notes

– Half a diced onion for sweetness and depth

– 150 grams (5 ounces) small prawns or thinly sliced chicken breast for protein, adaptable to preference

– 3 green onions cut into 4 cm (1.5 inch) pieces for freshness and crunch

– 2 lightly beaten eggs for a tasty scramble that mixes into the rice

– 3 cups of cold cooked jasmine rice, preferably refrigerated overnight for preventing stickiness and ensuring even frying

– 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce

– 2 tablespoons fish sauce

– 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce

– 1 teaspoon sugar

– 1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce

– 1 1/2 tablespoons Thai seasoning sauce

Instructions

1-Getting Thai Fried Rice just right starts with prepping your ingredients for a smooth cooking process. Begin by gathering everything, including that cold jasmine rice to avoid clumping during stir-frying. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat to kick things off.

2-Next, stir fry the 2 finely chopped large garlic cloves and half a diced onion for about 30 seconds until they release their aroma. Add the 150 grams of small prawns or thinly sliced chicken breast along with the white parts of the 3 green onions, cooking for 1 minute to sear the protein. Then, push the ingredients to one side and pour in the 2 lightly beaten eggs, scrambling them quickly for around 20 seconds.

3-Now, add the 3 cups of cold cooked jasmine rice and your chosen sauce option, stirring everything for 2 minutes to coat the rice evenly. Halfway through, mix in the green parts of the onions for a fresh burst. Serve it right away, perhaps with garnishes like fresh coriander, tomato wedges, and cucumber slices for an extra touch. This whole process takes about 6 minutes of cooking time, making it ideal for busy parents or students.

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Notes

🍚 Use cold day-old rice to prevent clumping and achieve the perfect texture for fried rice
🥘 Prepare all ingredients before you start cooking – this dish cooks quickly in about 6 minutes
🌶️ Add Asian greens or sliced chilies for extra flavor and nutrition according to your preference

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Diet: Can be adapted to various dietary preferences

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 236
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 568mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 141mg

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