If you’ve ever been to Thailand or your local Thai restaurant, then you’re probably familiar with the famous Thai Fried Rice dish. Made with a blend of fried eggs and oyster sauce, this signature dish is unique and adds a delicious Asian flavour to your evening meals.

So if you’ve been trying to recreate this traditional Thai dish, check out our Easy Thai rice Recipe below. Cooked with vegetables and meat, this easy side dish will definitely leave you and your family wanting more!

Chinese fried rice vs. Thai fried rice: What’s the difference?

If you order Chinese takeout, you’re probably a fan of the sticky white rice that goes so well with your General Tao and Sweet and Sour Chicken. You might also be a fan of the soy sauce-coated fried rice that comes as a side dish. However, traditional Thai Fried Rice, also called Khao Pad in Thailand, is less mainstream than its Chinese counterpart and uses more interesting ingredients.

One main difference is the rice used when cooking. As a general rule, Chinese rice dishes use long-grain white rice. Whereas Thai-style fried rice is achieved by frying jasmine rice. The subtle floral aromas of the jasmine rice bring a slightly sweet flavour to the menu.

However, the main difference is evident when choosing sauce ingredients. Soy sauce is a Chinese ingredient often used in Chinese-inspired fried rice. On the other hand, Thai cuisine combines fish sauce and oyster sauce, which are staples in Thai kitchens worldwide.

That having been said, nowadays, you will find some fantastic Thai cookbooks that incorporate soy sauce into their dish. A good rule of thumb is to use whatever ingredient you have in your fridge and make it your own!

Another subtle difference you will find between both cuisines is the use of heat in their traditional platters. Thai cuisine tends to be a little spicier, and red chilli peppers can bring a little zing to Thai-inspired dishes.

Fried rice: Using pre-made cooked rice

You’ll have to prepare ahead of time if you want a truly authentic Thai fried rice recipe. Throwing freshly cooked rice into the pan won’t give you the desired texture, it will leave you with a sticky soggy rice texture. Thai Fried Rice needs to be delicate and fluffy. So, yesterday’s leftover rice is perfect for frying in the wok!

Making a big batch beforehand using a rice cooker can come in handy when you’re short on time. Cook, and then place it in the fridge until you’re ready to start frying.

Thai Fried Rice Recipe


Ingredients

  • 3 cups day old cooked Dainty Jasmine Rice
  • 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 5 oz small shrimps (approximately 15 shrimps)
  • 3 shallots/green onions
  • ½ cup green peas
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 ½ tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Preparation

1

Heat oil in a large wok (or large skillet) over medium heat.

2

Add garlic and onion and keep stirring for 45 seconds. Don't let the garlic burn!

3

Add shrimps, shallots and peas and stir for a minute

4

Remove ingredients and place in a bowl

5

Crack eggs in the wok and scramble quickly for approximately 25 seconds

6

Add the rice, the cooked ingredients, and the sauce back into the wok

7

Stir for two minutes until the rice is well coated

8

Garnish with fresh cilantro, salt and pepper and serve with cucumbers and tomatoes on the side

Why cook fried rice with jasmine rice?

When cooking Thai Fried RiceJasmine rice is a must! Dainty Jasmine rice is perfectly crafted to create delicious and succulent Thai recipes or stir fry. Jasmine rice is long-grain rice that tends to have a fluffy texture when cooked instead of being thick and sticky. To keep its fine and delicate texture, the rice needs to be cooked ahead of time to prevent it from becoming clumpy and sticky.

As its name suggests, jasmine rice has a soft, floral yet slightly sweet taste and a distinct aroma. An exotic culinary experience indeed!

Choosing your protein

No meal is complete without a good dose of protein. Whether it comes from plants or animals, adding protein to your meal can help you feel full longer. So it’s no wonder that traditional Thai Fried Rice always includes at least one flavourful animal protein ingredient.

Eggs are an essential ingredient when creating a savoury Thai Fried Rice recipe. They are not only high in protein but bring out the flavour and add to the fried texture we love. It’s also a good way for vegetarians to get part of their daily dose of protein!

But in addition to eggs, you’ll find that Thai fried rice is often made with shrimp also known as prawns. The shrimp compliment the flavours of the fish and oyster sauces. However, you can easily substitute seafood with other meats such as chicken for a spicy Thai Chicken Fried Rice. For a 100% vegetarian meal, you can replace any animal product with a plant-based protein product such as firm tofu.

What to serve with Thai rice?

If you have ever ordered Thai Fried Rice in Thailand, you probably noticed that it is served with fresh sliced cucumber and tomato wedges. So, go through the little extra effort and add sliced tomatoes and cucumbers to get that authentic Thai experience!

You may also choose to serve Thai Fried Rice as a dish in a buffet-style meal. It makes a great addition to Satay Thai Basil Chicken and other dishes such as traditional Thai curries or coconut stews. You can also opt to serve it as a hearty accompaniment with your BBQ grilled meats and fish. Try and taste one of our best rice recipes!