Deliciously Spicy Thai Fried Rice Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a hot, flavorful bowl of Mom’s Thai Fried Rice to satisfy your cravings. This dish is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and savory, and it’s truly a crowd pleaser. If you’re a fan of stir-fry dishes, then you’ll love this easy-to-make recipe that I’m about to share with you.
The secret ingredient behind Mom’s Thai Fried Rice is the mixture of oyster sauce, Thai fish sauce, and palm sugar that gives the dish its signature flavor. Combined with fresh ingredients such as garlic, green onions, and lime juice, this fried rice will take your taste buds on a journey to Thailand.
What sets this recipe apart from other fried rice recipes is the use of cold jasmine rice, which ensures that each grain is separate and fragrant. Instead of sticky clumps, each bite is full of flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option or want to add meat for some extra protein, you can customize this recipe to your liking.
This dish is not only delicious but also quick and easy to make meaning it can be whipped up for an impromptu dinner party or enjoyed as leftovers throughout the week. I guarantee that once you try Mom’s Thai Fried Rice Recipe; it’ll become a staple in your cooking repertoire. So what are you waiting for? Let me show you how to make the best Thai fried rice ever!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to Thai cuisine, nothing beats a delicious plate of Mom’s Thai Fried Rice. This recipe will take you on a culinary adventure, with its unique blend of flavors and textures that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
For one, the use of jasmine rice creates just the right proportion of chewiness and fluffiness in every bite. This quality makes it an essential ingredient for all kinds of fried rice recipes. When combined with green onions, garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and palm sugar, the result is a heavenly Asian-inspired dish that you will simply love.
But what really sets this Thai Fried Rice recipe apart from all the others is its secret ingredient – Thai fish sauce. It brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and complements the flavor of the meat in a way that soy sauce simply can’t achieve. The umami-rich taste coupled with light sweetness from the palm sugar make this dish truly unforgettable.
Mom’s Thai Fried Rice recipe also offers versatility in terms of protein options. Whether you prefer pork, chicken breast or beef – or even scrambled eggs for vegetarian meals – there’s something for everyone in this recipe.
Lastly, this recipe is incredibly quick and easy to make. Use leftover cold jasmine rice, stir-fry 3 minutes and voila! A piping hot plate of authentic Thai Fried Rice is ready to enjoy.
So what are you waiting for? If you’re looking for something deliciously different to try tonight – this could be it. Your taste buds will thank you for choosing Mom’s Thai Fried Rice.
Ingredient List
For The Rice:
- 4 cups cooked cold jasmine rice (leftover rice works best)
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil
- 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons Thai fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 medium sized beaten eggs
For The Meat (Optional):
- 1-2 diced boneless skinless chicken breasts (or sliced beef, pork, or shrimp)
Vegetables:
- 4 thinly sliced green onions
- Half of a large diced English or Persian cucumber
-
Juice of one or two fresh squeezed limes
-
Note: You can adjust these quantities to suit your taste preference
The Recipe How-To
Are you ready to dive in and discover how to create this delicious Mom’s Thai Fried Rice Recipe? Get your apron on, grab a wok and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
- 4 cups of cold cooked jasmine rice
- 3 tablespoons of peanut oil
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, diced into small pieces (or use beef or pork)
- 2 eggs, scrambled
- Handful of green onions, sliced thinly
- Half a cucumber, sliced thinly
- Juice of 1-2 limes to taste
Set aside your sauce ingredients (Thai fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, palm sugar) as you will use them later.
Step 2: Fry the aromatics
In a preheated wok or large skillet, heat up the peanut oil over high heat. Add in the minced garlic and fry until fragrant. Then, add in the diced chicken breasts (or other protein) and stir-fry until browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Add in the rice
Once the chicken is cooked through, add in your cold cooked jasmine rice. Fry for a few minutes until the rice is heated through and mixed well with the aromatics.
Step 4: Mix in the eggs
Make a well in the center of your wok or skillet and pour in the scrambled eggs. Keep stirring until they’re cooked.
Step 5: Season with sauces
Add in your prepared sauces (Thai fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, palm sugar) slowly to suit your taste. Keep stirring until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Finally, garnish your Thai fried rice with sliced green onions, cucumbers and lime juice. Serve hot with some extra slices of cucumber on top.
Enjoy your delicious Mom’s Thai Fried Rice Recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
This Thai Fried Rice Recipe is a great dish to tweak and make it your own. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Protein: Instead of chicken, you can use boneless beef or pork chops. For a vegetarian option, replace the protein with tofu or tempeh.
– Rice: Thai fried rice is traditionally made with jasmine rice, but you can also use brown or long-grain white rice.
– Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. You can also replace the cucumber with shredded carrots or sliced zucchini.
– Sauce: If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can use hoisin sauce instead. You can also substitute the fish sauce for soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
– Spicy: For an extra kick of spice, add some red pepper flakes while frying the garlic.
– Peanut Sauce: To take this recipe to another level, serve it with Thai peanut sauce on top. Mix 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
These substitutions and variations will make your Thai Fried Rice Recipe unique and tailored to your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to experiment and play around with the recipe until it’s just right for you.
Serving and Pairing
After all the hard work you put into making your Mom’s Thai Fried Rice, it’s time to enjoy your delicious creation. This aromatic and flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner at home or a party with friends.
To make the most of your Thai Fried Rice, serve it hot with a squeeze of fresh lime over the top. The citrus burst adds an extra layer of complexity to the already-delicious dish. For added texture and crunch, add a few slices of cucumber on the side.
Thai Fried Rice also pairs well with other Thai-inspired dishes. Serve alongside your favorite Thai curry or stir fry for a complete meal bursting with authentic flavors. If you prefer vegetarian options, try pairing with tofu or vegetable stir fry.
For drink pairings, opt for a light beer or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling to complement the bold and spicy flavors of the dish. You can also make a refreshing drink pairing by serving iced tea or coconut water on the side to help cool down those taste buds between bites.
Overall, serving and pairing options are endless with Mom’s Thai Fried Rice. Get creative and experiment with your favorite combination to find the best match for your palate.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve made this delicious Mom’s Thai Fried Rice Recipe, you might be wondering what to do with any leftovers or how to prepare it ahead of time. Fortunately, this recipe is great for make-ahead meals and reheating, so you can enjoy it for days to come.
To make this recipe ahead of time, cook the rice and prepare the ingredients, but don’t combine everything until just before serving. You can cook and refrigerate the protein, vegetables, and sauce separately. Keep the cold jasmine rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to add it to the stir-fry.
To store your leftover Thai Fried Rice, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. If properly stored in the refrigerator, the fried rice will remain fresh for up to four days. Avoid leaving cooked rice at room temperature for too long as it can cause bacterial growth that can lead to food poisoning.
To reheat the fried rice, warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil added to keep it from drying out. Add a splash of water or chicken broth as needed to help steam and revive any dry grains. You can also microwave your leftovers on high in one-minute increments until heated through, stirring every minute.
Lastly, remember that reheated rice should only be served once. However, if you had cooked an extra amount of fried rice and kept some aside before adding meat or seafood, then you can toss these leftover vegetables stirred into plain cooked jasmine rice and roast them in an oven for 10-15 minutes for a unique side dish!
By following these simple tips for making ahead, storing and reheating your Mom’s Thai Fried Rice Recipe, you’ll have a quick and easy meal that tastes just as great the next day as it did when you first made it!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect Mom’s Thai Fried Rice, you need to follow some tips that will help you elevate the flavors and textures of this flavorful dish.
Firstly, it is important to use long-grain white rice when making Thai fried rice. The essential grains should stick together but not be too sticky, resulting in perfectly cooked grains that are not mushy or hard. When cooking the rice, it is best to use a rice cooker or follow the directions on the package for boiling because long-grain rice can be tricky to cook perfectly.
Another important tip is to use cold rice when making fried rice. If you use freshly cooked rice, it will be too moist and soft, which can cause the fried rice to become clumpy and heavy. Leaving the cooked rice in the refrigerator overnight is an excellent way to ensure that it is cold enough to use for fried rice.
Mum’s Thai Fried Rice recipe calls for oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and palm sugar. To get a perfect balance between sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, it is essential to mix these ingredients with care. Adding too much soy sauce can make your fried rice salty while adding too much palm sugar can result in a cloyingly sweet taste that overpowers other flavors in the dish.
When stir-frying the vegetables, egg and meat into your fried rice remember not to overcook them so as not to lose their crunchiness or texture. To keep them crispier, sautee them separately then mix them after all ingredients are cooked.
Lastly, when serving Mom’s Thai Fried Rice Recipe you can add finely chopped green onions and sliced cucumbers on top of each serving. Squeezing some lime juice over your dish will give it an extra bold sharpness that enhances its flavor profile.
By following these simple tips for perfect results, you will surely end up with a fragrant, delicious Mom’s Thai Fried Rice ready for lunch, dinner and even breakfast!
FAQ
Before you start cooking Mom’s Thai Fried Rice recipe, it might be helpful to know some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) that both novice and seasoned cooks have about this dish. In this section, we will give answers and explanations to address some of the possible queries or concerns that you may encounter. Read on to learn more!
What makes Thai fried rice taste different?
When it comes to making fried rice dishes, the type of rice used and the ingredients incorporated can vary across different cultural cuisines. For example, in Thailand, jasmine rice is commonly used in their fried rice dishes, whereas in China, long grain white rice is usually used. Additionally, soy sauce is typically not included in traditional Thai fried rice, as this is an ingredient more commonly associated with Chinese cooking. Instead, Thai cuisine often makes use of other savory and flavorful sauces such as fish sauce and oyster sauce.
What is the secret ingredient to restaurant fried rice?
When it comes to cooking fried rice, I’ve discovered a secret ingredient that has made all the difference in the taste and texture of the dish. Butter, which is commonly used by hibachi restaurants, not only adds richness and depth of flavor to the rice, but it also helps it to brown evenly. This culinary trick has truly been a game changer for me in the kitchen.
What is the difference between fried rice and Thai fried rice?
When it comes to fried rice, there are different variations depending on the country or region in which it is made. Thai fried rice and Chinese fried rice have similarities in terms of the ingredients used, such as protein, egg, rice, and vegetables. However, the key difference lies in the seasoning. Thai fried rice has a distinct flavor profile from the use of fish sauce whereas Chinese fried rice derives its flavor from soy sauce.
What gives fried rice its distinct taste?
When it comes to making fried rice that’s bursting with flavor, it’s crucial to include specific seasonings. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce are the holy trinity of fried rice flavorings, each bringing its own distinctive taste to the dish. However, it’s easy to overdo it, so using small amounts of each sauce is key. Regularly tasting the rice as you stir and season it is also necessary to ensure that the flavors are balanced perfectly.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Mom’s Thai Fried Rice recipe is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for something savory and delicious. With its simple yet authentic ingredients, you can experience the flavors and spices of Thailand right in the comfort of your own home.
Whether you are new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow, and the result is always worth the effort. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences – think vegetarian options or chicken and beef variations.
So next time you’re thinking of making a stir-fry at home, try out Mom’s Thai Fried Rice recipe. With its blend of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory flavors that perfectly complement the jasmine rice and light greens, this dish will definitely become a staple in your kitchen. So go on – bring the taste of Thailand into your home tonight!
Mom’s Thai Fried Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked cold jasmine rice (cold rice is essential so the grains will not stick together when stir frying)
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil
- 4 cloves freshly minced garlic
- 1 1/2 1 1/2 cups lean pork (its easiest to get thin slices if the meat is still partially frozen) or 1 1/2 cups beef, thinly sliced (its easiest to get thin slices if the meat is still partially frozen)
- 2 eggs
- 4 green onions, sliced thin
- 2 teaspoons palm sugar (table sugar is fine if you can't find palm sugar)
- 3 tablespoons Thai fish sauce (no substitutes)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 3/4 cup frozen peas (not traditional but I like to add them anyway)
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Heat peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over medium high heat.
- While pan is warming, toss the cold rice with your hands, making sure to separate the grains from any clumps.
- Add the garlic to the heated wok, and toss until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Add chicken, beef, or pork and stir fry for about 1 minute.
- Push the meat and garlic up the sides making a well in the middle and add eggs.
- Scramble eggs for 1 minute in middle of pan then, add green onions and peas and incorporate all ingredients together, stir frying for another minute.
- Add rice, turning over rice with pan ingredients several times to coat and stir frying for 2-3 minutes. You want the rice to begin to have a toasted smell, making sure that all the ingredients are constantly being moved around the pan for even cooking.
- If your pan seems to have cooled down to the point where the ingredients are no longer sizzling, you may need to turn the heat up slightly.
- Sprinkle in the sugar and add the fish sauce and oyster sauce.
- Stir fry all ingredients together for one minute more or until sauces are absorbed and mixture is completely combined. Transfer to serving platter.
- Garnish plate edge with sliced cucumber, lime wedges, and additional whole green onions if desired.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.