Authentic Thai Vegan Fried Rice Recipe: It’s Mouth-Watering!
Friends, fellow culinary adventurers, and lovers of all things delicious, have I got a recipe for you. Are you tired of the same old boring dinner options? Look no further than my Thai Vegan Fried Rice recipe, also known as Khao Phad Jay in Thailand.
This dish is a vegan twist on a classic Thai fried rice, bursting with bold flavors of green curry paste and soy sauce. The aroma alone will have your taste buds tingling and your stomach grumbling with anticipation. Plus, it’s loaded with fresh vegetables like green beans, cucumbers, and scallions that will make your meal not only tasty but also nourishing.
Whether you are a long-time vegan or trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is perfect for everyone seeking to expand their culinary horizons. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good vegetarian fried rice?
So let’s get cooking – I guarantee this Thai Vegan Fried Rice (Khao Phad Jay) will have your friends and family begging for seconds and asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you been searching for a healthy and delicious vegan recipe that can satisfy your cravings for Thai cuisine? Look no further because this Thai Vegan Fried Rice, also known as Khao Phad Jay, is the perfect dish for you!
Not only is this recipe vegan-friendly, but it’s also free of any animal products such as fish sauce or oyster sauce, making it ideal for vegetarians and vegans alike. Instead, the rich and robust flavors come from the green curry paste and soy sauce, making it just as mouth-watering as its non-vegan counterparts.
This dish is an excellent way to incorporate more veggies into your diet as it boasts a variety of nutritious ingredients such as green beans, cucumber, scallions, and frozen corn kernels. You can even add some pineapple or rice noodles to make it more filling and exciting.
This dish is fantastic for those busy weekdays when you’re short on time but still want a satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. It’s also perfect for gatherings with friends or family where you have to cater to multiple dietary requirements.
So why wait? Try out this foolproof Thai vegan fried rice recipe today and enjoy the taste of authentic Thai food in the comfort of your own home. There’s no going back once you take a bite of this vegan pad thai fried rice – trust us!
Ingredient List
-
Cooked Long-Grain Rice: This is the foundation of the dish. Long-grain rice is fluffy and separates nicely when it’s cooked, which makes it ideal for fried rice.
-
Vegetable Oil: We recommend using a neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or sunflower oil.
-
Onion: A fragrant and flavorful ingredient that adds sweetness to the recipe.
-
Garlic: Adds depth and richness to any dish.
-
Frozen Corn Kernels: They add a sweet burst of flavor and a nice crunch to this vegan recipe.
-
Green Beans: Adds texture and freshness to the dish plus it’s a good source of fiber.
-
Scallions: The green onion’s subtle oniony flavor works well in this fried rice recipe.
-
Green Curry Paste: Easily found at your local grocery store or you can also take the time to make your own from scratch with fresh herbs, chilies, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass.
-
1/4 cup diced Cucumber: For a refreshing crunch!
-
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
For the sauce:
-
2 tablespoons of Soy Sauce: It adds an umami flavor to our vegan dish so be careful not to overdo it!
-
2 tablespoons of water
Optional toppings:
-
Cilantro
-
Lime juice
This ingredient list is adaptable so feel free to swap some ingredients with other vegetables or proteins like tofu, tempeh or chickpeas in case you want to switch up the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get cooking! Here is an easy-to-follow recipe for Thai Vegan Fried Rice (Khao Phad Jay).
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 medium sized onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of green curry paste
- 2 cups of cooked long-grain rice (preferably day-old rice)
- ½ cup of frozen corn kernels
- ½ cup of green beans, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 scallions, sliced thinly (use the white and light green parts)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start by heating up the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Fry for about a minute until fragrant.
- Mix in a tablespoon of green curry paste and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add the cooked long-grain rice, stirring continuously until the rice is heated through.
- Throw in the frozen corn kernels and green beans and stir-fry for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are cooked through but still crispy.
- Add soy sauce and sliced scallions to the pan and fry everything together for about a minute.
- Season with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Cook your Thai Vegan Fried Rice (Khao Phad Jay) on high heat so that the dish is cooked evenly and quickly until everything is heated through. It is also important to massage the day-old rice with your hands before adding it to the wok to separate grains that clump together.
That’s it! You now have a hearty and flavorful vegan Thai-style fried rice dish that would be perfect for lunch or dinner!
Substitutions and Variations
Alright, let’s talk about getting creative in the kitchen. I get it – not everyone has access to every ingredient or maybe you want to switch things up. So, here are a few substitutions and variations you can incorporate into this Thai Vegan Fried Rice recipe.
First, let’s talk about veggies. You can swap out any of the vegetables in this recipe for your favorites. Don’t have green beans? No problem, use some chopped asparagus instead. Not a fan of corn? Try using some frozen peas or chopped bell peppers instead. The list goes on and on.
Next up: the sauce. While soy sauce is a staple ingredient in this recipe, you can certainly experiment with different types of sauces to customize the flavor to your liking. For example, if you want a more authentic Thai taste, try using fish sauce instead of soy sauce. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, try adding some hoisin sauce or even some honey.
Finally, let’s talk about protein. While this is a vegan recipe, that doesn’t mean you have to skip the protein altogether. You can toss in some marinated and roasted tofu or swap it out for some tempeh or seitan. Or if you’re not interested in keeping it vegan, try adding in some cooked shrimp or chicken.
Remember that cooking is all about experimentation and making the food that suits your palate the best. So feel free to play around with these substitutions and variations until you create an iconic dish sure to satisfy any craving.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making the perfect Thai vegan fried rice, it’s time to serve and pair it with some delicious sides. The authentic Thai flavor of this dish pairs beautifully with fresh veggies and tangy sauces. I personally love serving this fried rice in a shallow bowl garnished with thinly sliced cucumbers, scallions and topped with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Vegetables are a great way to add color, texture and nutrition to your meal. You can try pairing this dish with steamed green beans or stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. These veggies will provide a perfect balance to the savory flavor of the vegan fried rice.
Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors and fragrant spices. To bring out the best in this dish, I highly recommend pairing it with sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce or a spicy peanut sauce. These sauces work wonders to enhance the taste of the vegan fried rice and give your meal an exciting boost of flavor.
Another pairing option that I love is adding a side of crispy tofu or mock meat. These plant-based proteins not only provide additional nutrition but also complement the vegan fried rice by adding more substance.
Lastly, the Thai vegan fried rice pairs well with refreshing drinks like coconut water, sparkling limeade or even an ice-cold lager beer. Trust me; these simple additions will elevate your dining experience to new heights.
In conclusion, when it comes to serving and pairing this authentic Thai vegan fried rice recipe, feel free to experiment with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. The options are endless!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the age-old question of make-ahead and storing: will it keep, or won’t it? I’m happy to report that this vegan Thai fried rice is pretty darn good when reheated the next day. Whether you need to whip up a batch for meal prep or want to make some extra for leftovers, there are several ways to store and reheat this khao phad jay recipe.
To begin with, let’s talk about make-ahead. If you’re planning on making this vegan Thai fried rice recipe ahead of time, I recommend cooking the rice and vegetables separately. Let them cool down before mixing everything together in an airtight container. Make sure not to mix in any additional soy sauce or lime juice until right before you’re ready to serve. This will help prevent the rice from becoming too soggy.
When it comes to storing your leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. If you choose to freeze it, portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with the date.
To reheat your vegan Thai fried rice, there are a couple of options. The microwave is convenient but can leave your rice feeling mushy. To prevent this, stir frequently and add a splash of water before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop in a pan with a little oil or water until heated through.
The key takeaway here is to be gentle with your reheating method and avoid overcooking your dish. Give your leftover khao phad jay recipe some love and attention, and it’ll taste just as good as the day you made it!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients ready to be cooked, let’s dive into some essential tips for making a delicious Thai Vegan Fried Rice (Khao Phad Jay) Recipe.
First and foremost, cooking the rice perfectly is crucial to make your fried rice fluffy and not too mushy. It is recommended to use cooked long-grain rice because it separates nicely in the dish. If you have time, try to cook the rice a day before or a few hours earlier to let it cool completely before stir-frying with other ingredients.
Heat up the wok or a large skillet before adding vegetable oil. The high heat ensures that the vegetables and rice don’t get soggy but instead stay crispier. When stir-frying onion and garlic, wait until they are translucent but not browned so that the flavors blend in together without overpowering other ingredients.
To add an extra zing of flavor, use fresh lime juice when seasoning your fried rice. Squeezing a quarter of a lime over your serving can take your taste buds on an adventure.
While this Thai Vegan Fried Rice Recipe is already vegan-friendly, it can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
Don’t limit yourself with vegetable combinations; it’s all about experimenting with different veggies based on what you have in your fridge or pantry. For example, try adding some colorful bell peppers or chopped mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
Lastly, don’t forget to garnish your dish with some chopped scallions, cucumber slices, or fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. Not only do they bring color and life to dish presentation, but their flavors add some extra savory notes that’ll balance out the spiciness from curry paste if you opted into using one.
By following these tips, you can elevate your Thai Vegan Fried Rice game and wow everyone at dinner time!
FAQ
Now, it’s time for the Frequently Asked Questions section (FAQ) of this recipe article. As with any recipe, there are always questions about ingredients, techniques or the final result. That’s why I’ve gathered some common inquiries regarding the vegan Thai fried rice (khao phad jay) recipe, so you can have all the information you need to make it successfully. Read on and find out more!
What makes Thai fried rice taste different?
When it comes to making fried rice, the kind of rice you use can make all the difference. Different cultures have their own unique takes on this classic dish, and one notable variation is between Thai and Chinese fried rice. In Thai cuisine, jasmine rice is the preferred choice, while Chinese recipes typically call for long grain white rice. Additionally, Thai fried rice is distinguished by its lack of soy sauce, which is a staple ingredient in Chinese recipes. Instead, Thai fried rice gets its flavor from a blend of other savory sauces like fish sauce and oyster sauce.
What is the difference between fried rice and Thai fried rice?
When it comes to fried rice, Chinese and Thai styles are two well-known options that share many common ingredients like rice, protein, egg, and vegetables. However, the key element where they differ is the use of distinct seasoning agents. In Thai fried rice, fish sauce is used to add flavor while in Chinese fried rice, soy sauce is the main seasoning ingredient.
Is Khao Pad spicy?
If you are looking for a dish that is both spicy and tangy, then you should try Khao Pad. This meal is not only delicious, but it is also a complete and satisfying one. You don’t need any additional sides to enjoy it, but I recommend serving it with some slices of fresh lemon and a side salad of either cucumber or tomato. Plus, don’t forget to try it with the popular dipping sauce, called mam pla prik, which features fish sauce and sliced Thai chilies.
What is Bangkok fried rice?
How about a scrumptious dish of tender and fluffy Steamed Jasmine rice lightly tossed with eggs, mild yellow onions, and fresh green onions? Add some baby green peas, carrots, tangy pineapple, crunchy cashew nuts, and chewy raisins, all blended with perfectly balanced Thai herbs and spices for a burst of flavors in every bite. To top it off, cool slices of cucumber elevate the dish’s refreshment factor. This is a meal everyone will be raving about!
Bottom Line
So there you have it – the foolproof recipe for Thai vegan fried rice (khao phad jay). With its aromatic and delicious blend of flavors, this dish is sure to win hearts over in your household. Not only is this meal nutritious and satisfying, but it’s also incredibly easy to make using simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry.
Whether you are a vegan or just seeking to try out different dishes from other cultures, this Thai vegan fried rice recipe is perfect for you. It’s a versatile dish that you can tweak based on your preferences and experimentation with different vegetables and sauces.
I urge you to give this recipe a try today and discover how the magic of Thai cuisine can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary one. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to treat yourself and loved ones to a healthy, delightful feast that will leave everyone satisfied!
Thai Vegan Fried Rice (Khao Phad Jay) Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups cooked long-grain rice (for uncooked rice, see step 1)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped garlic
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 6 ounces green beans, diced
- 4 ounces fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons thai green curry paste
Garnish
- 3 scallions
- 1 cucumber, peeled,sliced in half,and with seeds removed if they are watery
- 1 lime
Instructions
- To start with uncooked rice, start with 2 cups raw rice, cook, spread out on a baking pan to cool, and then refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the garnishes: cut the scallions on a slight diagonal into 1-inch lengths, cut the cucumber into very thin slices, cut the lime into wedges; set aside.
- Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat and add the oil.
- When the oil is very hot and slightly smoking, add the garlic, onion, and black pepper and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add the green beans and corn and continue to stir-fry for 3 minutes.
- Add the cold cooked rice and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
- Add the soy sauce and curry paste and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with the scallions, cucumber, and lime, and serve hot.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
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.