Thai Fried Rice Recipe: Guide to a Delicious Fast Meal

At The Wellix, we’re passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and holistic methods of wellness. Today, we’re excited to share a recipe for Thai Fried Rice, a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for making both a traditional and vegetarian version of the dish, share some fun and cool facts about Thai Fried Rice, and explore the history of this beloved Thai dish.

What is Thai Fried Rice (or as we should call it Khao Pad)?

Thai Fried Rice, also known as Khao Pad, is a popular Thai dish that consists of fried rice cooked with vegetables, meat, and/or seafood. The dish is typically made with cold, cooked rice, which is stir-fried with garlic, onions, and other ingredients, such as egg, green onions, and soy sauce. Thai Fried Rice is usually served as a main course, but it can also be a side dish.

From the Streets to the World: History of Thai Fried Rice

Thai Fried Rice has been a popular dish in Thailand for many years, and its history can be traced back to the ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya, which was located in central Thailand. During this time, rice was a staple food in the region, and farmers would often mix leftover rice with garlic and other ingredients to create a simple and satisfying meal.

Over time, Thai Fried Rice has evolved to include a variety of ingredients, such as egg, vegetables, and protein, and has become a popular street food in many parts of Thailand. Today, the dish is enjoyed around the world and has become a staple of Thai cuisine.

A delicious Thai Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably cold)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped carrot
• 1/4 cup chopped green beans
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped pineapple (optional)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the carrots, green beans, and bell pepper and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender.
4. Add the rice and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
5. Add the soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), sugar, and white pepper and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
6. Push the rice to one side of the wok or skillet and add the beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked through.
7. Mix the eggs into the rice and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
8. Add the green onions and cilantro and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Note: For best results, use cold, cooked rice. If you don’t have cold rice, cook the rice and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool before making the fried rice. You can also adjust the seasonings to your taste by adding more or less soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, or white pepper.

Now with Veggies: Vegetarian Thai Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably cold)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped carrot
• 1/4 cup chopped green beans
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped pineapple (optional)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce (optional but can be found in Asian grocery stores)

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Now put the carrots, green beans, and bell pepper and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they tender.
4. Mix with the rice and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
5. Add the soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and white pepper and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
6. Put the green onions, pineapple (optional) and cilantro. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Note: You can use a vegan egg substitute as in the first recipe or you can also add other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli to the fried rice.

Unique Facts about Thai Fried Rice

• In Thailand, it’s common to use leftover rice from the previous day to make Thai Fried Rice.
• Thai Fried Rice is often served with a wedge of lime on the side, which is used to add a tangy flavor to the dish.
• The dish can be made with a variety of proteins, including shrimp, chicken, beef, pork, and tofu.
• Thai Fried Rice is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences by adding different vegetables and seasonings.
• Khao Pad is often sold by street vendors in Thailand, who add a variety of unique ingredients, such as crab meat, dried shrimp, and basil, to create their own version of the dish.

Cool Facts about Thai Fried Rice

• Jasmine rice, which is the preferred type of rice for Thai Fried Rice, is a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and protein.
• The dish can be made healthier by using brown rice instead of white rice, which is higher in fiber and nutrients.
• Adding pineapple to Thai Fried Rice not only adds a sweet and tangy flavor but also provides a good source of vitamin C and manganese.
• The dish is low in fat and calories and can be a nutritious and satisfying meal option.
• Thai Fried Rice is a great way to use up leftover ingredients in the fridge, making it a sustainable and budget-friendly dish.

Make it your own!

Thai Fried Rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that’s easy to make at home. Whether you prefer a traditional recipe with meat or seafood or a vegetarian version with tofu and vegetables, Thai Fried Rice is a versatile and satisfying meal option that can be customized to suit your tastes and preferences.

By Alonso Ruíz