Flavorful Thai Fried Rice Recipe That Everyone Loves

Name: Thai Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 cups day-old jasmine rice; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup carrots, diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 2 eggs; 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; Juice of ½ lime; 1 cup protein of choice (shrimp, chicken, or tofu); Chopped green onions for garnish

Recipe By:

James Walker

Posted:

September 3, 2025

Updated:

September 3, 2025

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Thai fried rice is a delightful explosion of flavors, with its fragrant jasmine rice mingling perfectly with soy sauce, fresh vegetables, and a hint of lime. Each bite offers a savory crunch that dances on your taste buds, making it almost impossible to resist. If you’re anything like me, you know that few things can bring more joy than a big bowl of this aromatic dish.

Thinking back, I remember the first time I made Thai fried rice for my family. The kitchen was filled with enticing aromas, and as soon as they took their first bites, the room erupted in praises. It was a delightful moment that marked the beginning of many delicious family dinners centered around this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Thai fried rice is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
Its vibrant colors and textures make it visually appealing on any dinner table
You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand
Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or side dish

Everyone loved how it turned out, especially my cousin who declared it “better than takeout.”

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Jasmine Rice: Use day-old jasmine rice for the best texture; it helps prevent mushiness during cooking.
Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil like vegetable or canola works best for frying without overpowering flavors.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a fragrant punch; make sure it’s finely chopped for even distribution.
Carrots: Dice them small so they cook quickly and provide a sweet crunch in every bite.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness; reserve some for garnish to enhance the visual appeal.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to balance flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice elevates the flavors; it’s the zingy twist that ties everything together.
Frozen Peas: These add color and sweetness; toss them in frozen to keep them vibrant and crunchy.
Eggs: Scrambled eggs are essential for protein; they absorb flavors well while adding richness.
Protein of Choice (Shrimp/Chicken Tofu): Feel free to add shrimp, chicken, or tofu for extra heartiness; marinate beforehand if desired.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Rice: Begin by cooking 2 cups of jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once done, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once hot, toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic until fragrant but not burnt—about 30 seconds.

Add Vegetables: Mix in 1 cup diced carrots and 1 cup frozen peas into the skillet. Stir-fry until carrots soften slightly—roughly 3-4 minutes—and their vibrant colors shine through.

Scramble Eggs: Push the veggies to one side of the pan and crack 2 eggs into the empty space. Scramble them gently until fully cooked before mixing with veggies—this should take about 1-2 minutes.

Add Rice and Sauce: Fold in your prepared jasmine rice along with 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce and juice from half a lime. Stir vigorously until all ingredients are evenly combined—around 3-5 minutes of loving attention.

Add Protein: If you’re using shrimp or chicken (about 1 cup), toss it in now. Cook until heated through and slightly caramelized—approximately another 3-4 minutes will do wonders!

Now that you’ve mastered Thai fried rice, get ready to impress family and friends with this flavor-packed delight! Enjoy every mouthful while reminiscing about your own cooking adventures or planning your next culinary escapade!

You Must Know

Thai fried rice is a delightful dish that brings together fresh ingredients and aromatic spices
Perfect for using leftover rice, this meal is both economical and delicious
The vibrant colors and tantalizing smells make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by stir-frying your protein first to lock in flavors, then toss in your vegetables before adding the day-old rice for perfect texture.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins, like shrimp or tofu, to make this dish uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat until warmed through for best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve authentic Thai fried rice, use jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma
Don’t skip the fish sauce; it adds depth of flavor
Always use cold, day-old rice to avoid mushiness when frying

Creating my first Thai fried rice still makes me smile; my friends were amazed by how something so simple could taste so good.

FAQs

FAQ

What is the best type of rice for Thai fried rice?

Day-old jasmine rice gives the best texture and flavor for frying.

Can I make Thai fried rice vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just use tofu and plenty of colorful veggies for a hearty dish.

How do I prevent my fried rice from being mushy?

Always use cold, leftover rice; freshly cooked rice can clump together when frying.

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