Authentic Thai Fried Rice (Khao Pad)

Easy Thai Fried Rice Recipe (Khao Pad) - Better Than Takeout!

By Amara Vitalis June 25, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving Thai fried rice recipe but terrified to attempt it? Honestly, don't be! This recipe captures all the delicious savory flavors.

Brief Overview

Khao pad is a cornerstone of thai street food recipes , originating as a way to use leftover rice. this best fried rice recipe is totally manageable, taking about 35 minutes from start to finish.

It yields 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping.

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with veggies, making it a surprisingly nutritious meal and easy thai dinner recipes . the best part is how incredibly flavorful and satisfying it is.

Serve it up on a busy weeknight when you need something quick and yummy or wow your mates on the weekend, perfect for a relaxed get-together.

What makes this savory thai fried rice special is its authenticity, ditching the overly sweet and focusing on the beautiful, balanced flavours of thailand.

Why This Thai Fried Rice Will Be Your New Favourite

Right then, let's get this cocktail mixed. think of it like crafting the perfect g&t gotta get the balance right! i reckon it's the simplicity that gets me.

You know? no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. just simple ingredients, a hot wok, and bam instant flavour explosion.

Honestly, even if you're a complete novice in the kitchen, you can nail this chicken fried rice recipe easy .

Gather 'Round the Thai Fried Rice Ingredients

So, what do you need to make this magical khao pad recipe authentic ? check out the ingredients list above.

I always double check i've got everything before i start. there's nothing worse than getting halfway through cooking and realizing you're missing something.

Trust me, i've been there!

And if you are looking for a more simple dish, check out our egg fried rice recipe Chinese food .

Mastering the Art of Wok Fried Rice

Now, i know some people might be intimidated by the thought of wok fried rice recipe . but seriously, don't sweat it! the key is to get your wok screaming hot, and add the ingredients in the right order.

Honestly, it's like a culinary dance - a quick sauté of aromatics, then the protein and veggies, and finally the rice and sauces.

It’s all about the rhythm!

Adding a Touch of Thai Flavor: Fish Sauce and More!

Ah, fish sauce. some people love it, some people hate it. but honestly, it's what gives thai fried rice its signature umami punch.

Don't be scared! just a couple of tablespoons will do the trick. and if you're feeling fancy, try adding a touch of oyster sauce for an extra layer of flavour.

Thai Fried Rice: Shrimp Recipe Twist

Fancy a change? why not try a thai fried rice with shrimp recipe ? just swap out the chicken or tofu for some juicy prawns, and you're good to go.

It's a cracking variation that's perfect for seafood lovers.

Right then, let's get this thai fried rice recipe sorted! Time to gather your bits and bobs!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Fried Rice Recipe

Honestly, having all your ingredients prepped is half the battle. it's like painting, really. you don't want to be hunting for the blue when you're halfway through a brush stroke.

So, let's get organised.

Main Thai fried rice ingredients

Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) - Go for a neutral oil, like sunflower. Nothing too overpowering.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. About a teaspoon's worth.
Shallot: 1 small , finely chopped. Around 1/4 cup.
Thai Chili Peppers: 1-2 , finely sliced (optional). Adjust depending on how much you like your savory Thai fried rice .
Eggs: 2 large , lightly beaten.
Cooked Rice: 2 cups , preferably day-old (approx. 400g ). Jasmine rice is the gold standard for Khao Pad recipe authentic .
Cooked Protein: 1/2 cup diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu (approx. 75g ). Up to you whether you go for thai fried rice with shrimp recipe or stick to a chicken fried rice recipe easy !
Vegetables: 1/4 cup each of diced carrots, green beans, and onion (approx. 35g each).
Fish Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Good quality makes all the difference.
Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Light soy sauce is best.
Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) (optional). If you want extra umami.
Sugar: 1 teaspoon .
Cilantro: 1/4 cup , chopped fresh, for garnish.
Limes: Limes wedges for serving

Seasoning Notes

Fish sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar is the holy trinity here. it’s what gives that thai fried rice ingredients the oomph .

Don't skimp on the fish sauce. for a egg fried rice recipe chinese food use sesame oil to toast the egg at the end.

Spice it Up: Chili peppers are a must if you want that kick. Start with one and taste.
Flavor Boosters: Oyster sauce adds a depth of flavor, that umami. Hoisin is ok for a substitute, but its not the same.
Fish Sauce Alternative: If you're not a fan of fish sauce (some people aren't!), use extra soy sauce and a tiny splash of Worcestershire sauce.

Equipment Needed

You really only need a wok or big frying pan for this wok fried rice recipe .

Wok or large skillet: Ideally a wok for that proper stir fry action.
Cutting board and chef's knife: Obviously, for chopping all the veggies.
Measuring spoons and cups: Get those quantities right!
Spatula or wooden spoon: For all the stirring and tossing.

Honestly, there's no need to overcomplicate things. with a few simple bits of kit and good thai street food recipes , you can whip up a banging easy thai dinner recipes .

Enjoy!

Right then, let's get this cocktail mixed! we're diving into my go-to thai fried rice recipe . honestly, it's simpler than ordering takeaway and way tastier.

Think of it like crafting the perfect g&t gotta get the balance right! it's a great way to spice up your easy thai dinner recipes repertoire.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Essential mise en place is your best friend for this wok fried rice recipe . chop everything before you even think about turning on the heat.

This is especially true if you're trying the thai fried rice with shrimp recipe . have your thai fried rice ingredients ready to go.

It's like prepping for a culinary ambush.

Time saving tip: pre-cook your rice the day before and chill it. safety first! keep raw meats separate to avoid cross contamination and use separate cutting boards.

Trust me, food poisoning is not on the menu!

step-by-step: Wok Wizardry

This chicken fried rice recipe easy to master.

Scramble two eggs in 1 tablespoon of oil. Take them out.
Sauté garlic, shallot, and chilli (if you are brave) for about 30 seconds .
Toss in diced veggies and cooked protein.
Add 2 cups of cold cooked rice, then 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
Stir in those scrambled eggs. Boom! Done!

Visual cue: The rice should be evenly coated and heated through. Critical temperature point: High heat throughout to get that savory Thai fried rice .

Pro Tips: Secret Agent Techniques

Want to level up your best fried rice recipe ? Use day-old rice. Seriously, game changer. Also, don't overcrowd the wok. It's all about achieving that delicious caramelisation.

Common mistake: soggy rice. use cold rice and don't add too much sauce at once. it's easier than you think to mess up.

make-ahead option: you can chop all your veggies in advance and store them in the fridge.

Recipe Notes for the Best Fried Rice Recipe Ever!

Right then, let's get this part nailed down. recipe notes can make or break a thai fried rice recipe experience.

Honestly, it's the little things that elevate it! you know? so, listen up 'cause this is where i share my hard earned wisdom.

Serving Up Style: Plating and Presentation

Forget slapping it on a plate! we’re making this look fancy. garnish with extra cilantro for a pop of green.

Serve it in a hollowed out pineapple for that thai street food recipes vibe. or keep it simple, but add a side of sliced cucumbers for a refreshing contrast.

For drinks, a sparkling water with lime or even a classic thai iced tea would be great, mate!.

Storage: Leftovers Like a Boss

Got leftovers? lucky you! pop them in an airtight container. they'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For freezing, portion into freezer bags and squeeze out the air. they'll last for a month or two.

Reheating frozen chicken fried rice recipe easy ? thaw overnight in the fridge. then, reheat in a pan or wok until piping hot, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.

A microwave works in a pinch, but can be a bit less even.

Variations: Switch It Up!

Feeling adventurous? Try adding pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory twist. For a dietary swap, use cauliflower rice to lower the carbs. This savory Thai fried rice can go anywhere!

You want this egg fried rice recipe chinese food to be dietary friendly. Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition: Fueling Your Adventures

Let's be real, we're not counting every calorie. but a serving of this wok fried rice recipe is packed with energy.

Carbs for fuel, protein to keep you going. plus, you get a healthy dose of veggies. consider this khao pad recipe authentic comfort food with benefits!.

For my thai fried rice with shrimp recipe the protein is the bomb!

So go on, give my easy thai dinner recipes a whirl. you'll feel like you're eating amazing thai right then, let's get this cocktail mixed.

Street food without leaving your kitchen, promise!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Thai fried rice recipe soggy? It's always a bit of a letdown!

Soggy fried rice is a common problem, but easily fixed! The key is to use day-old rice that has been refrigerated this dries it out a bit. Also, make sure your wok or pan is hot enough, and don't overcrowd it; cook in batches if you have to.

Too much moisture from the ingredients will steam the rice instead of frying it. Think of it like making a proper fry-up, gotta have a good hot pan!

Can I make this Thai fried rice recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken or shrimp, and consider using tofu. For a vegan version, you'll also need to skip the oyster sauce (or use a vegetarian/vegan mushroom based oyster sauce substitute). You can add more vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers to bulk it up.

It's a great way to get your five-a-day in, innit?

What's the best way to store leftover Thai fried rice? Can I reheat it?

Store leftover Thai fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it (covered, with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out) or stir fry it in a wok or pan with a little oil until heated through.

Make sure it's piping hot before serving again, just like your nan would tell you!

What can I use instead of fish sauce in this Thai fried rice recipe? I'm not a fan of the smell!

If you're not keen on fish sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce mixed with a tiny pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime juice. This will mimic some of the salty and umami flavors, but it won't be exactly the same. Another option is tamari, which is gluten-free and has a richer flavor.

It's all about experimenting to find what suits your taste, like finding the perfect brew!

I want to make my Thai fried rice recipe extra special! Any tips for adding that restaurant quality "wok hei" flavor?

Ah, "wok hei" - the holy grail of fried rice! That smoky, slightly charred flavor comes from using a very hot wok and tossing the ingredients quickly and efficiently. Use a carbon steel wok if you have one, and make sure to heat it until it's almost smoking before adding the oil.

Don't overcrowd the wok, and practice your tossing technique it's all about getting that Maillard reaction going. Almost as satisfying as a perfectly pulled pint, I'd say!