Mom’s Thai Fried Rice
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Description: This delightful recipe is as close as I can get to my mom’s traditional Thai Fried Rice, meticulously measured out for those of us who aren’t quite adept at eye-balling ingredients. My mom, a native of Thailand and former owner of an amazing Thai restaurant, mastered this simple yet irresistible dish. It’s the epitome of classic Thai Fried Rice, avoiding the common spicy and pineapple twists you might find in many Thai restaurants. The secret to achieving that authentic flavor is using leftover cold jasmine rice and authentic Thai fish sauce—no soy sauce here, as that would turn it into a Chinese Fried Rice. For an extra kick, serve this dish with Nam Prik Nam Pla Sauce, recipe #92042, to add some heat and complexity to the flavor profile!
Ingredients:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups cold, leftover jasmine rice (preferably)
- 4 ounces beef, chicken, or pork, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar
- 4 tablespoons Thai fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 1 cucumber, sliced
Instructions:
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Preheat the Pan: Begin by heating a generous splash of peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering and hot but not smoking.
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Prepare the Rice: While your pan is heating up, take the cold jasmine rice and use your hands to break up any clumps, ensuring that the grains are separated and loose. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your fried rice.
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Cook the Garlic: Once the oil is hot, toss the minced garlic into the pan. Stir it around quickly until it becomes fragrant and turns a light golden brown. Be careful not to let it burn, as garlic can become bitter if overcooked.
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Add the Meat: Introduce the thinly sliced beef, chicken, or pork to the pan. Stir-fry the meat for about one minute, allowing it to cook through and pick up some of the garlic flavor.
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Create a Well for the Eggs: Push the meat and garlic up to the sides of the pan, creating a space in the center. Crack the eggs into this well and scramble them gently. Cook the eggs until they are just set, which should take about one minute.
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Incorporate Vegetables: Add the chopped green onions and frozen peas to the pan. Mix everything together, making sure to stir-fry for another minute so that the vegetables are heated through and well combined with the eggs and meat.
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Add the Rice: Gently fold the prepared jasmine rice into the pan, making sure to turn it over with the other ingredients. Stir-fry the rice with the meat, eggs, and vegetables for 2-3 minutes. You’re aiming for a slight toasty aroma, which indicates that the rice is getting crisped up and well-integrated with the other flavors. Keep the ingredients moving in the pan to ensure even cooking.
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Adjust the Heat: If you notice that the pan has cooled down and the ingredients are no longer sizzling, increase the heat slightly. The sizzling sound helps with the flavor development.
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Season the Rice: Sprinkle the palm sugar evenly over the mixture, then pour in the Thai fish sauce and oyster sauce. Stir everything together for another minute, ensuring that the sauces are well absorbed and the mixture is thoroughly combined.
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Serve: Transfer your delicious Thai Fried Rice to a serving platter. Garnish the edge of the plate with sliced cucumber and lime wedges for a fresh touch. You can also add additional whole green onions if desired for extra color and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 951.8
- Fat Content: 14.1 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.8 g
- Cholesterol Content: 93 mg
- Sodium Content: 1273.2 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 182.9 g
- Fiber Content: 9.3 g
- Sugar Content: 4.7 g
- Protein Content: 22.6 g
Keywords: Rice, Thai, Asian, < 15 Mins, Stir Fry
Enjoy this classic Thai Fried Rice as a satisfying one-dish meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. The combination of fragrant garlic, savory meat, and perfectly seasoned rice makes it a favorite for a reason. 🌿🍚🥢
