Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, and Thai Fried Rice is a dish that perfectly exemplifies this culinary tradition. Infused with aromatic herbs, spices, and tender meat, this dish is not just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you prefer pork or beef, this recipe offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Thailand. Follow this easy-to-understand guide to create an authentic Thai Fried Rice that is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Meat (Pork/Beef):
- 8 ounces boneless pork shoulder, beef shoulder, or pork butt, cut into ½- to ¾-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Fried Rice:
- 5 cups cooked Thai jasmine rice
- 3 whole Thai bird’s eye chilies (chop one or more for extra spice)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper (or any sweet red pepper)
- 1 cup Chinese broccoli (gai lan), washed and roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup Thai basil leaves
- 1 scallion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1 teaspoon palm sugar (or dark brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Thai black soy sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 1/2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat:
- In a bowl, combine the pork or beef chunks with 1 tablespoon of water, 1/2 teaspoon of neutral oil, 1 teaspoon of oyster sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch.
- Cook the Meat:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated meat and stir-fry until it is browned and cooked through.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of neutral oil.
- Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and chopped Chinese broccoli.
- Toss and cook the vegetables for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften slightly.
- Add Aromatics:
- Add the minced garlic and Thai bird’s eye chilies to the pan.
- Continue stir-frying for an additional 1-2 minutes until the aroma is released.
- Combine with Rice:
- Add the cooked jasmine rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps.
- Toss the mixture with the vegetables and spices, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Season the Rice:
- Pour in the fish sauce, Thai black soy sauce, and hot water. Sprinkle the palm sugar and white pepper over the rice.
- Incorporate the Meat and Eggs:
- Push the rice to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Let the eggs set slightly, then scramble them into the rice mixture. Add the cooked meat back into the pan and mix everything together.
- Finish with Herbs:
- Add the Thai basil leaves and chopped scallion to the pan. Stir-fry for an additional minute until the herbs are wilted and the rice is fragrant.
- Serve:
- Serve the Thai fried rice hot, with lime wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze of citrus. Enjoy!
Conclusion:
This Thai Fried Rice recipe is a versatile and flavorful dish that brings the authentic taste of Thailand to your kitchen. Whether you’re using pork or beef, the combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and perfectly seasoned rice makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve at a gathering. Savor the layers of flavor and enjoy a culinary journey with each bite.