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The Recipe · No.584 · Thai Fried Rice

Thai Fried Rice, and where to source it

Thai Fried Rice — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Thai Fried Rice Thai 5best2buy.com

Khao pad is lighter than other fried rices — the seasoning is fish sauce and a little soy, not a heavy sauce, so the jasmine rice stays the star. Use cold day-old rice; fresh rice steams and clumps instead of frying into separate grains.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep10 min
Cook10 min
Makes2 servings
CuisineThai
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains  eggs · fish · shellfish
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 2 servings
Day-old jasmine rice
Cold, dry rice fries into separate grains; fresh rice turns to mush.
4 cups
Source it →
Chicken or shrimp
Diced small so it cooks fast against the hot wok.
1/2 lb
Source it →
Fish sauce
The primary seasoning; khao pad leans on it more than soy.
2 tbsp
Source it →
Eggs
Scrambled into the rice; push the rice aside and cook them fast in the hot spot.
2
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Lime
Wedges served on the side; the squeeze at the table lifts everything.
1
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Garlic and scallion
Fried garlic starts it; scallion and tomato go in near the end.
3 cloves
Garlic →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortEasy
Cook it with
Stovetop
The Method
  1. Heat the wokGet the wok hot, add oil, and fry the garlic until just golden.
  2. Cook and scrambleAdd the protein, push it aside, and scramble the eggs in the cleared spot.
  3. Fry the riceAdd the cold rice and fish sauce; toss hard for 3 to 4 minutes until each grain is coated and hot.
  4. FinishFold in scallion and tomato off the heat; serve with lime wedges and cucumber.
The Toolkit

Wok · Wok spatula · Chef knife · Small bowls · Citrus juicer

Straight Answers
Can you make Thai Fried Rice in an air fryer? — Not really

Not really — loose batter spreads and needs a flat, hot surface. Keep this one on the stovetop or griddle.

Can you freeze Thai Fried Rice? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Thai Fried Rice ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Thai Fried Rice gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Thai Fried Rice vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.584

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