Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice

If you’re craving a vibrant and satisfying dish that comes together in no time, Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice is an excellent choice. This dish combines fragrant jasmine rice with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and savory seasonings, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. It’s a fantastic meal for busy weeknights or whenever you want a flavorful taste of Thailand at home.

What makes this Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice special is its blend of authentic Thai ingredients like fish sauce, lime juice, and fresh cilantro, which bring a bright and zesty flavor to the dish. The quick stir-fry technique cooks everything evenly while preserving the fresh textures of the veggies. Plus, it’s highly customizable—you can add your choice of protein or keep it vegetarian.

The first time I made Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice, I was amazed at how well the flavors melded together so quickly. Each bite was packed with layers of taste and texture, making it a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation. Now, I love making it for a fast, delicious meal that feels both exotic and comforting.

Now, I enjoy this Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice for easy dinners, packed lunches, or as a crowd-pleasing dish for casual get-togethers. It’s an adaptable recipe that fits effortlessly into any lifestyle.

Why You’ll Love Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice

• Fast and Flavorful – Ready in under 30 minutes with vibrant Thai flavors.
• Balanced Taste – Combines sweet, salty, sour, and umami notes.
• Customizable – Easily add proteins or keep it veggie-based.
• Nutritious – Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs.
• Family-Friendly – A versatile dish that pleases diverse palates.

Health Benefits of Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice

This dish offers more than just great taste:

• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals – Vegetables provide essential nutrients.
• Balanced Macronutrients – Combines carbs, proteins, and fats.
• Low in Added Sugars – Uses natural flavorings and seasonings.
• High in Fiber – Vegetables aid in digestion and fullness.
• Satisfying and Energizing – Fuels your body for the day or evening.

When to Make Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice

This dish is perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Weeknight Dinners – A quick, delicious meal after busy days.
• Meal Prep – Make in advance for easy lunches or dinners.
• Casual Entertaining – Impress guests with robust flavors.
• Family Gatherings – A universally loved dish that satisfies.
• Vegetarian Meals – Easily adapted to plant-based diets.

Chef’s Notes: Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice

• Rice Preparation – For the best texture, always use rice that has been cooked and chilled. Freshly cooked rice tends to steam and clump together, which can affect the final dish.

• Aromatics Sauté – When sautéing garlic and onion, aim for just a hint of color without browning. This keeps the flavors bright and prevents bitterness.

• Protein Options – Feel free to swap proteins based on your preference. Chicken, shrimp, duck, pork, or even leftover rotisserie chicken all work beautifully in this dish.

• Egg Cooking Technique – Cooking the eggs quickly on high heat yields soft curds and prevents rubberiness. Scramble them gently for the best texture.

• Sauce Balance – The optional granulated sugar helps balance the savory flavors. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

• Vegetable Additions – For extra crunch and color, consider mixing in diced bell peppers, snap peas, or other vegetables of your choice.

• Serving Suggestions – Serve the fried rice alongside a simple green papaya salad or a spicy chili sauce to elevate the meal and add freshness.

• Leftover Storage – Leftovers reheat well in a nonstick pan with a splash of water to revive moisture and prevent drying out.

• Garnishing Tips – Top the fried rice with fresh cilantro and serve with tomato wedges and cucumber ribbons for a refreshing crunch and visual appeal.

• Lime Squeeze – For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over the rice just before serving to add bright acidity.

Pin

Print

Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Main CourseCuisine: ThaiDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

4

kcal

Total time

0

minutes

Get ready to fire up the wok and ignite your taste buds with this vibrant Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice! Bursting with fragrant jasmine rice, tender protein, crisp scallions, and a trio of savory sauces, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight hero—easy, healthy, and infinitely customizable. Try it tonight and experience that irresistible takeout flavor right at home!

Ingredients

• Oils Aromatics

• 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil canola or peanut

• 3 garlic cloves finely minced

• ½ medium yellow onion diced (about ½ cup)

• Protein Eggs

• 6 oz boneless chicken breast thinly sliced against the grain (or swap for 6 oz peeled shrimp)

• 2 large eggs lightly beaten in a small bowl

• Rice Base

• 4 cups cooked jasmine rice chilled in refrigerator

• Sauces Seasonings

• 2 tbsp light soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp granulated sugar optional for balance

• Veggies Garnishes

• 4 scallions – whites and greens separated cut into 1½ pieces

• Tomato wedges and cucumber ribbons for plating

• Handful fresh cilantro leaves roughly chopped

• Alternative Ingredients

• Canola or sunflower oil in place of peanut oil for nut allergies

• Firm tofu instead of chicken or shrimp vegan/vegetarian swap

• Long grain rice if jasmine is unavailable slightly different aroma

• Tamari instead of soy sauce gluten-free option

• Mushroom stir-fry sauce in lieu of oyster sauce vegetarian friendly

• Coconut aminos for fish sauce replacement soy-free, lower sodium

• Honey or maple syrup for sugar natural sweetener alternative

• Egg substitute or crumbled tofu for a vegan scramble

• Flat-leaf parsley for cilantro swap milder herb

Directions

• Aromatics Sauté – Heat oil over medium-high heat for about 1 minute until shimmering. Add garlic and onion and stir constantly for 30 seconds to release their fragrance. You want just a hint of color, not brown edges, to keep flavors bright.
• Protein Cook-through – Slide the aromatics aside, add chicken or shrimp to the center. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes, ensuring each piece sears evenly. This step locks in juices and prevents overcooking.
• Egg Scramble – Push everything to the pan’s edges and pour beaten eggs into the hot spot. Let cook undisturbed for 10 seconds, then gently scramble for another 20 seconds. Cooking eggs quickly on high heat yields soft curds and prevents rubberiness.
• Rice Integration – Add chilled rice and all sauces, then toss vigorously for 2–3 minutes until grains separate and each grain is coated. Sprinkle half the green scallion tops halfway through to infuse fresh onion flavor. High heat and fast motion are keys to authentic texture.
• Final Toss Garnish – Taste and adjust seasoning (add extra soy or fish sauce if needed). Transfer to a serving platter, top with remaining scallion greens and cilantro. Serve immediately with tomato wedges and cucumber ribbons on the side for a refreshing crunch. Optional: squeeze lime over the rice for bright acidity.

Equipment

• nonstick pan
• mixing bowls
• knife set
• cutting board
• silicone spatula
• measuring cups and spoons

Notes

•  For best texture, always use rice that’s been cooked and chilled; fresh rice steams and clumps.
  • Serve alongside a simple green papaya salad or spicy chili sauce to elevate the meal.
  • Mix in diced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
  • Leftovers reheat well in a nonstick pan with a splash of water to revive moisture.
  • Feel free to swap proteins—duck, pork, or even leftover rotisserie chicken all work beautifully.

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1g
• Calories: 4kcal
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Potassium: 450mg
• Carbohydrates: 360g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 45g
• Vitamin A: 250IU
• Vitamin C: 4mg
• Calcium: 40mg
• Iron: 2mg

FAQs: Quick Thai-Style Fried Rice

More Fried Rice Recipes You Might Like

• 

  Quick Egg Rice

  Cooks in 10 minutesDifficulty: Easy

  Get ready to whip up a show-stopping rice dish in just ten minutes! Inspired by classic egg fried rice but stripped down to its simplest, most flavorful form, this skillet recipe delivers fluffy grains, silky-scrambled eggs, and bright scallions in every bite. It’s the perfect weeknight hero or quick side for any Chinese-inspired meal. Channel your inner celebrity chef and bring home that restaurant-quality flair—no fuss required!

  Cuisine: Chinese
• 

  Ginger Pork Rice Bowl

  Cooks in 35 minutesDifficulty: Easy

  Hey home cooks, get ready to dazzle your taste buds with this vibrant Ginger Pork Rice Bowl! Bursting with tender pork cubes, fresh veggies, and a zingy garlic-ginger punch, it’s your new go-to meal. Inspired by top chefs’ love for balance and simplicity, this recipe turns pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy dish in under 35 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, customize it with your favorite add-ins and watch the flavors sing!

  Cuisine: Chinese
• 

  Easy Shrimp Stir-Fry Rice

  Cooks in 40 minutesDifficulty: Easy

  Get ready for a flavor-packed ride with this Easy Shrimp Stir-Fry Rice! Imagine plump shrimp seared to perfection, fluffy day-old rice wok-tossed in a sizzling hot pan, and vibrant veggies tying it all together in under 30 minutes. This recipe slams together speed, simplicity, and big taste—just like your favorite TV chef would tell you. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave restaurant flair without the fuss!

  Cuisine: Chinese