Vegetarian Thai Fried Rice Recipe
Vegetarian Thai fried rice, known as Khao Pad, is a quick and delicious dish that can be made in about 20 minutes. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to use various vegetables and sauces according to your preference.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sesame)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 small tomatoes, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked rice (preferably cold, day-old rice works best)
- 2 tablespoons mushroom soy sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 0.5 tablespoons white sugar
- Optional: fresh herbs (like Thai basil), chili flakes for heat, or tofu for added protein
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice all vegetables into small pieces to ensure quick cooking.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a non-stick wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrot, and bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry until they are nearly cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced tomatoes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Mix in Sauces: Pour in the mushroom soy sauce, light soy sauce, and sugar. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Incorporate Rice: Add the cold rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break apart any clumps and mix thoroughly with the vegetables and sauces.
- Stir-Fry: Continue to cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
- Garnish and Serve: Once heated through, remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and any additional herbs or spices you prefer. Serve hot.
Tips
- For a more authentic flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of vegetarian fish sauce or homemade Thai red curry paste.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables such as snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms.
- If you enjoy eggs, scramble a couple on one side of the pan before mixing them into the rice for added richness.
This vegetarian Thai fried rice is not only easy to make but also a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables while delivering a satisfying meal that rivals takeout options[1][3][4].