Imagine the enticing aroma of a vibrant Thai dish wafting through your kitchen, capturing the essence of the tropics in every bite. Tom Yum Fried Rice is that dish, a delightful fusion of flavors that brings the beloved Tom Yum soup into a satisfying fried rice form. This recipe is not just about a meal; it’s about enjoying a taste of Thailand right at home. With a perfect balance of tangy lime, aromatic herbs, and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
If you’re on the hunt for a quick yet flavorful meal, look no further than Tom Yum Fried Rice. This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to use leftover rice, a variety of vegetables, or even proteins like shrimp or chicken. The vibrant flavors of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili paste create a taste experience that is both refreshing and fulfilling. Plus, it takes just about 30 minutes to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Gather These Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Coconut oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle sweetness.
- 1 small Onion: Finely chopped for a base of flavor.
- 1 Scallion: Chopped, for garnish and freshness.
- 2 cups Jasmine rice: Measured as cooked, for that perfect sticky texture.
- 3 Tbsp Soy sauce: For a savory depth of flavor.
- 2 tsp Granulated sugar: To balance out the spices.
- 1 tsp Ginger: Minced for warmth and zing.
- 1 tsp Lemongrass: Finely chopped, for that signature citrusy note.
- 5 Kaffir lime leaves: Torn for a fragrant touch.
- 2 Tbsp Thai chili paste: For a spicy kick.
- 1 tsp Thai red chili flakes: Optional, for those who like extra heat.
- 4 Tbsp Lime juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness.
- 2 Tomatoes: Diced, for a juicy burst of flavor.
- 3.5 oz Shiitake mushrooms: Sliced, adding an earthy component.
- ½ cup Freshly chopped cilantro: For garnish and freshness.
- ½ tsp Salt: To taste.
- ½ tsp Black pepper: To taste.
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Wok or large skillet: Perfect for even cooking and tossing.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise ingredient proportions.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping veggies and herbs.
Tom Yum Fried Rice, Made Easy
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cooking your jasmine rice if you haven’t done so already. Leftover rice works great for this recipe as it tends to be drier and less sticky, making it easier to fry. Chop your onion, scallion, tomatoes, and shiitake mushrooms. Mince the ginger and lemongrass, and tear the kaffir lime leaves into smaller pieces.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large wok or skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Stir in the minced ginger and lemongrass, cooking for an additional minute. The aroma will be intoxicating! Then, add the shiitake mushrooms and cook until they are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate the Rice
Add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir well to combine with the sautéed onion and mushrooms.
Step 5: Flavor It Up
Pour in the soy sauce, granulated sugar, and Thai chili paste. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated. Toss in the torn kaffir lime leaves, Thai red chili flakes (if using), and diced tomatoes.
Step 6: Finish with Lime
Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the lime juice over the fried rice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it one last stir to combine all those delicious flavors.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the Tom Yum Fried Rice into bowls and top with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced scallions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s hot!
Holiday-Friendly Variations
- Protein Boost: Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a more filling meal.
- Vegetable Medley: Incorporate bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of Thai chili paste or add fresh sliced chilies for heat lovers.
- Vegan Delight: Replace the soy sauce with tamari to keep it gluten-free and ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
- For best results, use day-old jasmine rice if possible. It fries up beautifully and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
- Feel free to adjust the level of spice according to your palate. Start with less chili paste and add more as needed.
- Kaffir lime leaves are essential for that authentic Tom Yum flavor, so don’t skip them!
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be reheated if necessary.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
Tom Yum Fried Rice can be made ahead of time and frozen for future meals. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or a bit of oil to help revive the rice’s texture.
Ask the Chef
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will take longer to cook and may have a different texture. Brown rice provides a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
What if I can’t find kaffir lime leaves?
If kaffir lime leaves are unavailable, you can substitute them with a mix of lime zest and bay leaves for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to fry the rice fresh just before serving.
Is Tom Yum Fried Rice spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. You can start with less chili paste and add more to taste, or omit the Thai red chili flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
Next Up in Your Queue
Hungry for More?
If you’re craving more delicious and vibrant dishes that excite your palate, stay tuned for more recipes that will inspire your cooking adventures. Each dish is a journey through flavor, celebrating the beauty of cooking at home. Tom Yum Fried Rice is just one of the many ways to bring a taste of Thailand into your kitchen. Enjoy the process, share it with loved ones, and relish the wonderful flavors that await you!
Tom Yum Fried Rice
Ingredients
For the Fried Rice:
- 1 Tbsp Coconut oil For sautéing and adding a subtle sweetness.
- 1 small Onion Finely chopped for a base of flavor.
- 1 Scallion Chopped, for garnish and freshness.
- 2 cups Jasmine rice Measured as cooked, for that perfect sticky texture.
- 3 Tbsp Soy sauce For a savory depth of flavor.
- 2 tsp Granulated sugar To balance out the spices.
- 1 tsp Ginger Minced for warmth and zing.
- 1 tsp Lemongrass Finely chopped, for that signature citrusy note.
- 5 Kaffir lime leaves Torn for a fragrant touch.
- 2 Tbsp Thai chili paste For a spicy kick.
- 1 tsp Thai red chili flakes Optional, for those who like extra heat.
- 4 Tbsp Lime juice Freshly squeezed for brightness.
- 2 Tomatoes Diced, for a juicy burst of flavor.
- 3.5 oz Shiitake mushrooms Sliced, adding an earthy component.
- ½ cup Freshly chopped cilantro For garnish and freshness.
- ½ tsp Salt To taste.
- ½ tsp Black pepper To taste.
Instructions
Cooking Instructions:
- Start by cooking your jasmine rice if you haven’t done so already. Leftover rice works great for this recipe as it tends to be drier and less sticky, making it easier to fry. Chop your onion, scallion, tomatoes, and shiitake mushrooms. Mince the ginger and lemongrass, and tear the kaffir lime leaves into smaller pieces.
- In a large wok or skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced ginger and lemongrass, cooking for an additional minute. The aroma will be intoxicating! Then, add the shiitake mushrooms and cook until they are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Stir well to combine with the sautéed onion and mushrooms.
- Pour in the soy sauce, granulated sugar, and Thai chili paste. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated. Toss in the torn kaffir lime leaves, Thai red chili flakes (if using), and diced tomatoes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the lime juice over the fried rice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it one last stir to combine all those delicious flavors.
- Spoon the Tom Yum Fried Rice into bowls and top with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced scallions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while it's hot!
Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Notes
- For best results, use day-old jasmine rice if possible. It fries up beautifully and prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
- Feel free to adjust the level of spice according to your palate. Start with less chili paste and add more as needed.
- Kaffir lime leaves are essential for that authentic Tom Yum flavor, so don’t skip them!
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be reheated if necessary.
