All Aboard For Thail Railway Fried Rice!

Flavorful tomato egg fried rice infused with aromatic spices and seasonings! This quick and easy Thai railway-style dish comes together in one pan and is ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for using leftover rice. A satisfying meal the whole family will love!

What is Thai Railway Fried Rice?

Thai Railway Fried Rice is a flavorful dish made with jasmine rice stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and egg, seasoned with fish sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness. It is traditionally garnished with fresh cucumber and tomato slices.

This iconic dish got its name from being a staple meal served on Thailand's railways. Its ingredients were chosen for their simplicity, affordability, and availability, making it perfect for travelers.

Ingredients & Substitutes

• Day-old cooked jasmine rice: Can be replaced with any long-grain white or brown rice. Avoid short-grain or basmati rice. Refer to the tips below for drying fresh rice for this recipe.

• Garlic

• Red onion: Swap with shallots or white onion, if preferred.

• Green onion

• Fish sauce: A staple in Southeast Asian cooking made from fish oil and salt, offering a rich umami flavor.

• Regular soy sauce: Use low-sodium or light soy sauce as alternatives. For gluten-free options, try tamari, coconut aminos, or gluten-free soy sauce.

• Dark soy sauce: Thicker and darker than regular soy sauce, but you can use regular soy sauce as a substitute if unavailable.

• Eggs

• White granulated sugar

• Fresh tomatoes

• Fresh cucumber: Seedless varieties like English or Persian cucumbers work best.

Which rice is best for fried rice?

For the fluffiest fried rice, use day-old or leftover rice stored in the fridge. The cold air helps remove excess moisture, which prevents clumping during cooking.

Choosing the right type of rice is just as important—jasmine rice or long-grain white rice are excellent options for their texture and flavor.

What if I only have freshly cooked rice?

Using freshly cooked rice is possible, but it often results in clumpy fried rice due to the extra moisture. To fix this, spread the hot rice in a thin layer on a large baking sheet. Place it uncovered in the freezer for 45–60 minutes. Once chilled, break it apart with a rice paddle or clean, lightly oiled hands to ensure it doesn’t stick together.

Expert Tips

• Use day-old, cold rice for the best texture; it yields fluffy fried rice. Break it up with a rice paddle or clean hands to separate the grains, ensuring they toast evenly and absorb seasoning in the pan.

• If using freshly cooked rice, reduce the water slightly when steaming and follow the drying instructions above for better results.

• For authentic smoky flavor, cook with a carbon steel wok. If unavailable, a regular pan works but won't deliver the same smokiness.

• Maintain medium-high heat to toast the rice and avoid excess moisture in the pan.

• Prep all your ingredients beforehand for smooth, efficient cooking.

• Don’t skip the fish sauce—it’s essential for the dish’s signature Thai flavor.

• Garnish with fresh cucumbers and tomatoes for added crunch and a refreshing touch.

• 570 g cooked jasmine rice ideally cold day-old rice

• 4 eggs beaten

• 2 small tomatoes chopped

• 2 cloves garlic minced

• 1/2 red onion diced

• 1 green onion finely chopped

• 7.5 ml fish sauce

• 30 ml regular soy sauce

• 30 ml dark soy sauce

• 8 g white granulated sugar

• 15 ml vegetable oil or any neutral oil

For serving:

• 1/2 seedless cucumber chopped

• 1 small tomato chopped into wedges

Instructions

1. Break apart your cold, day-old rice using a rice paddle or clean hands, and set it aside.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sauté red onions, garlic, and green onions until they become fragrant and translucent.

2. Add the cooked rice to the pan, followed by regular soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and fish sauce. Stir until each grain is evenly coated and turns brown.

3. Push the rice to one side of the pan and crack the eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs, breaking them into bite-sized pieces, and mix them back into the rice.

4. Move everything to the side again, then add the tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened, then combine them with the rice.

5. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the fried rice to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh tomato slices and cucumber. Enjoy!

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