Deliciously Exotic Tom Yum Fried Rice Recipe

By Avi Green October 19, 2023

Tom Yum Fried Rice is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves the authentic flavors of Thai cuisine. Imagine combining the refreshing zest of Tom Yum soup with the fragrant comfort of fried rice. What you get is a mouth-watering fusion that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Why You Will Love This Tom Yum Fried Rice Recipe

This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a quick and easy meal but do not want to compromise on flavor. It's a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and transform it into a colorful, zesty, and absolutely delicious main course. The rich aroma of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, combined with the tangy spiciness of chili and the umami of fish sauce, makes this dish stand out. This Tom Yum Fried Rice recipe is uncomplicated, making it accessible for beginners while offering enough depth of flavor to satisfy seasoned cooks.

Ingredients Needed for Tom Yum Fried Rice

2 cups of cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
2 tbsp of Tom Yum paste
1 small red onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 medium-sized tomato, chopped
1 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, peas, etc.)
200g of shrimp, deveined and cleaned
2 tbsp of fish sauce
1 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tsp of sugar
2 eggs, beaten
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

Cookware You'll Need

Before diving into the steps of making this mouth-watering Tom Yum Fried Rice, make sure you have the following cookware:

Step-by-Step Preparation

Follow these detailed steps to prepare your delicious Tom Yum Fried Rice:

1. Preparing the Ingredients

Start by cooking your jasmine rice. It's best to use day-old rice because it is less sticky and absorbs the flavors better. If you don't have any, freshly cooked rice will also work, but make sure to let it cool down a bit. You will need a good rice cooker for perfect fluffy rice.

While the rice is cooking, continue by finely chopping the red onion and mincing the garlic. Use a sharp knife to ensure uniform pieces, which helps in even cooking. Next, chop the tomato and mixed vegetables. Clean and devein the shrimp to get rid of any impurities, which will enhance the taste of your final dish.

2. Cooking the Aromatics

Heat some oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Saut these until they are translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial for building the flavorful base of your Tom Yum Fried Rice. Next, add the Tom Yum paste. Stir well to combine it with the onions and garlic, ensuring that the paste does not burn. Adding the paste at this stage allows it to release its oils and deepen the flavor of your final dish.

3. Incorporating the Vegetables and Shrimp

Now, it's time to add the chopped tomatoes and mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir everything well to ensure that the vegetables are evenly coated with the Tom Yum paste. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Add the shrimp at this point. Seafood is a crucial component in many traditional Thai dishes, and using shrimp elevates the flavor profile of this dish. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and are fully cooked through.

4. Creating the Sauce

While the vegetables and shrimp are cooking, make the sauce by combining fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar in a small bowl. Stir well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. This sauce will enhance the umami flavor and bring cohesiveness to your Tom Yum Fried Rice.

5. Stir-Frying the Rice

Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. The key to a good fried rice is ensuring each grain is separate and well-coated with the flavors. Pour the prepared sauce over the rice and mix everything thoroughly. Make a well in the center of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Allow them to cook for a few seconds before scrambling them and mixing them into the rice.

6. Final Touches and Serving

Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, your Tom Yum Fried Rice is ready to serve. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges to add a burst of freshness to the dish. Squeezing a bit of lime juice over your rice just before eating will enhance the flavors even more. Enjoy your delicious Tom Yum Fried Rice!