Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice (preferably left overnight in the fridge)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 150g chicken breast or tofu, thinly sliced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 small bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• 100g green beans, chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce (omit for vegetarian version)
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• Fresh coriander, for garnish
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Optional: 1 tbsp oyster sauce for added flavour
• Optional: chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies for heat

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

Make sure your rice is cold. This prevents the fried rice from getting mushy. Using day-old rice from the fridge works best.

1. Cook the Protein:

In a large wok or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken or tofu slices and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

1. Stir-fry Vegetables:

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add the diced carrot, bell pepper, and green beans. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until slightly softened.

1. Add Rice and Seasonings:

Increase the heat to high. Add the rice to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the rice is heated through. Push the rice and vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Quickly scramble the eggs. Once cooked, mix the eggs with the rice and vegetables.

Add soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, white pepper, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the seasonings.

1. Final Touches:

Return the cooked chicken or tofu to the pan. Add the sliced spring onions. Stir everything together for another minute or two.

1. Serve:

Plate the Thai fried rice. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with lime wedges on the side. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle over some chili flakes or add sliced fresh chilies.

Enjoy your flavourful Thai Fried Rice! This versatile dish allows you to add or subtract ingredients as per your preference. It pairs perfectly with other Thai dishes or can be enjoyed on its own.