Name: Tom Yum Fried Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked rice (jasmine rice or long grain rice, about 350 grams or 2 servings); 250 grams prawns/shrimp (peeled and deveined, about 8.8 oz); 2-3 cloves garlic (finely chopped/minced); 1 shallot or small onion (finely chopped); 2-3 bird-eye chillies (or a choice of hot/mild fresh chillies); 2-3 spring onions (cut into thin slices); 2-3 tbsp cooking oil (neutral flavor or vegetable oil); Salt to taste (a pinch for seasoning the prawns); For the Tom Yum Stir Fry Sauce:; 1 tbsp Tom Yum paste (store-bought/readymade paste); 1 tbsp soy sauce (light soy sauce or regular soy sauce); 1 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar (or regular white sugar); 1 tbsp lime juice (fresh); Toppings to serve:; Cucumber slices; Lime wedges; Fresh coriander

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If you’re craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this Tom Yum Fried Rice is the perfect choice. Packed with prawns, aromatic garlic, spicy chillies, and tangy Tom Yum paste, this Thai-inspired fried rice comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s a delicious and vibrant dish that combines the familiar comfort of fried rice with the bold, zesty flavors of Thailand!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tom Yum Fried Rice is a mouthwatering fusion of fresh prawns, fragrant spices, and the iconic flavors of Thai cuisine. The Tom Yum paste gives the rice a delightful tanginess, while the bird-eye chillies bring just the right amount of heat. The quick cooking time makes it ideal for busy weeknights or a fast lunch, and the dish can be customized with your favorite veggies or protein. Served with fresh cucumber, lime wedges, and coriander, this fried rice is the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and fresh! Tom Yum Fried Rice

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked rice (jasmine rice or long grain rice, about 350 grams or 2 servings)
- 250 grams prawns/shrimp (peeled and deveined, about 8.8 oz)
- 2-3 cloves garlic (finely chopped/minced)
- 1 shallot or small onion (finely chopped)
- 2-3 bird-eye chillies (or a choice of hot/mild fresh chillies)
- 2-3 spring onions (cut into thin slices)
- 2-3 tbsp cooking oil (neutral flavor or vegetable oil)
- Salt to taste (a pinch for seasoning the prawns)
For the Tom Yum Stir Fry Sauce:
- 1 tbsp Tom Yum paste (store-bought/readymade paste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (light soy sauce or regular soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (or regular white sugar)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (fresh)
Toppings to Serve:
- Cucumber slices
- Lime wedges
- Fresh coriander

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the stir fry sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Tom Yum paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and set aside.
Cook the garlic and shallots: Heat a large wok or pan over medium heat and drizzle 2-3 tbsp of oil. Stir-fry the garlic and shallots for a few seconds until fragrant.
Cook the prawns: Add the prawns to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the prawns for seasoning. Once the prawns are cooked, add the chillies and stir well for a few seconds.
Add the rice and sauce: Add the cooked rice to the pan and pour the Tom Yum stir fry sauce over the rice. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, making sure the sauce evenly coats the rice and everything is cooked through.
Finish the dish: Toss in the spring onions and give everything a final mix to combine.
Serve: Transfer the fried rice to a serving bowl and garnish with cucumber slices, lime wedges, and fresh coriander. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the prawns with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to make it more colorful.
More Heat: Increase the number of chillies or add a splash of chili sauce to make the fried rice spicier.
Add More Protein: If you prefer, you can swap the prawns for chicken, beef, or even shrimp paste for more depth of flavor.
Coconut Version: Add a splash of coconut milk to the stir fry sauce for a creamy, coconut-flavored twist on the traditional Tom Yum.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Tom Yum Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this fried rice with uncooked rice?

For the best results, use cooked, chilled rice. Freshly cooked rice can become mushy when stir-fried, but leftover or day-old rice works perfectly for fried rice.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use any rice you prefer, but jasmine rice is recommended for its fragrance and texture. Long-grain rice will also work well.

Can I use store-bought Tom Yum paste?

Yes, store-bought Tom Yum paste is an easy and convenient way to achieve that authentic Thai flavor. You can find it at most Asian supermarkets.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, increase the number of bird-eye chillies or add a spoonful of chili paste. Adjust to your heat preference!

Can I make this fried rice in advance?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can add a variety of vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or zucchini to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.

Conclusion

Tom Yum Fried Rice is the perfect fusion of comfort and flavor, with prawns, aromatic spices, and a tangy Tom Yum sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish makes for a satisfying meal any day of the week. Customize it with your favorite protein or vegetables, and enjoy the vibrant, bold flavors of Thailand in every bite. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple dinner or a flavorful lunch, this fried rice is sure to hit the spot!