| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 15g | 5g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 3g | 12g | 1.5g |
Why I Love Thai Cheese Fried Rice
As someone who spends a lot of time drawing culinary inspiration from the rugged landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, it might seem a bit of a stretch to find me raving about a Thai dish like Cheese Fried Rice. But trust me, this recipe has wormed its way into my heart and my kitchen for good reason. There’s something inherently comforting about the melding of flavors and textures that this dish offers, and it often finds its way into our weeknight rotations, especially when Gordon and I seek comfort in a bowl.
A Fusion of Flavors
The first time I encountered cheese in a fried rice dish was during a trip to Thailand, where a local chef named Chef Paniporn demonstrated the magic of combining Asian staples with a dose of Western comfort. Cheese in Asian cuisine? It sounded odd at first, but the combination turned out to be revolutionary. The melted mozzarella adds a delightful gooeyness that beautifully contrasts with the traditional savory notes of soy and fish sauce.
Perfectly Balanced and Incredibly Versatile
This Cheese Fried Rice is balanced by its inclusion of a variety of vibrant vegetables, beaten eggs adding a velvety texture, and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro that brightens up each bite. For those chilly mountain nights when only something hearty will do, it’s the perfect companion. The mix of ingredients, much like in another favorite, Thai Basil Fried Rice, showcases the balance of flavors that’s so iconic in Thai cuisine. Yet, the cheese element provides a surprising twist that makes it unique and particularly comforting.
This dish serves well as a main course due to its hearty components, but it can also work wonders as a side dish to other Thai delicacies like Tom Yum Soup or Red Curry Chicken. Its versatility makes it a great addition to any feast, able to complement and stand out at the same time.
It’s funny how our culinary journeys take us to unexpected places. Whether we’re nestled in a cozy cabin in Colorado or reminiscing about our adventures abroad, Cheese Fried Rice always brings a smile to our faces and warmth to our hearts.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups jasmine rice, cooked and cooled
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
Method
Step One
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become fragrant and the onions are translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Step Two
Add the mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) to the skillet and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step Three
Stir in the cooked and cooled jasmine rice, breaking up any clumps as you mix it with the vegetables. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through.
Step Four
Drizzle the soy sauce and fish sauce over the rice mixture. Sprinkle the sugar and ground white pepper, and stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Step Five
Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet, creating an empty space on the other side. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble until they are fully cooked. Then, mix the scrambled eggs into the rice.
Step Six
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the rice mixture and stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the rice.
Step Seven
Add the sliced green onions and chopped cilantro leaves to the skillet, and give the mixture a final stir to incorporate everything together.
Step Eight
Serve the Cheese Fried Rice hot with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze lime juice over the rice before eating, if desired. Enjoy!
