Rice - More than a side dish

Rice isn't just what you serve "with something," these dishes make rice main attraction.

Sawaddee Ka!

First thing first, in case you missed my latest video, it’s this delicious Vietnamese Grilled Lemongrass Chicken that’s been getting lots of views! It’s a meal-prep and kid-friendly recipe also.

Onto today’s subject: Rice.

Rice has been on my mind a lot lately because I’ve been working on my new book, which includes an extensive section about rice. This has me thinking about how integral rice is to Thai cuisine, and how differently we think about and treat rice in Asian countries.

So this week I’m sharing some dishes that aren't meant to be "served with rice" but instead use rice as the star.

Easy Hainanese Chicken Rice

Easy Hainanese Chicken Rice is known for being a bit of a project that requires big pots, poaching whole chickens and a lot of time.

This version is much quicker and easier and can be ready in 25 minutes. Much better when you have a craving and want this very comforting street food dish right now!

Thai Breakfast Rice Soup with Shrimp (Kao Tom)

This Thai Breakfast Rice Soup is a delicious, savoury, hot breakfast.

It’s more soup-y than porridge-y but with fragrant jasmine rice and flavourful broth (both of which can be made ahead of time) coming together with your favorite protein, it’s exactly what you need on a cold morning!

Thai Chicken Biryani Recipe (Kao Mok Gai)

Thai Chicken Biryani, or Kao Mok Gai, is one of the absolute “must-try” rice dishes if you ever find yourself in Bangkok. Or, you could make it at home!

Don’t be intimidated by all the ingredients or steps. You can cook this in stages and it all comes together quite easily. It would actually make a good meal prep recipe!

Tom Yum Fried Rice

If you love Tom Yum Goong then Tom Yum Fried Rice is going to skyrocket up on your favorites list. It’s just soooo good!

It has all the flavours of the soup: lemongrass, lime and Thai chili paste and it’s topped with a Thai-style fried egg. Because everything is better with an egg on top!

Quick & Easy Congee (Jok)

Congee, or jok, is another savoury Thai breakfast food - although you can find it as a street food in Thailand any time of day.

This is a quick and easy congee recipe - unlike the much slower traditional method. And in my books… it tastes just as good!

Top 5 Thai Rice Dishes - a Documentary

Want to know more about how Thai people use rice? On one of my trips back home I filmed a two-part documentary on the most popular Thai rice dishes that you have to try when you visit Thailand. You can watch part one here and part two is linked in the video description!