Easy Thai Fried Egg (Khai Dao)

If you’re looking for a simple meal that reminds you of Thailand, you need to make 5 minute Thai fried egg (Khai dao)! The edges are crispy and the yolk is perfectly runny so you can make your rice extra creamy.

What are Thai Fried Eggs?

This Thai fried egg recipe, also known as Khai Dao, literally means “fried egg” in Thailand — a simple dish made by frying sunny-side-up eggs until the edges are golden and crispy. It’s best enjoyed with hot white rice and some soy sauce – simple and easy! You can also make a Yak Khai Dao sauce with lime, shallots, fresh herbs like cilantro, fish sauce and thai chilis for a more flavorful meal (recipe linked in the recipe card below).

If you’re looking for more quick and easy egg recipes, you can try Soy cured egg yolks or Chinese steamed Eggs — both make comforting and satisfying meals!

Ingredients

Here’s a look at what you need to make this Thai Fried Eggs (Khai Dao). I also added the most delicious Yam Khai Dao dressing in the recipe card if you want to add a super flavorful sour and spicy sauce to your eggs! The highlights are here but the full ingredient list and quantities of each are in the recipe card.

• Room temperature eggs – I suggest to use room temperature eggs to ensure that the eggs cook evenly and fry crispier. Place eggs in a bowl of warm water (not hot so you don’t cook them haha) for at least 10 minutes while you prep.
• Neutral high heat cooking oil such as avocado oil is recommended to ensure that your eggs get the most crispy. Since we’re turning up the temperature to medium high, this can burn low cooking oils like sesame oil or olive oil and make your eggs taste burnt.
• Soy sauce or Knorr seasoning sauce – Thai fried eggs are usually served with hot white rice and some soy sauce (or knorr seasoning) to keep things simple. If you’re looking for a savory, acidic, spicy and super addicting sauce, you can try to make my Yam Khao Dao dressing.

Substitutions & Variations

• Try different eggs. No chicken eggs? No problem! You can use duck eggs (traditionally used in Thailand) for a richer flavor or quail eggs for a fun, bite-sized version.
• Add some veggies or herbs. Top your thai style fried eggs with sliced cucumbers, fresh mint, cilantro or cherry tomatoes.
• Add a little crunch. Top it off with crispy shallots, garlic chips, or roasted peanuts for extra texture and flavor.

How to Make Thai Fried Egg (Khai Dao)

Step 1: Place eggs in a bowl of warm temperature for 10 minutes while you prep.

Step 2: Crack eggs in a small bowl.

Step 3: Turn heat on medium high heat. When pan is hot, add oil. I suggest 1 tablespoon oil per egg.

Step 4: Let the egg fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the edges turn golden and crispy!

Pro Tip: Gently swirl the pan so the oil can crisp all areas of the egg.

Expert Tips

• Use room temperature eggs! Place in a bowl in room temp water for at least 10 minutes if you grabbed them out of the fridge.
• To ensure that you crack the ‘perfect’ egg without ruining the egg, make sure you crack the egg on a flat surface (not the edge of your bowl).
• To avoid splatter when frying, you need to crack your eggs in a bowl. Then, gently place them in the oil as close as possible.
• If you want your egg whites cooked (like me), gently take a spoon and scoop hot oil on top of the egg white to cook it.

Recipe FAQs

Check Out More Delicious Egg Recipes:

• Japanese omurice (Rice Omelette) – tomato flavored fried rice wrapped in soft eggs topped with demi-glace sauce.
• Steamed Chinese Eggs – soft and succulent eggs steamed in less than 20 minutes for an easy protein packed meal!
• Golden Egg Fried Rice – using egg yolks to make delicious egg fried rice!

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