Authentic Thai-Style Khai Jiao (Thai Omelette) Recipe

Ingredients

3 large eggs
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
2-3 spring onions, chopped
Sauce and garnish:
2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
1 cucumber, sliced
Fresh cilantro leaves

Steps and instructions

In a bowl, break the eggs and whisk them. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, white pepper, and chopped spring onions.
Whisk the mixture until the ingredients are well combined and the eggs are frothy.
Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, pour the egg mixture into the frying pan. Let it cook without stirring until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
Flip the omelet using a spatula and let the other side cook until it is also golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, transfer the omelet to a plate lined with paper towel to drain excess oil.
To serve, slice the Khai Jiao into bite-size pieces. Drizzle with Sriracha sauce and garnish with cucumber slices and fresh cilantro leaves.

Tools for making

Whisk - To whisk the eggs and combine the ingredients.
Non-stick frying pan - To cook the Khai Jiao without sticking.
Spatula - To flip the omelet and handle it while cooking.
Plate - To transfer the cooked omelet and serve it.
Paper towel - To drain excess oil from the omelet.

Recipe variations

Replace the vegetable oil with coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor.
Add diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the egg mixture for added vegetables.
Include cooked shrimp, chicken, or ground pork for a protein-packed version.
Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the omelet while it's cooking for a cheesy twist.
Swap the fish sauce for oyster sauce for a different umami flavor.
Add chopped chili peppers or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free for a gluten-free option.
Replace the eggs with tofu for a vegan and vegetarian-friendly alternative.
Experiment with different herbs and spices such as basil, coriander, or cumin to customize the flavor profile.
Serve the Khai Jiao with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.

Recipe overview

Khai Jiao, also known as a Thai-style omelet, is a beloved dish in Thailand and is often served with rice or as a side dish. It's a simple and quick recipe, made with a few basic ingredients such as eggs, fish sauce, and soy sauce. The omelet is fried until golden brown and crispy, then served with a drizzle of Sriracha sauce for a little heat, and garnished with fresh cucumber and cilantro. This recipe is not only flavorful but also flexible, as you can add other ingredients like minced pork or shrimp for a more substantial meal. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this crispy, fluffy, and slightly salty Khai Jiao recipe will surely be a hit at your dining table. Enjoy the taste of Thailand in just a few easy steps!

Common questions

Can I use other types of sauce instead of fish sauce?
Yes, you can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or oyster sauce if you prefer.
Can I add vegetables or other ingredients to the omelet?
Absolutely! You can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, thinly sliced onions, or any other vegetables you like to the egg mixture before cooking.
Can I make a vegetarian version of Khai Jiao?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Khai Jiao by omitting the fish sauce and adding more soy sauce or a vegetarian alternative.
Can I make Khai Jiao in advance?
While it is best to serve Khai Jiao immediately for optimal crispiness, you can make it in advance and reheat it in a preheated oven or toaster oven to regain some of the texture.
Can I refrigerate leftovers?
Yes, you can refrigerate any leftover Khai Jiao in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or oven before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Frying pan - A non-stick frying pan is ideal for cooking the Khai Jiao, ensuring that the omelet doesn't stick to the surface.
Whisk - Use a whisk to thoroughly combine the eggs and other ingredients in the bowl, creating a smooth mixture.
Spatula - A spatula is necessary for flipping the omelet during cooking, ensuring both sides are evenly cooked.
Plate - Use a plate to transfer the cooked omelet and serve it in a presentable manner.
Paper towel - Line the plate with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil from the omelet.
Knife - A knife will be needed to slice the Khai Jiao into bite-size pieces for serving.
Serving dish - Use a serving dish to present the sliced Khai Jiao, allowing guests to easily serve themselves.

Origin stories

Khai Jiao, a traditional Thai omelet, is a simple and humble dish that has been a part of Thai cuisine for generations. It's often considered a comfort food, bringing back memories of home and family with every bite. Interestingly, despite its simplicity, Khai Jiao has a prized place in the culinary world and is often used as a benchmark to judge the skills of a Thai chef. The secret to a perfect Khai Jiao lies in achieving the right balance of flavors and the crispiness of the outer layers, while keeping the interior soft and fluffy. This delightful dish, with its contrasting textures and flavors, truly embodies the essence of Thai cooking.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.