The Best Way to Reheat Thai Fried Rice

Thai fried rice is a delicious dish that is full of flavor from spices, meat, vegetables, and the Thai taste that puts our Thai restaurant in Dallas on the map. One of the best things about Thai fried rice is its large servings and ability to be the best leftover meal the next day.

However, like most fried rice dishes, it can easily become dried out and lose its wonderful texture when reheated incorrectly. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks to reheating Thai fried rice that will have it tasting freshly cooked.

Follow these tips for getting the most out of your leftovers.

Why Proper Reheating is Important

Fried rice dishes are meant to have a light and fluffy texture, with each grain of rice separated and coated in a flavorful sauce. However, rice has a tendency to dry out and get sticky when refrigerated. Improper reheating techniques like microwaving can worsen these effects by causing the rice to become mushy and soggy.

When microwaving, the vegetables may also release moisture that circulates within the microwave and, in the end, makes the dish watery. That's why it's important to reheat fried rice in a way that restores the texture and reinforces the flavors you want from any fried rice dish on our Thai food menu.

Taking a little extra care when reheating will ensure your Thai fried rice still has that addictive crunch and bold, balanced flavors. The good news is it only takes a few small tweaks to revive the dish to its original appeal.

Use the Stovetop, Not the Microwave

The first rule for properly reheating Thai fried rice is to avoid the microwave at all costs. The microwave will make the rice gummy and damp. You'll want to reheat the fried rice in a skillet or wok on the stovetop for best results. This allows you to stir and break up any clumps of rice as it heats, redistribute the oils and spices evenly, and evaporate any excess moisture that was released from the refrigeration process.

This process takes a little more time than a minute in the microwave, but we know your leftovers will come out like they just got prepped in a Thai restaurant.

Just be sure to use medium-low heat to prevent burning. You'll want the rice hot throughout but not crispy or overly browned on the bottom. Gentle heating is key for even, thorough results.

Use a Small Amount of Oil

Adding a teaspoon or two of oil to the skillet before reheating the rice is highly recommended. The extra oil will help replicate the mouthfeel of freshly-made fried rice.

Be sure to use neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable, peanut, or canola oil. A small amount of sesame oil is also tasty if you want to enhance the Asian flavors.

 But avoid olive oil as it has a low smoke point and can become bitter if overheated. Swirl the oil to coat the bottom of the pan before adding your chilled fried rice. The oil will lightly coat and separate the grains.

Fluff and Stir Frequently

Once the oil is hot, add your Thai fried rice in an even layer. Let the rice sit undisturbed for a minute or two to start warming up. Then use a spatula to flip and stir the rice, breaking up any clumps. Continue stirring frequently to distribute the heat evenly and prevent browning or burning.

The constant stirring motion will further break down any gumminess. Fluff and fold the rice to bring the moist interior grains to the surface and expose all the components directly to the heat.

Keep at it until warmed through, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Adding a little extra soy sauce, fish sauce, or chili-garlic sauce can refresh the flavors.

Serve and Enjoy Thai Fried Rice!

Once your Thai fried rice is thoroughly hot, it's time for you to fall back in love with Thai food. Turn off the heat and immediately transfer to plates or bowls. Don't let it sit too long and risk overcooking. Serve while piping hot for the best taste and texture.

The revived fried rice will soak up the flavors of the sauces and oils, with each grain perfectly separated.

A quick stovetop refresher is all it takes to breathe new life into leftover fried rice. With fluffy, bright rice and well-distributed spices and vegetables, your reheated Thai fried rice will taste just like it was freshly made. Now dig in and savor those vibrant  Eastern flavors all over again.

Start Your Thai Experience Right With Family Thais

Reheating Thai fried rice is easy when you use the stovetop method. A skillet and a little oil can work wonders to restore the texture and get all of the flavors mixed in just right. Whether you’re reheating noodles or rice, the best place to start your Thai food journey in Dallas is at an authentic restaurant.

At Family Thais, we are a Downtown Dallas Thai Food restaurant that brings our traditional recipes to the Big D every day.  Order your takeout now!