Recipe Khai Jiao ไข่เจียว: fluffy Thai omelette, easy and tasty recipe to master
สูตรไข่เจียว: ไข่เจียวแบบดั้งเดิมของไทยเพื่อเมนูแท้และรสชาติอร่อย

Discover the traditional recipe of Khai Jiao, the fluffy Thai omelette, perfect to accompany rice and exotic dishes.

Necessary utensils

• Mixing bowl

• Whisk or fork

• High-sided frying pan or wok

• Spatula

• Absorbent paper

Country / Region

• Country: Thailand

• Region: Various regions across the country, popular cuisine nationwide

• Recipe inventor: Oral transmission

• Specifications: No

  • Proposed specifications:

    • Use only fresh eggs from free-range hens

    • Neutral vegetable oil for frying

    • Natural seasonings without additives

    • Cooking at controlled temperature to avoid burning

• Evolution of the recipe:
  Originally made only with eggs, salt, and oil, the recipe gradually incorporated fish sauce and aromatic herbs like green onion to enrich flavor. Regional variants exist with chili, rice flour, or other aromatics.

• Iconic chefs and contributions:

  • Chef Noi: valued traditional hot oil frying techniques

  • Chef Boonmee: contemporary adaptation with reduced oil and added fresh herbs

  • Chef Somchai: international popularization and fusion variants

History

• Origin and history:
  Khai Jiao, literally “fried egg,” is a popular classic of Thai street food. Very simple, it is a quick dish or side enjoyed for its airy and crispy texture. It reflects the tradition of valuing the egg in Southeast Asian cooking.

• Evolution:
  Adding fish sauce and ingredients like rice flour helped achieve a lighter, crispier batter. Deep frying became standard to get the typical fluffy texture.

• Iconic recipes:

  • Traditional Bangkok version

  • Northern version with green chilies

  • Fusion version with sautéed vegetables and fresh herbs

Legend or anecdote

It is said that every Thai family has its own “secret recipe” of Khai Jiao, passed down from generation to generation, with unique tips for achieving the best fluffy texture.

Recipe description

Khai Jiao is a fluffy omelette made by vigorously whisking eggs with fish sauce and aromatics, then frying in very hot oil. Its texture is light, crispy on the edges, and tender in the center, making it a versatile side dish. It’s served hot, often with plain jasmine rice and sometimes accompanied by spicy sauce.

Ingredients

Note: Some ingredients may vary depending on preferences or regions, such as adding chili or omitting lime juice.

Detailed description / Professional method

Estimated times

• Preparation: 5 minutes

• Cooking: 5 minutes

• Total time: 10 minutes

Steps

1. Prepare ingredients

   • Crack eggs into a clean bowl.

   • Add fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, finely chopped green onions, and cornstarch if used.

   • Whisk vigorously until homogeneous, frothy mixture with visible bubbles.

2. Heat oil

   • Heat pan or wok over medium-high heat.

   • Pour generous amount of oil, enough so the omelette can float slightly (5 to 7 mm thick).

   • Oil should reach 180°C (test with a bit of batter).

3. Cooking

   • Quickly pour egg mixture into hot oil all at once to create bubbles and volume.

   • Do not stir, cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until edges are golden and crispy.

   • Using a wide spatula, carefully flip the omelette and cook the other side for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

   • Omelette should be golden, fluffy, and crispy without burning.

4. Drain and serve

   • Remove omelette and place on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.

   • Serve immediately, ideally with jasmine rice and spicy sauce.

Safety standards

• Use fresh, quality eggs.

• Control oil temperature to avoid toxic compound formation.

• Handle cooking utensils carefully (hot oil).

Nutritional information (per ~150 g portion)

• Energy: 250 kcal

• Lipids: 20 g

• Carbohydrates: 2 g

• Proteins: 15 g

• Fibers: 0 g

• Allergens: eggs, may contain traces of fish (fish sauce)

Possible adaptations

• Gluten-free: naturally gluten-free recipe

• Vegetarian: replace fish sauce with salted soy sauce or tamari

Versions / Regional variants

• Khai Jiao Bangkok: classic version with fish sauce and green onion

• Spicy northern Khai Jiao: with finely chopped green chilies

• Fusion Khai Jiao: with sautéed vegetables and fresh herbs

Tips and advice

• Beat eggs well to incorporate air and get a fluffy omelette.

• Do not overcrowd pan for even cooking.

• Flip carefully with a wide spatula to avoid breaking the omelette.

• Use fresh, quality oil for optimal taste.

Service

• Serve the hot omelette directly on a plate or serving dish.

• Accompany with plain jasmine rice and spicy sauce.

• For gourmet presentation, garnish with fresh coriander and lime wedges.

Recommended drinks

• Light Thai beer (Singha, Chang)

• Lemongrass or jasmine iced tea

• Local non-alcoholic beverages