Salted fish is a type of preserved seafood that has been cured using salt. The preservation process may involve drying or fermentation depending on the regional method. It’s a centuries-old technique used across many cultures to store fish without refrigeration. In Salted Fish Fried Rice, the fish is usually pre-soaked or rinsed to reduce excess salt, then chopped into small pieces before being fried. Salted fish adds umami, saltiness, and aroma, making it the centerpiece of Salted Fish Fried Rice recipes around the world.

What does "fried salted fish" mean?

Fried salted fish is simply salted fish that has been pan-fried or wok-fried until it becomes crispy and aromatic. In the context of Salted Fish Fried Rice, the fish is cut into small pieces and fried at the beginning of the stir-fry process. This step allows the flavor to infuse into the oil, which then coats the rice and other ingredients. Fried salted fish delivers texture and an intense salty depth that cannot be replicated by fresh fish or seasoning alone. This frying method is what gives Salted Fish Fried Rice its signature taste.

What is salted fish Chinese style?

In Chinese cuisine, salted fish refers to fish that has been preserved using salt and fermentation. It’s stronger in aroma and taste compared to Thai salted fish. Chinese-style salted fish is commonly used in clay pot dishes and stir-fries, including their version of Salted Fish Fried Rice. The Chinese style tends to use fermented fish that’s oilier and saltier, which results in a more pungent fried rice. While both styles use salted fish as the base flavor, Thai Salted Fish Fried Rice is generally milder and more aromatic.

What is Salted Fish Fried Rice?

Salted Fish Fried Rice is a traditional Asian dish made by stir-frying jasmine rice with diced salted fish, scrambled eggs, chicken, vegetables, and aromatic seasonings. It’s especially popular in Thai and Chinese cuisines. The salted fish infuses the rice with a bold, savory flavor that sets it apart from other fried rice varieties. The dish is often customized with various proteins and vegetables, but the salted fish remains the hero ingredient. Salted Fish Fried Rice is a go-to meal for those who love rich, umami-packed comfort food.

Salted Fish Fried Rice: The Most Delicious Thai Recipe (2025)

Description

Salted Fish Fried Rice is a bold and savory Thai-inspired dish made with jasmine rice, diced salted fish, marinated chicken, scrambled eggs, and aromatic vegetables, all stir-fried to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz Thai jasmine rice (uncooked)
10 oz water
1 oz green onions
0.50 oz ginger
3 oz lettuce
4 oz chicken breast
2 oz salted fish
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons oil (used in portions)
0.25 teaspoon white pepper
2 teaspoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (for marinade)
0.13 teaspoon white pepper (for marinade)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (for marinade)
1 tablespoon water (for marinade)

Instructions

Wash the jasmine rice 2 to 3 times and drain. Add 10 oz water and steam in a rice cooker. Once cooked, fluff and let cool.
Dice green onions, julienne ginger, and thinly slice lettuce. Set aside.
Cut chicken into 1/2-inch cubes. Marinate with oyster sauce, white pepper, cornstarch, and water for at least 10 minutes.
Trim and rinse the salted fish. Debone carefully and dice into pea-sized pieces.
Crack eggs into a bowl and beat lightly. Heat 0.32 tbsp oil in a wok, scramble the eggs for 20–30 seconds, and set aside.
Add 0.32 tbsp oil to the wok. Stir-fry the marinated chicken for 1 minute until nearly cooked. Set aside.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in the wok. Add ginger and salted fish. Stir-fry for 1 minute until aromatic.
Add the pre-cooked rice and stir-fry for 1.5 to 2 minutes, breaking up clumps.
Return eggs and chicken to the wok. Stir-fry for 40–50 seconds each time to combine.
Add green onions and 0.25 tsp white pepper. Stir-fry another 40–50 seconds.
Turn the heat to low and taste. Add up to 2 tsp fish sauce if needed.
Fold in sliced lettuce. Stir gently to soften slightly.
Finish by adding remaining 0.32 tbsp oil. Turn heat to high and stir-fry 1 more minute for shine.

Notes

Use day-old or chilled rice for best texture.
Adjust salted fish quantity based on personal salt tolerance.
Do not skip marinating the chicken—it adds flavor and keeps it juicy.
Use high heat for wok hei, the signature smoky flavor.
Reheat leftovers in a pan instead of a microwave for better texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 560
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 1000mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: Salted Fish Fried Rice, Thai Fried Rice, Easy Rice Recipe, Stir Fry Rice, Asian Comfort Food