Yam Khai Dao (fried egg salad) with recipe

Photo: Wikipedia

Yam khai dao (ยำไข่ดาว) is a Thai dish made from fried chicken or duck eggs. This Thai salad combines fried eggs with fresh herbs, vegetables and a hydrochloric-spicy dressing. It is an easy dish to prepare, but is usually not on the menu in restaurants.

A salad is an essential part of almost any multi-dish Thai meal. A simple but delicious example of this is Yam khai dao, the fried eggs are combined with peppers, sliced ​​shallots, garlic, lemongrass, Thai chili peppers, coriander and spring onion or white onion. Other variations are also possible. The whole thing is finished with a salty and sour dressing as a seasoning, which goes perfectly with the fat of the egg yolks. Lime juice, fish sauce and palm sugar are used for the dressing.

Origin and History

The origins of Yam Khai Dao can be traced to the street kitchens of Thailand, where simple ingredients are often transformed into dishes with complex flavors. Thai cooking is known for its ability to harmoniously combine different flavor profiles – sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami. Yam Khai Dao is a perfect example of this approach. The dish was born from the need to transform simple, inexpensive ingredients into something delicious and nutritious.

Particularities

Yam Khai Dao is distinguished by its contrasting texture and taste. It starts with a perfectly fried egg, where the white is crispy while the yolk remains slightly runny. This egg is then cut into pieces and mixed with a variety of fresh vegetables, such as onions, tomatoes and sometimes scallions or cilantro.

The dressing is what gives Yam Khai Dao its distinctive flavor. Typically Thai, it combines the five basic flavors with ingredients such as fish sauce for saltiness, lime juice for sourness, sugar for sweetness, and chili peppers for a spicy kick. Sometimes garlic or tamarind paste is also added for extra depth.

Flavor profiles

The result is a dish that balances the crispy texture of the fried egg and the freshness of the raw vegetables, while the tangy, sweet and sour dressing lifts each ingredient. The heat of the chili and the umami of the fish sauce complement the smooth, rich flavor of the egg, creating a complex yet harmonious taste experience.

Yam Khai Dao (fried egg salad) recipe

Yam Khai Dao is a Thai dish known as a traditional street food snack. It is often served as an appetizer or during a meal as a side dish. Here is a recipe on how to make Yam Khai Dao:

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons of soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup coriander leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup basil leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. Beat the eggs in a bowl.
2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic to the pan and cook until golden brown.
4. Add the onion and fry until soft.
5. Add the sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, and ground black pepper and stir to combine.
6. Add the eggs and cook, stirring, until the eggs are set.
7. Add the cilantro and basil and stir to combine.
8. Serve hot as an appetizer or as a side dish during a meal.

Option: Serve with jasmine rice, vegetables or with chicken, pork or shrimp.

Note: Some recipes may vary, add to taste.

Disclaimer: There are many ways to prepare Thai dishes. The ingredients can also differ, there are simply different variations. So you may come across another recipe for this dish that looks different. This is normal, because this can also be due to local influences or the preferences of the chef. Just try it out.