Thai Fried Egg Salad (Yum Khai Dao)

Ella Cooks

Thai Fried Egg Salad (Yum Khai Dao)

Be the first to rate this recipe!

Crispy fried eggs tossed with spicy, sour, salty, and sweet Thai dressing, fresh herbs, and crunchy vegetables — this bold and addictive salad is Thailand on a plate

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Servings: 2

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Thai

Calories: 240

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the eggs:

2 –3 large eggs
2 –3 tbsp neutral oil for frying

For the dressing:

2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce
1 tsp sugar palm or white
1 garlic clove minced
1 –2 Thai bird’s eye chilies sliced thin

Salad add-ins:

1 small shallot thinly sliced
½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
A small handful of chopped cilantro or mint

Optional: thin cucumber slices or blanched green beans

Equipment

Chef’s knife
Small mixing bowl (for dressing)
Large mixing bowl (for tossing salad)
Frying pan or wok (for eggs)
Paper towels (to drain eggs)
Spoon or tongs (for mixing)

Method

Instructions:

Fry the Eggs:

Cook 2–3 eggs Thai-style (Kai Dao) until crispy-edged and golden.
👉 Follow Ella’s full method for Kai Dao here

Drain & Cool:

Let the eggs rest on paper towel for a minute or two. Then cut into chunky quarters or thick slices.

Mix the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and chilies until sugar dissolves.

Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine chopped eggs, shallots, tomatoes, and herbs.

Toss Gently:

Pour dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine, being careful not to mash the eggs.

Serve Immediately:

Plate warm or at room temperature. Great with rice or as a fresh side.

Nutrition

Serving: 2eggsCalories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSodium: 680mgSugar: 4g

Notes

How to Serve It

a dish of Thai Fried Egg Salad (Yum Khai Dao)
As a main over steamed jasmine rice
Alongside spicy stir-fry dishes like Pad Krapow or Larb
In lettuce wraps for a fresh bite
As a Thai-style starter for a fusion dinner party

Troubleshooting

Eggs soggy Fry in hot oil and drain well on paper towel
Salad too salty Add more lime juice or a pinch of sugar
Too spicy Use fewer chilies or remove the seeds
Eggs fall apart when mixing Let cool slightly before cutting & tossing

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!