Thai-Style Fried Eggs (Kai Dao)

Ella Cooks

Thai-Style Fried Eggs (Kai Dao)

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These are no ordinary sunny-side-ups, they’re crispy, golden, puffed-up eggs with lacy brown edges and rich, runny yolks. They’re often served over rice, drizzled with a little sauce, and eaten with stir-fried dishes (especially spicy ones). In Thai cuisine, the fried egg isn’t just a topping — it’s a bold statement. And the best part? They’re super fast and easy to make — but there’s an art to getting them crispy, bubbly, and restaurant-style. I’ll walk you through the how, the why, and the flavor magic.

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Prep Time 1

Cook Time 3

Servings: 1 egg

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Thai

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

Ingredients (per egg)

1 large egg room temp is ideal
2-3 tbsp neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or rice bran oil
Pinch of salt
Optional: splash of fish sauce or soy sauce

Equipment

Wok or small skillet. For high-heat, shallow frying (traditional method)
Slotted spatula or spoon. To remove egg without excess oil
Paper towel-lined plate. To drain excess oil after frying
Small bowl (optional) To crack the egg into before adding to hot oil
Heat-safe spoon. For basting oil over whites if needed
Tongs or tilt-friendly pan. Helps if you want to angle the pan while basting or frying
Wok tip: A rounded-bottom carbon steel wok gives that signature bubble-crisp texture, but any small skillet will do if the oil is hot enough.

Method

How to Make It (Traditional Wok Method)

Heat the Oil

In a wok or small skillet, heat 2–3 tablespoons of oil over medium-high to high heat until shimmering and just starting to smoke.
The oil should be very hot — like shallow frying, not just greasing the pan.

Crack the Egg In

Crack the egg into a small bowl (to control placement), then carefully slide it into the hot oil.
It will sizzle violently and bubble up immediately — that’s good! Don’t move it.

Fry Without Flipping

Let the egg fry for about 45 seconds to 1 minute, until the edges puff and turn golden brown and crispy.
Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste hot oil over the whites if they’re taking longer to set.
Don’t flip — the yolk stays runny (unless you want it cooked through, which is also fine).

Remove and Drain

Use a slotted spatula or spoon to lift the egg out of the oil and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt or drizzle with fish sauce for Thai authenticity.

Alternate Cooking Method (Flat Pan)

If you don’t have a wok:

Use a small nonstick or carbon steel skillet, heat 2–3 tbsp oil on high
Fry just like above, keeping oil depth enough to allow bubbling edges
Works great with one egg at a time!

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 0gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2.5gSodium: 24mg

Notes

What to Serve With Thai Fried Eggs

Thai-style fried eggs are traditionally served over:

Jasmine rice
With Pad Krapow (Thai basil chicken or pork) — a classic combo
Garlic stir-fried veggies or chili-fried tofu
Drizzled with a little nam pla prik (fish sauce + chili + lime)
Or make a Bangkok-style breakfast:
- Steamed rice
- Fried egg
- Sriracha + Maggi sauce on the side
- Cucumber slices and crispy shallots

Sauce Ideas

Try one of these as a drizzle or dip:

Nam Pla Prik:
1 tbsp fish sauce + 1 chopped Thai chili + squeeze of lime
Sweet Soy Chili Sauce:
1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp sugar + splash of vinegar + minced garlic
Bang Bang Twist:
Mix 2 tbsp mayo + 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce + squeeze of lime — and drizzle on your egg like a wild fusion brunch topping!

Pro Tips

Use high heat and enough oil. You’re not just frying, you’re shallow-frying.
Room temperature eggs puff more dramatically than cold ones.
Don’t crowd the pan. Cook one at a time for best results.
Crispy edge lovers: You can even spoon hot oil over the yolk to “set” it while keeping it jammy inside

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