Garlic Fried Brown Rice with Tofu

Garlic Fried Rice Tofu

My husband and I had a disagreement about "Fried Rice."  When I told him I wanted to share fried rice recipe on the website, he did not like the idea and said it was too boring.  I understand his point of view why he had that thought.  Allow me to explain it to you.  According to the fried rice ingredients; it has rice, choice of protein, and vegetables, and those ingredients are very simple.  Nothing is excited about them, and that is the reason why he had the thought.  But it does not have to be the same meat or vegetables all the time.

Garlic Fried Rice Tofu

Thai kitchen is very laid back; there is no fixed rule.  Nothing has to be exactly as you, I, or the chef said so.  It is a test kitchen.  It is like building a house.  You must have a foundation, but you do not have to have the same door, window or color.  You can adjust and adapt as you desire.  It is your house build it on your style, so it is your kitchen do it your way.  I have told myself that my kitchen is my playground, and I would throw and do whatever I want even if I have had failed experiments (sometimes).

Garlic Fried Rice Tofu

The origin of Thai garlic fried rice

Thai garlic fried rice is a side dish you can find at Thai BBQ restaurant (Moo Kata หมูกะทะ)  Most of this type of restaurant is an all you can eat and self-service.  They have food like raw and marinated meat, vegetables, noodles, rice (including the garlic fried rice), fruits in the middle of the hallway that you can get it yourself as much as you want.

Garlic Fried Rice Tofu

I have never seen any other places that sell this type of fried rice, and if you find one, please let me know.! Garlic fried rice is pretty plain but mouth-filling with a fragrance of fried garlic. It is an unstoppable food that goes well with the rest of the meal.

Garlic Fried Rice Tofu

How do I modify a side dish to a meal?

I had the idea to adapt the original Thai garlic fried rice from side dish to a one dish meal.  I wanted to make this recipe for everyone; vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.  I chose to add tofu, edamame beans and use gluten-free tamari sauce in the recipe.  This dish is best for a quick dinner.  I recommend you to make extra, so you have a leftover for the next day lunch box.

Garlic Fried Rice Tofu

The concept of garlic fried rice is not to have too strong a flavor in it, which is why it is popular among kids and adults.  If you like your food saltier or spicier, you can add soy sauce, fish sauce, salt, chili powder, Sriracha sauce as you wish.  Some cultures may think it is a taboo to add more sauce in the food or to change the taste of the food but not for Thai.  It is very common for us.  We are not mad or upset if you do it.  Embrace your food and your taste buds, and we are happy if you are happy.

Garlic Fried Rice Tofu