Thai Crispy Fried Egg Salad (Yum Khai Dao)

    • Published October 30, 2025
    • Updated November 02, 2025
    • Author Bell V’Kit
    A Thai-style salad made with crispy fried eggs (khai dao) tossed in a bold, zesty dressing of fish sauce, lime juice, chili, and shallots.

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    Total : 20
    Spice Level : Mild
    Skill Level : Easy
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    What is Thai Crispy Fried Egg Salad (Yum Khai Dao - ยำไข่ดาว)?

    This is one of Thailand’s most underrated yet addictive dishes. Most people don’t think “fried eggs” when they think of Thai salads, but yum khai dao is a flavor bomb.

    The eggs are fried until the edges go golden and crispy while the yolks stay just soft inside, then tossed in a sharp lime-and-fish-sauce dressing with fresh herbs and vegetables. It’s fast, bold, and surprisingly refreshing for a dish made mostly of eggs.

    It’s often served as a side or light meal, especially when you want something satisfying but not meat-heavy.

      Hi! I’m Bell. I love food, travel, and cooking with fresh ingredients. On this site, I share Thai recipes that are fun to make and enjoy with loved ones. Some recipes lean toward tradition, while others carry my own twist.
      Happy cooking!

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      Why You’ll Love This Dish

      • A Thai twist on eggs – Turns simple fried eggs into a vibrant, flavor-packed Thai salad.
      • Bright and refreshing – Zesty lime dressing with the perfect balance of spicy, sour, and salty.
      • Quick and easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, ideal for a busy weekday lunch or light dinner.
      • Made from pantry staples – Uses everyday ingredients like eggs, lime, fish sauce, and fresh vegetables.
      • Budget-friendly and satisfying – Simple to make, affordable, yet bursting with authentic Thai flavor.

      Shopping Checklist (Ingredients & Equipment)

      Here’s a simplified, but handy shopping checklist of ingredients and equipment for quick planning.

      Ingredients

      For the Dressing

      [] 3 tbsp fish sauce
      [] 3 tbsp lime juice
      [] 1 tbsp palm sugar
      [] | 15g garlic | (thinly sliced)
      [] | 4 red bird’s eye chilies| (sliced, adjust to taste)

      For the Fried Eggs

      [] | neutral oil | (for frying)
      [] 3 chicken eggs

      For the Salad Mix

      [] | 60g onion | (thinly sliced)
      [] | 1 tomato | (quartered)
      [] | 25g Chinese celery | (cut into 1.5-inch pieces)

      [{

      Equipment

      [] Mixing bowl (for dressing)
      [] Frying pan or wok (for frying eggs)
      [] Tongs or slotted spoon (to remove fried eggs)
      [] Paper towel or rack (for draining oil)

      }]

      Ingredient Highlight: Egg (ไข่ไก่ – Khai Kai)

      Why It Matters

      Eggs are the heart of this dish—crispy on the outside, creamy at the center. They give yum khai dao (Thai crispy fried egg salad) its rich texture and comforting depth. The crisp, golden edges bring a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tangy, spicy dressing, turning something simple into something irresistible.

      How It’s Used

      In Thai cooking, fried eggs aren’t just a side. They’re often the star. Thais love frying eggs in very hot oil until the edges puff up and turn golden. The result is a light, lacey crispness that holds its shape even when tossed with dressing. You’ll see this technique across Thai meals, from rice dishes topped with fried egg (kra pao khai dao) to vibrant salads like this one.

      In Thai Cooking

      Eggs are one of the most versatile ingredients in Thai cuisine. You can find it in stir-fries, curries, Thai style omelets (of course), and desserts. Beyond yum khai dao, they appear in kai tun (Thai-style steamed egg), kai jeow (ไข่เจียว – Thai omelet), khai luk koei (ไข่ลูกเขย – son-in-law eggs), pad Thai, and even sweet classics like foi thong and khanom mo kaeng. Their role is both humble and essential, bringing richness, protein, and balance to strong Thai flavors.

      Nutritional & Health Benefits

      • High-quality protein: Supports muscle growth, repair, and overall body strength.
      • Healthy fats: Provide sustained energy and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
      • Rich in vitamins: Especially B12 (for nerve health) and D (for bone strength and immunity).
      • Keeps you full longer: Helps with appetite control and balanced energy.
      • Supports brain function: Choline and other nutrients aid focus and memory.
      • Fits a healthy diet: Despite old cholesterol myths, modern research shows eggs can be part of a balanced, heart-healthy lifestyle, especially when paired with fresh herbs and vegetables like in this salad.

      Tips Before You Start

      • Use very hot oil – The secret to those crispy, golden edges is starting with hot oil. The eggs should bubble instantly when they hit the pan.
      • Keep the yolk jammy – Flip fast! Just 5–6 seconds on the yolk side sets it beautifully while keeping the center creamy.
      • Add eggs last – Toss your salad ingredients with the dressing first, then add the crispy fried eggs at the end. Gently fold everything together to keep those golden edges and creamy yolks intact.
      • Customize it – Add minced pork, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein, or toss in cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
      Thai Crispy Fried Egg Salad (Yum Khai Dao)
      A Thai-style salad made with crispy fried eggs (khai dao) tossed in a bold, zesty dressing of fish sauce, lime juice, chili, and shallots.
      Servings : 2
      Spice Level : Mild
      Skill Level : Easy
      Prep : 15
      Cook : 5
      Total : 20
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      Ingredients

      For the Dressing

      [] 3 tbsp fish sauce
      [] 3 tbsp lime juice
      [] 1 tbsp palm sugar
      [] | 15g garlic | (thinly sliced)
      [] | 4 red bird’s eye chilies| (sliced, adjust to taste)

      For the Fried Eggs

      [] | neutral oil | (for frying)
      [] 3 chicken eggs

      For the Salad Mix

      [] | 60g onion | (thinly sliced)
      [] | 1 tomato | (quartered)
      [] | 25g Chinese celery | (cut into 1.5-inch pieces)

      [{

      Equipment

      [] Mixing bowl (for dressing)
      [] Frying pan or wok (for frying eggs)
      [] Tongs or slotted spoon (to remove fried eggs)
      [] Paper towel or rack (for draining oil)

      }]

      Cooking Instructions

      1. Make the dressing

      [] In a bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.
      [] Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
      [] Add sliced garlic and chili. Set aside.

      2. Fry the eggs

      [] Heat oil in a pan until very hot.
      [] Crack eggs into the pan and fry until the edges are golden and crispy.
      [] Flip briefly (5-6 seconds). Cook the yolk slightly.
      [] Remove eggs and drain excess oil.
      [] Let cool slightly and cut each egg into quarters.

      3. Toss the salad

      [] In a dressing bowl, combine sliced onion, tomato, and Chinese celery.
      [] Add the fried egg pieces and toss carefully to avoid breaking them.

      4. Serve

      [] Transfer to a plate and serve immediately while still warm and crispy.

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      FAQs

      What should I serve with Thai Crispy Fried Egg Salad?

      You can enjoy this on its own as a light dish or pair it with jasmine rice. It’s common for to have this dish alongside other Thai dishes during a meal.

      Can I substitute palm sugar?

      Yes. You can use white sugar instead. It’ll still taste good, though palm sugar adds a gentle caramel-like sweetness that makes the flavor more rounded, while white sugar gives a sharper, simpler sweetness.
      What oil works best?

      Any neutral oil with a high smoke point. You can use rice bran, canola, or sunflower oil. These give a clean, light fry.

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