Description
Roasted potato cubes and steamed broccoli mix with capsicum and carrot inside fluffy eggs, cooked like a Thai herb omelette with garlic and chili. Topped with extra fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime for clean flavor. A speedy 20-minute vegetarian meal highlighting abundant broccoli.
Cultural Background
Kai Jeow is a beloved Thai street food omelette known for its crispy edges and fluffy interior, traditionally made with eggs, fish sauce, and simple aromatics like green onions or chilies. It originated as an affordable, quick dish in Thailand, often served with rice and fresh vegetables as part of everyday meals or market fare. This version adapts the classic technique to incorporate abundant broccoli and available pantry staples for a light, herb-forward vegetarian twist inspired by Thai flavors of garlic, chili, and citrus.
Recipe Info
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 12 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 22 minutes
SERVINGS: 2
DIFFICULTY: Easy
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 2 medium potatoes (about 300g total), cut into 1cm cubes
- 250g broccoli florets (from large quantity available)
- 1 small carrot, finely diced
- 1/2 red or green capsicum, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-2 fresh red chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Handful fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (divided)
- Handful fresh Thai basil or mint leaves, torn (divided)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potato cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until golden and tender with crispy edges; season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then remove to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets with a splash of water, cover, and steam for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender; add the diced carrot and capsicum, stir-fry for 1 minute more, then transfer all vegetables to the plate with potatoes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously with the minced garlic, half the sliced chilies, half the chopped cilantro and basil, salt, and pepper until frothy and well combined.
- Return the skillet to medium-high heat with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil until shimmering hot. Pour in the egg mixture, tilting the pan to spread evenly; immediately scatter the cooked potato cubes, broccoli, carrot, and capsicum over the eggs.
- Cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy, then gently fold or flip sections to cook the top side for another 1 minute until just set but still soft and fluffy inside.
- Slide the omelette onto a cutting board, cut into wedges or portions, and serve immediately topped with the remaining fresh herbs, extra chili slices if desired, and a generous squeeze of lime over each serving.
Tips
- Use very hot oil and a hot pan for authentic crispy edges like traditional Kai Jeow without overcooking the center.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan with too many vegetables at once to prevent steaming instead of frying the potatoes to golden perfection.
- If Thai basil is unavailable, substitute with regular basil or extra cilantro and a pinch of lime zest for similar fresh aroma.
Nutrition
Calories: 380
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 20g
Tags
Vegetarian dish, Dinner, Thai, Eggs, Potatoes, Vegetarian, Light/Clean, Herby/Fresh, Under 30 minutes