Experience a burst of authentic Thai flavors with this mouth-watering recipe for Authentic Thai Fried Rice (Khao Pad). Whether you’re craving comfort food or a quick weeknight meal, this stir-fried rice dish is here to satisfy. Quick, fragrant, and full of color, Khao Pad is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you to vibrant street food markets of Thailand without the need for a plane ticket. With only a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious plate in no time!
Imagine digging into fluffy jasmine rice, perfectly combined with fresh vegetables, protein, and the irresistible scent of garlic wafting through your kitchen. This dish is incredibly versatile, accommodating whatever protein you have on hand—be it chicken, shrimp, or tofu—making it a fantastic option for both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Plus, the hit of lime at the end enhances the dish’s freshness, balancing flavors beautifully.
In just under thirty minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply looking for a nourishing dinner for yourself, this Thai Fried Rice is sure to impress your taste buds and elevate your cooking skills. Dive into our easy-to-follow guide below and discover how to make this Thai classic the right way!
Why You’ll Love This Authentic Thai Fried Rice
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Authentic Flavor: Experience the bold cooking of Thailand right in your kitchen.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with chicken, shrimp, or tofu based on your preference.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with vegetables and protein to keep you satisfied.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with just one cooking vessel needed.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To ensure your Authentic Thai Fried Rice turns out perfectly, start by prepping your workspace. Gather all your ingredients and chop your vegetables and protein beforehand. You’ll need a wok or a large skillet, as the wide surface helps with the quick stir-frying essential to this dish. Having a spatula or wooden spoon on hand will make cooking and stirring much easier.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold cooked jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or sunflower)
- 1 garlic clove, smashed
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- ¼ cup diced carrots
- ¼ cup chopped bell pepper
- ¼ cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- ½ lime, for squeezing
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Rice
Start by breaking up any clumps of your cold jasmine rice. Using your damp fingers, gently separate the grains so that they are light and fluffy. This step is vital to ensuring that your fried rice has that perfect texture and does not stick together during cooking.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Heat your wok or a wide skillet over high heat until it becomes shimmering hot. This high temperature is essential for stir-frying, as it helps to quickly cook the ingredients while enhancing their flavors, giving the rice a beautiful texture.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Aroma
Once the pan is hot, add a tablespoon of neutral oil. When the oil is shimmering, toss in the smashed garlic, stirring it for about 5 seconds until it releases a fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter if overheated.
Step 4: Cook Your Chosen Protein
Next, add your diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the pan. Stir-fry them for a few minutes until just cooked through. It’s important to keep everything moving in the pan so each piece is evenly cooked and absorbs that delightful garlic flavor.
Step 5: Scramble the Eggs
Once your protein is cooked, push everything to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them lightly. After a minute, incorporate the cooked protein and garlic into the eggs, mixing everything together.
Step 6: Toss in the Veggies
Now it’s time to add your diced carrots, bell pepper, and frozen peas. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 30 seconds, ensuring they remain somewhat crisp to provide texture to your fried rice.
Step 7: Time for the Rice
Now, add the prepared jasmine rice to the wok. Drizzle the soy sauce and fish sauce around the edges of the pan to create a sizzle effect, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Use your spatula to toss everything together until the rice is well mixed and heated, allowing it to start getting that slight crispiness.
Step 8: Season and Finish Off
Sprinkle in the sugar to balance out the flavors and continue to stir until the rice is hot throughout and lightly crispy. Finally, remove the pan from the heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish. Toss in the sliced green onion and chopped cilantro, folding it all gently together for a vibrant finish.
Variations
- Protein: Use tofu for a vegetarian option, or try beef for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Customize with your favorite vegetables like zucchini, corn, or snap peas.
- Spices: Add chili flakes for a spicy kick or a dash of sesame oil for added depth.
Cooking Notes
- Cooked rice should be cold to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Feel free to substitute the soy and fish sauces with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with extra lime wedges to squeeze over the top.
- Pair it with a simple side salad or spring rolls for a complete meal.
Tips
- Use leftovers for a quick lunch the next day by reheating in a skillet with a dash of oil.
- Make it a meal prep favorite by packaging it in lunch containers for easy, on-the-go meals.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 900mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken or shrimp for tofu and skip the fish sauce, using more soy sauce instead.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.
How can I make it spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating sliced fresh chili or a dash of sriracha when cooking.
Is it necessary to use day-old rice?
While it’s best to use cold, leftover rice for the best texture, you can use freshly cooked rice if you cool it quickly down before use.
Conclusion
Authentic Thai Fried Rice (Khao Pad) is more than just a dish—it’s a taste of Thailand that is quick and easy to prepare. With its vibrant flavors, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different proteins or vegetables to find your perfect combination. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious meal with friends and family. If you try it, let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
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Authentic Thai Fried Rice (Khao Pad)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Experience a burst of authentic Thai flavors with this mouth-watering recipe for Authentic Thai Fried Rice (Khao Pad).
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold cooked jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or sunflower)
- 1 garlic clove, smashed
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- ¼ cup diced carrots
- ¼ cup chopped bell pepper
- ¼ cup frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- ½ lime, for squeezing
Instructions
- Start by breaking up any clumps of your cold jasmine rice. Using your damp fingers, gently separate the grains so that they are light and fluffy.
- Heat your wok or a wide skillet over high heat until it becomes shimmering hot. This high temperature is essential for stir-frying, as it helps to quickly cook the ingredients while enhancing their flavors.
- Once the pan is hot, add a tablespoon of neutral oil. When the oil is shimmering, toss in the smashed garlic, stirring it for about 5 seconds until it releases a fragrant aroma.
- Next, add your diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the pan. Stir-fry them for a few minutes until just cooked through.
- Once your protein is cooked, push everything to one side of the pan. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them lightly.
- Now it’s time to add your diced carrots, bell pepper, and frozen peas. Stir-fry these vegetables for about 30 seconds.
- Add the prepared jasmine rice to the wok. Drizzle the soy sauce and fish sauce around the edges of the pan.
- Sprinkle in the sugar to balance out the flavors and continue to stir until the rice is hot throughout and lightly crispy.
Notes
Cooked rice should be cold to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Protein: 25 g