Thai Fried Rice Recipe

Thai fried rice or Kao Pad is a unique kind of friend rice, unlike Chinese fried rice or Japanese fried rice. Kao Pad is a Thai word meaning fried rice. There are many different kinds of Thai fried rice. Some Thai fried rice are more influenced by American fried rice, Japanese fried rice or Chinese fried rice. However, all Thai fried rice should have unique taste of various spices used primarily in Thai food.

Ingredients for Thai fried rice or Kao Pad

• 1/4 lb. chicken breasts, cut into small pieces however you like. The smaller and thinner the easy to cook.
• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil such as canola
• 1/2 Tbsp. fish sauce (nam pla)
• 1/2 Tbsp. fish sauce (nam pla)
• 1 clove garlic, smashed with the side of a cleaver or knife
• 2 1/2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, at room temperature or from the refrigerator
• 1 egg, lightly beaten with 1/2 tsp. water
• 1 tsp. light soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp. ground black or white pepper
• Pinch of white sugar
• 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thick
• Lime, fresh red chiles, scallion (optional)

How to cook Thai fried rice or Kao Pad?

Cooking meat

• Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a wok until hot, but not smoking, over medium high heat.
• Cook chicken until just cooked through, about 4 minutes.
• Add the 1/2 Tbsp. fish sauce, as you are cooking, to the meat.
• Remove from wok and set aside.

Preparing rice for the Thai fried rice

• Heat the additional 2 1/2 Tbsp. oil in wok.
• Add the smashed garlic, cook briefly (30 seconds).
• Add the rice, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or metal turner.

Adding meat and rice together

• Add the cooked chicken to the rice in the wok.
• Add the soy sauce and 1/2 tsp. fish sauce.
• Add the beaten egg, pepper, and sugar.
• Continue to stir-fry until heated through and grains of rice are separated.
• Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly (add more fish sauce if it needs more salt).
• Remove to serving dish and garnish with cucumber, scallion, lime wedge and fresh red chile peppers. Serves 1.