Thai-Style Fried Rice (Khao Pad): ข้าวผัด
Fried rice has its origins in China, where leftover rice was stir-fried with various ingredients, creating a dish that quickly gained popularity. As Chinese communities migrated around the world, they brought their fried rice recipes with them, adapting them to local tastes and available ingredients. Today, fried rice can be found in many variations across different cultures.
Tips for Making Fried Rice:
- For the best results, steam a mixture of fragrant rice with old jasmine rice—4 parts fragrant rice to 1 part jasmine rice creates a delicious combination.
- If possible, use old fragrant rice instead of jasmine rice, as it tends to be firmer and less sticky.
Allow freshly cooked rice to cool before stir-frying to achieve the perfect texture.
Ingredients (Serves 1-2):
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 100 g chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 tsp garlic, mashed
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp onion, sliced
- Assorted vegetables (carrots, kale, peas, cabbage, or any preferred vegetables)
- Spring onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, deseeded and sliced
- Soy sauce, sugar, oyster sauce, and black pepper (to taste)
Note: For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute chicken with tofu or simply prepare the fried rice with vegetables. In this case, use soy sauce instead of oyster sauce. Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand.
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, cooking until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken to the pan and fry until fully cooked. Then, crack in the eggs and continue to stir-fry until the eggs are well scrambled.
- Add Rice: Introduce the cooled rice to the pan, stirring to combine. Season with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar according to your taste. (If you prefer softer vegetables, add them before mixing in the rice.)
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add your choice of vegetables and mix well. Taste the fried rice and adjust seasoning with more sugar or sauce if desired. Finally, stir in the spring onions and black pepper.
- Serve: Transfer the fried rice to a serving dish and garnish with fresh coriander and cucumber slices for a refreshing finish.
