Khao pad (or also known as Thai fried rice) is a very popular dish in Thai cuisine. As the name suggests, it is fried rice prepared with ingredients such as egg, onions, garlic, fish sauce, and often meat (chicken, pork, shrimp, or beef). Sometimes vegetables such as carrots, peas or bean sprouts are added, and it can be accompanied with slices of cucumber and a slice of lime, which is squeezed to taste.
While this food has its roots in Thai cuisine, it is quite common in other regions of Southeast Asia, where fried rice is a staple dish. In Thailand, this dish is a typical example of fast food or street food. It’s easy to prepare, inexpensive, and delicious, making it a favorite with locals and tourists alike.
It is usually served on a large plate or in an individual portion at restaurants or street food stalls. It is decorated with slices of fresh cucumber and a slice of lime on the side, so that diners can squeeze the lime juice to taste and give a touch of freshness and acidity to the dish. It can also be served with a small amount of chili sauce for those who enjoy a spicy touch.
In Thailand, it is commonly enjoyed with traditional utensils: a fork and spoon. The spoon is the main tool for eating, and the fork is used only to push the food onto the spoon. The spoon is used to bring food to the mouth.
The dish can be eaten alone or accompanied with soup. Thais often eat it with a side of hot chili or fish sauce, to adjust it to their taste.
How to prepare khao pad at home
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (ideally from the day before)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken, pork, shrimp or beef (optional, you can omit or substitute tofu)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup vegetables (optional, such as carrots, peas, bean sprouts)
- 1 cucumber slice (to decorate)
- 1 slice of lime (to serve)
- Chili sauce (optional, for those who enjoy spicy food)
- Prepare the ingredients:
- Cook the jasmine rice in advance (preferably let the rice cool from the day before so that it is looser).
- If you use proteins (chicken, pork, shrimp or tofu), cut them into small pieces.
- Chop the garlic and onion, and if you are using vegetables, cut them into small pieces.
- Cook fried rice:
- Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and onion, and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add your chosen meat or protein and cook until completely cooked (if using tofu, sauté until golden brown).
- Push the mixture to the side of the pan and add the egg to the empty space. Crack the egg and scramble until cooked, then mix with the ingredients.
- Add the rice:
- Add the cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps of rice with your spoon or fork.
- Add the fish sauce, sugar and soy sauce (if using). Stir well to mix all the ingredients so that the rice is well seasoned.
- If you are using vegetables, add them at this point and sauté everything together for a few minutes.
- Serve:
- Serves the Khao Pad on a plate.
- Garnish with fresh cucumber slices and a lime wedge on the side.
- If you like it spicy, you can add chili sauce to taste.
Tips:
- Day-old rice: Cold or day-old rice works best because the grains are looser and don’t clump together when fried.
- Fish sauce – Make sure you use a good quality fish sauce, which is essential to give it that authentic flavour.
- Vegetables: You can add any vegetables you like, such as grated carrots, peas or bean sprouts, for a fresher and more colorful touch.
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