Discover the delicious world of Thai cuisine with this Khao Pad recipe, featuring authentic Thai fried rice loaded with your choice of meat, fresh vegetables, and a harmonious blend of savory sauces and spices. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this Thai fried rice offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand. Learn how to prepare this flavorful dish easily at home with our step-by-step guide.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups jasmine rice (cooked and cooled)

- 2 tbsp vegetable oil

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers), chopped

- 1 cup meat (chicken, shrimp, or pork), sliced

- 2 eggs, lightly beaten

- 3 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp fish sauce (or extra soy sauce for a vegetarian version)

- 1 tbsp oyster sauce

- 1 tsp sugar

- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

- 2 green onions, sliced

- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

- Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the Rice: Ensure your jasmine rice is cooked and cooled. Day-old rice works best for frying.

Cook the Meat: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the meat and cook until fully cooked and browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.

Add Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

Scramble the Eggs: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them with the vegetables.

Fry the Rice: Add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the vegetables and eggs.

Season: Pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce (or extra soy sauce), oyster sauce, sugar, and ground black pepper. Stir continuously to ensure even coating and flavor distribution.

Add Meat: Return the cooked meat to the skillet and mix everything until well combined and heated through.

Garnish and Serve: Stir in the sliced green onions. Serve the Khao Pad hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired, and accompanied by lime wedges.

Enjoy your flavorful Thai fried rice with a delightful mix of savory and tangy notes!

Nutritional values

For the Fried Rice

Jasmine Rice (2 cups cooked and cooled)

 - Calories: ~205

 - Carbohydrates: ~45g

 - Protein: ~4g

 - Fat: ~0.4g

Benefits:

 - Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.

 - Offers a fragrant flavor and soft texture.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: ~240

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: ~28g

Benefits:

 - Used for cooking and flavor enhancement.

 - Choose oils with high smoke points for better cooking.

Onion (1, finely chopped)

 - Calories: ~45

 - Carbohydrates: ~11g

 - Protein: ~1g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and aroma.

 - Contains antioxidants and compounds that may support heart health.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced)

 - Calories: ~5

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0.2g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Provides a strong aromatic flavor.

 - Contains allicin, which may have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Mixed Vegetables (1 cup, chopped)

 - Calories: ~50

 - Carbohydrates: ~12g

 - Protein: ~2g

 - Fat: ~0.5g

Benefits:

 - Provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

 - Adds color and texture to the dish.

Meat (1 cup, chicken, shrimp, or pork, sliced)

 - Chicken: ~165 calories, 31g protein, 3.6g fat

 - Shrimp: ~85 calories, 20g protein, 0.8g fat

 - Pork: ~242 calories, 25g protein, 17g fat

Benefits:

 - High in protein, supports muscle growth and repair.

 - Provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Eggs (2, lightly beaten)

 - Calories: ~70

 - Carbohydrates: ~0.6g

 - Protein: ~6g

 - Fat: ~5g

Benefits:

 - High-quality protein source.

 - Contains essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and B12.

Soy Sauce (3 tablespoons)

 - Calories: ~30

 - Carbohydrates: ~2g

 - Protein: ~2g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds saltiness and umami flavor.

 - Provides a small amount of protein and minerals.

Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: ~10

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~1g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a salty, umami flavor.

 - Provides some protein and minerals.

Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: ~10

 - Carbohydrates: ~2g

 - Protein: ~0.5g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a savory, umami flavor.

 - Contains some protein and minerals.

Sugar (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: ~16

 - Carbohydrates: ~4g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness to balance flavors.

Ground Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon)

 - Calories: ~3

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0.1g

 - Fat: ~0.1g

Benefits:

 - Adds a mild heat and flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and can aid digestion.

Green Onions (2, sliced)

 - Calories: ~5

 - Carbohydrates: ~1g

 - Protein: ~0.2g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.

 - Contains vitamins A and C, and has antioxidant properties.

Fresh Cilantro (for garnish, optional)

 - Calories: ~1

 - Carbohydrates: ~0.2g

 - Protein: ~0.1g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a fresh flavor and color.

 - Rich in vitamins A and C, and has antioxidant properties.

Lime Wedges (for serving, optional)

 - Calories: ~2

 - Carbohydrates: ~0.5g

 - Protein: ~0g

 - Fat: ~0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a tangy flavor.

 - Rich in vitamin C, supports immune and skin health.

Enjoy your fried rice!