Discover how to make Rice Fried Rice (Khao Pad), a delicious Thai dish that's perfect for a quick meal. This recipe features stir-fried rice with a medley of fresh vegetables and tender meat, offering a savory and satisfying experience. Ideal for busy weeknights or a flavorful lunch, this easy-to-follow guide will have you enjoying homemade Khao Pad in no time!

Ingredients:

- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably cold)

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

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

- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, beef, or shrimp, diced

- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)

- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

- Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the Rice: Ensure the jasmine rice is cold and separated. This prevents clumping during stir-frying.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Cook Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Add Vegetables and Meat: Add the mixed vegetables and diced meat to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the meat is heated through.

Scramble Eggs: Push the vegetables and meat to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty space and scramble until cooked.

Combine Ingredients: Add the cold rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps. Stir everything together until well combined.

Season: Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), sugar, black pepper, and white pepper. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through and evenly coated with the seasonings.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Khao Pad, a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion!

Nutritional Values:

Jasmine Rice:

 - Calories: 205

 - Carbohydrates: 45g

 - Protein: 4g

 - Fat: 0.4g

 - Fiber: 0.6g

Benefits: Jasmine rice is a good source of energy due to its carbohydrate content. It's also easy to digest and has a subtle aroma that enhances the flavor of dishes.

Vegetable Oil:

 - Calories: 120

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 14g (of which 2g are saturated fats)

Benefits: Vegetable oil provides healthy fats, which are essential for maintaining cell structure and overall health. It's also a source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

Onion:

 - Calories: 44

 - Carbohydrates: 10g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Fiber: 2g

Benefits: Onions are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They support heart health and may help reduce blood sugar levels.

Garlic:

 - Calories: 4

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

 - Fiber: 0g

Benefits:Garlic contains allicin, which has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It supports immune health and may help reduce cholesterol levels.

Mixed Vegetables (Carrots, Peas, Bell Peppers):

 - Calories: 80

 - Carbohydrates: 18g

 - Protein: 3g

 - Fat: 0.5g

 - Fiber: 5g

Benefits: Mixed vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A (carrots), vitamin C (bell peppers), and folate (peas). They are high in fiber, which supports digestive health.

Cooked Chicken:

 - Calories: 165

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 31g

 - Fat: 4g

Benefits: Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is crucial for muscle repair and growth. It also provides important nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin.

Eggs:

 - Calories: 72

 - Carbohydrates: 0.6g

 - Protein: 6g

 - Fat: 5g (of which 1.6g are saturated fats)

Benefits: Eggs are a great source of protein and essential nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B12, and choline. They support brain health and muscle maintenance.

Soy Sauce:

 - Calories: 10

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Soy sauce adds flavor with minimal calories. It provides small amounts of protein and can be a source of antioxidants if low-sodium options are used.

Fish Sauce (optional):

 - Calories: 10

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Fish sauce adds umami flavor to dishes and provides a small amount of protein. It can also offer trace amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Sugar:

 - Calories: 16

 - Carbohydrates: 4g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: While sugar provides quick energy, it's important to use it in moderation to avoid excess calorie intake.

Black Pepper:

 - Calories: 6

 - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Black pepper contains piperine, which enhances nutrient absorption and may have antioxidant properties.

White Pepper (optional):

 - Calories: 6

 - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Similar to black pepper, white pepper can enhance flavor and may provide antioxidant benefits.

Cilantro:

 - Calories: 1

 - Carbohydrates: 0.2g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Cilantro is rich in vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains antioxidants and may aid in digestion and detoxification.

Lime Wedges:

 - Calories: 2

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Limes are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which support immune health and aid in skin health.

Using these ingredients, you can enjoy a balanced and nutritious meal with a variety of health benefits!