Thai Fried Rice Kao Pad
Transform your kitchen into a Thai street food haven with this authentic Thai Fried Rice (Kao Pad) recipe! Made with fragrant jasmine rice, perfectly stir-fried with savory soy and fish sauce, and tossed with a mix of fresh veggies, scrambled eggs, and your choice of protein, this dish is bursting with bold, umami flavors. The secret to its irresistible texture is using day-old rice, creating the perfect base for soaking up the delicious, slightly sweet and salty sauce. Garnished with vibrant cilantro, crisp cucumber slices, and a squeeze of fresh lime, this one-pan wonder is ready in just 25 minutes and makes a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to share, Kao Pad delivers an authentic taste of Thailand straight to your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups Jasmine rice (day-old, cooked)
- 2 tablespoons Oil (vegetable or canola)
- 2 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 cup Protein of choice (chicken, shrimp, or tofu, diced or pre-cooked)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 1 medium Carrots (diced)
- 1 cup Peas (optional, frozen or fresh)
- 2 stalks Green onion (sliced)
- 1 whole Lime (cut into wedges)
- 1 small Cucumber slices (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro (optional, chopped)
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground white pepper (optional)
Instructions
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Push the garlic to one side of the pan and crack in the eggs. Scramble the eggs gently until just set, then mix them with the garlic.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and peas (if using) to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Add your protein of choice (chicken, shrimp, or tofu). If already pre-cooked, heat through for about 1-2 minutes.
Add the day-old jasmine rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula or spoon.
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar until combined. Pour the sauce mixture over the rice and toss everything together to coat evenly.
Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the sauce and develop a slight char.
Stir in the green onions and ground white pepper (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Turn off the heat and plate the fried rice. Garnish with lime wedges, cucumber slices, and chopped cilantro.
Serve hot and enjoy your authentic Thai Fried Rice (Kao Pad)!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
537 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 12.4 g | 16% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6 g | 13% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 143 mg | 48% | |
| Sodium | 698 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 74.7 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.8 g | ||
| Protein | 31.2 g | 62% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 90 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 574 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
