Khai Pad, or Thai-style fried rice with chicken and vegetables, is a delicious and versatile dish. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here’s a simple recipe for making this flavorful dish:
Khai Pad (Thai Fried Rice with Chicken and Vegetables)
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast or thigh, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, peas, and corn)
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably cold or day-old)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper or black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until it is fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the Rice and Chicken:
- Add the cold cooked rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with a spatula.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well with the rice and vegetables.
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Season the Rice:
- Push the rice mixture to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them into the rice.
- Add the soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), oyster sauce (if using), ground pepper, and sugar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and heat through.
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Serve:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for added flavor.
Tips:
- Rice: Cold, day-old rice works best for fried rice as it’s less sticky and easier to stir-fry.
- Vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Adjust cooking times as needed.
- Spices: Adjust the amount of soy sauce and fish sauce to your taste.
Enjoy your homemade Khai Pad, a tasty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick meal!
