Thai Shrimp Fried Rice, known as “Kao Pad Goong” in Thai, is a delicious and aromatic dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures. It is a staple in Thai cuisine, enjoyed by people of all ages. Unlike other fried rice varieties, Thai fried rice is unique due to its combination of jasmine rice, fresh shrimp, and a delightful blend of seasonings that give it a distinct taste. This article will guide you through the process of making authentic Thai Shrimp Fried Rice, providing tips and variations to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
To make the perfect Thai Shrimp Fried Rice, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of jasmine rice (preferably cooked and chilled overnight)
- 1 pound of fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of frozen peas
- 1/4 cup of scallions (chopped)
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
- Cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- Thai red chili (optional for added spice)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Thai Shrimp Fried Rice:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cook the rice: Ideally, use day-old jasmine rice that has been chilled overnight. This helps achieve the perfect texture for fried rice.
- Prepare the shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, then pat them dry with paper towels.
- Chop the vegetables: Mince the garlic, finely chop the onion, slice the red bell pepper, and chop the scallions.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced red bell pepper and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Step 4: Fry the Rice
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of oil.
- Crack the eggs into the skillet and scramble them until fully cooked.
- Add the chilled jasmine rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
- Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the sauces.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and add the frozen peas.
- Toss everything together and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the shrimp is heated and the flavors are well combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped scallions.
- Serve the Thai Shrimp Fried Rice with lime wedges and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. For a spicy kick, add slices of Thai red chili.
Tips and Variations
- Tips for Perfect Fried Rice: Use day-old rice for the best texture. Freshly cooked rice may become mushy when fried.
- Spicy Thai Shrimp Fried Rice: Add Thai red chili or a dash of sriracha sauce for an extra spicy kick.
- Chicken Thai Fried Rice: Replace shrimp with chicken breast or thigh pieces for a different protein option.
- Vegetarian Thai Fried Rice: Skip the shrimp and add more vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Khao Pad Recipe Variations: Experiment with different proteins and vegetables to create your personalized Khao Pad dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving (recipe serves 4):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
Thai Shrimp Fried Rice, or Kao Pad Goong, is a delightful dish that brings the authentic flavors of Thailand to your kitchen. Its aromatic ingredients and savory taste make it a favorite for many. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out, experiment with variations, and share your experience with us in the comments. Don’t forget to share this recipe on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes.