Craving a taste of Thailand? Look no further than Khao Pad Goong, the quintessential Thai shrimp fried rice. This isn't your average fried rice; it's a vibrant explosion of flavors, a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and subtly spicy. Forget bland takeout – this recipe unlocks the secret to authentic Thai fried rice, teaching you how to achieve that signature fragrant aroma and perfectly cooked rice, all while using readily available ingredients. We'll guide you through creating a dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious, bursting with the fresh taste of shrimp and the fragrant essence of Thai basil.
From perfectly prepping the rice to mastering the wok hei (that smoky, slightly charred flavor), we’ll walk you through each step of the process. This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a restaurant-quality meal you'll be proud to serve. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below and create some amazing Khao Pad Goong!
Tools Needed
- wok
- small bowl
- stove
Ingredients
- Shrimp: 10 small
- Chinese broccoli: 1 large leaf
- White onion: 1/2 small
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Egg: 1
- Day-old rice
- Fish sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Chili: 5
- Lime: 1/2
- Soy sauce: 1/2 tablespoon
- Oyster sauce: 1/2 tablespoon
- Sugar: a pinch
- Oil: 1 tablespoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Sauce
- Add fish sauce to a bowl. Add finely sliced chilies. Squeeze in half a lime. Set aside.
- Peel shrimp, leaving the tail on.
- Mince garlic. Slice onion into wedges. Finely slice Chinese broccoli into 1cm strips. Slice green onions.
Step 2. Stir-fry Shrimp and Rice
- Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry for 15 seconds.
- Add shrimp and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Add half the rice to soak up the shrimp juices.
- Push rice to one side, crack an egg into the wok, scramble, and mix with the rice and shrimp.
- Add the remaining rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir-fry for 15 seconds.
Step 3. Add Vegetables and Finish
- Add Chinese broccoli and sliced white onion. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Add green onions. Stir-fry for a few more seconds. Remove from heat.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve with a lime wedge, pepper, and Prik Nam Pla.
Read more: Thai Mussel Pie Tee: Michelin-Starred Amuse-Bouche Recipe
Tips
- Use day-old rice for best results. If using freshly cooked rice, let it cool completely.
- Adjust chili amount to your spice preference.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the wok. This helps them brown nicely and prevents the rice from becoming soggy.
2. What if I don't have fish sauce?
While fish sauce is key to authentic flavor, you can substitute with a combination of soy sauce (1 tbsp) and a dash of Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp) for a similar salty umami taste. Adjust to your preference.
So there you have it – your very own plate of authentic Thai shrimp fried rice! Enjoy the fragrant flavors and satisfying texture of this classic dish, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a more elaborate dinner party. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound Khao Pad Goong expertise!