Kao Pad(Thai Fried Rice)
Kao Pad is a flavorful Thai fried rice dish with garlic, roasted pork, crab or shrimp, and aromatic soy sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal with garnishes. It suits rice lovers and fans of savory, quick dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a wok, brown the garlic in the bacon fat and add the diced roast pork.
- Pour the beaten egg over the pork and garlic, stirring quickly to prevent the egg from sitting.
- Add soy sauce, crab or shrimp, and cold cooked rice to the wok.
- Stir well, tossing lightly to combine all ingredients.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle with pepper to taste.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and cucumber slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use day-old rice as it helps prevent clumping. If you don’t have bacon fat, vegetable oil or sesame oil can be a suitable substitute. Add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition. Adjust soy sauce to taste, but be cautious as different brands can vary in saltiness. Adding a splash of lime juice can enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kao Pad hot, garnished with sliced green onions and cucumber slices for a fresh crunch. A side of pickled vegetables complements the dish well. It pairs beautifully with Pork, Shrimp, Ham Fried Rice for a hearty meal. Consider a light salad, like Cantonese Salad, to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Kao Pad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving for best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kao Pad(Thai Fried Rice) contains roughly 655 calories, with 6g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1109mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, frozen crab or shrimp can be used. Just ensure to thaw them thoroughly and drain any excess water before adding them to the wok. This helps maintain the dish's texture and prevents excess moisture from affecting the fried rice.
What can I substitute for roast pork?
You can substitute roast pork with cooked chicken, tofu for a vegetarian option, or even a mix of ham and bacon for a richer flavor. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins may require varying times to heat through.
Is it necessary to use a wok?
While a wok is ideal for even cooking and high heat, you can use a large skillet if you don't have one. Just ensure it has enough surface area to stir-fry the ingredients properly without overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of frying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).