Khao Pad Nam Prik Narok: Fried Rice from Hell
Khao Pad Nam Prik Narok is jasmine fried rice with the dry, intensely spicy chili paste Nam Prik Narok. The seasoning gives the rice a reddish hue and creates a robust flavor with a distinct heat. Nam Prik Narok can be translated as "chili paste from the underworld" or "chili paste from hell."
Ideally, use leftover cooked rice, as the grains remain dry and loose when fully chilled. Those who prefer the heat to be less "hellish" should start with less Nam Prik and sprinkle more on when serving.
Ingredients for 2 servings of Khao Pad Nam Prik Narok
| Leftover jasmine rice | 400 g |
| Nam Prik Narok | 2-3 tsp |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Napa cabbage leaves | 3 pieces |
| Light soy sauce | 3 tbsp |
| Fish sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Golden Mountain sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Vegetable oil | 3 tbsp |
Preparation
- Loosen the jasmine rice. Peel the garlic and mince finely. Cut the Napa cabbage into bite-sized strips.
- Whisk the light soy sauce, fish sauce, and Golden Mountain sauce together in a small bowl.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Add the Nam Prik Narok and stir-fry briefly until its aroma develops.
- Add the rice to the wok and mix thoroughly with the Nam Prik until evenly tinted red.
- Fry the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, and break up any clumps.
- Fold in the Napa cabbage and sauté briefly. Add the sauce mixture and toss everything thoroughly until the sauce has been absorbed by the rice.
- Serve the Khao Pad Nam Prik Narok immediately while hot and sprinkle with more Nam Prik Narok to taste.
