Khao Pad Nam Prik - Fried rice with Thai chili paste
Feb 18, 2025
Nam Prik is a traditional Thai chili paste used in many dishes to add a spicy and aromatic flavor. It consists primarily of dried chilies, garlic, shallots, shrimp paste, and other spices blended into a thick paste. Nam Prik comes in several varieties, ranging from mild to very hot, and can be used both as a dip and as an ingredient in various dishes.
Fried rice is a popular dish in Thai cuisine and is a great way to use up leftover rice from the previous day. Stir-frying the rice in a wok gives it a slightly crispy texture and absorbs the flavors of the added ingredients. Combined with our Nam Prik Pao, fried rice becomes a flavorful and spicy dish that's quick and easy to prepare. The addition of vegetables, meat or shrimp, and eggs turns the dish into a complete meal that's both filling and delicious.
Ingredients for 3 - 4 servings of fried rice - Khao Pad Nam Prik Pao
Preparation takes no more than 15 minutes
Just follow our recipe.
| Cooked rice (preferably from the day before) | 2 cups |
| Nam Prik Paste | 1 - 2 tbsp |
| vegetable oil | 2 tbsp |
| shallot, finely chopped | 2 |
| Garlic clove, finely chopped | 2 |
| Carrot, diced | 1 |
| peppers, sliced | 1 |
| Shrimp, tofu or chicken | 100g |
| eggs | 2 |
| Spring onion, cut into rings | 2 |
| oyster sauce | 2 tbsp |
| fish sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Fresh coriander and limes for garnishing | as desired |
Preparation of Khao Pad Nam Prik
1. Preparation : Gather all ingredients and fluff up the rice from the previous day.
2. Heat the wok : Heat the wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
3. Stir-fry the Nam Prik : Add the chili paste (Nam Prik) to the wok and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add vegetables : Add onion, garlic, carrot and pepper to the wok and fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
5. Meat or Shrimp : If using, add the chicken or shrimp and cook until tender.
6. Add eggs : Crack the eggs into the wok and stir-fry until set.
7. Add rice : Add the cooked rice and mix well with the other ingredients.
8. Seasoning : Add oyster sauce, fish sauce and sugar and mix well.
9. Spring onions : Add the spring onions and fry briefly.
10. Serve : Divide the fried rice between plates and garnish with fresh coriander and lime wedges.
Did you know...?
No soy sauce : Unlike Chinese fried rice, khao pad is traditionally prepared without soy sauce. Instead, fish sauce and oyster sauce are used to achieve the typical Thai flavor.
Jasmine rice : Khao Pad is prepared with fragrant jasmine rice, which adds a special touch to the dish. Jasmine rice is very popular in Thai cuisine and differs from the long-grain white rice used in Chinese recipes.
No cutlery : In Thailand, fried rice isn't typically eaten with chopsticks. Chopsticks are reserved for noodle dishes, which originated in China. Instead, khao pad is served with a spoon and fork.
Street Food : Khao Pad is a popular street food in Thailand and is often found at street stalls and small restaurants. It's a quick and easy dish, perfect for a quick meal on the go.
Versatility : Khao Pad can be prepared with various proteins such as chicken, pork, shrimp, or crab meat. This versatility makes it a dish that can easily be adapted to different tastes and preferences.
