Thai Khao Pad Recipe

Servings: 4 Total Time: 35 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Flavorful Thai Fried Rice with Jasmine Rice, Eggs, Chicken, and Fresh Herbs
Authentic Thai Khao Pad featuring flavorful fried jasmine rice with chicken, eggs, vegetables, cucumber, and lime wedges. View Gallery 1 photo
Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins
Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 480 kcal per serving
Best Season: All Season

Description

Khao Pad is Thailand’s classic fried rice dish, loved for its simplicity, versatility, and delicious flavor. Found everywhere from bustling street food stalls to family kitchens, this popular meal combines fragrant jasmine rice with eggs, chicken, onions, tomatoes, and savory seasonings for a satisfying dish that's quick enough for busy weeknights.

Unlike many other fried rice recipes, Thai Khao Pad is known for its light seasoning and fresh garnishes such as cucumber slices, lime wedges, and cilantro. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of savory, fresh, and slightly tangy flavors.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Rest Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Difficulty: Easy

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare.
  • Authentic Thai street food flavor.
  • Perfect use for leftover rice.
  • Family-friendly and customizable.
  • Great for lunch or dinner.
  • Packed with protein and vegetables.
  • Better than takeout.
  • Budget-friendly meal.

How to Make

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Make sure the rice is cold and separated.

Prepare the vegetables and chicken before cooking.

2. Cook the Eggs

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet.

Scramble the eggs until just set.

3. Stir-Fry the Chicken

Add the chicken and cook until lightly golden and fully cooked.

4. Add the Vegetables

Add onions and tomatoes.

Stir-fry briefly while keeping the vegetables slightly crisp.

5. Fry the Rice

Add the jasmine rice and break apart any clumps.

Toss continuously to evenly distribute the ingredients.

6. Season the Rice

Add fish sauce, soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar.

Stir-fry until everything is well combined.

7. Finish and Serve

Add green onions and toss once more.

Serve immediately with cucumber slices, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro.

Tips for Perfect Thai Khao Pad

  • Use day-old jasmine rice for the best texture.
  • Cook over high heat for authentic flavor.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Prepare all ingredients before cooking.
  • Add lime juice just before eating for extra freshness.

Delicious Recipe Variations

Shrimp Khao Pad

Replace the chicken with peeled shrimp.

Crab Fried Rice

Use fresh lump crab meat for a seafood version.

Pork Fried Rice

Substitute thinly sliced pork for chicken.

Vegetarian Khao Pad

Use tofu and extra vegetables instead of meat.

What to Serve with Thai Khao Pad

  • Thai cucumber salad
  • Tom Yum soup
  • Fresh lime wedges
  • Sliced cucumber
  • Nam Pla Prik (Thai chili fish sauce)
  • Thai iced tea

How to Store Leftovers

Allow the fried rice to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.

Can Thai Khao Pad Be Frozen?

Yes.

Allow the rice to cool completely before freezing.

Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice

For Serving

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a wok and scramble the eggs until just cooked, then set aside.
  2. Stir-fry the chicken until fully cooked and lightly golden.
  3. Add the onion and tomato, cooking briefly until softened.
  4. Add the jasmine rice and stir-fry until heated through and separated.
  5. Season with fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar, then toss well.
  6. Return the eggs to the wok and add the green onions.
  7. Serve with cucumber slices, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro.
Keywords: Thai Khao Pad, Thai Fried Rice, Authentic Khao Pad, Thai Rice Recipe, Chicken Fried Rice, Thai Street Food
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Why is day-old rice recommended for Khao Pad?

Day-old rice contains less moisture, helping create the ideal fried rice texture without becoming mushy.

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes. Shrimp is a very popular variation of Thai fried rice.

What gives Khao Pad its authentic flavor?

Fish sauce, jasmine rice, high-heat cooking, and fresh garnishes create the signature Thai flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the chicken with tofu and use vegetarian seasoning alternatives.

What is traditionally served with Khao Pad?

Cucumber slices, lime wedges, and Thai chili fish sauce are traditional accompaniments.

 
 
 

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