Thai Fried Rice (Khao Pad)

Step 1

For the rice:Break up the cold, day old rice by gently rubbing it between your hands. Feel free to use clean bare hands (with or without gloves) or break up the rice in a resealable bag.

Step 2

For the gai lan (Chinese broccoli):Trim off the ends of the gai lan and discard. Separate the leaves from the thick stem and keep boths separated. Cut the leaves into 1 inch pieces and cut the thick stems diagonally into ¼ inch slices.

Step 3

For the protein:If using chicken, beef, or pork, cut the meat into ¼ inch slices.If using shrimps, peel and devein the shrimps.

Step 4

Into a well seasoned wok or a large nonstick pan over medium heat, add about 2 tablespoons of oil, or enough to generously cover the bottom of the the wok/pan. Once the oil is hot, add the eggs and scramble until the eggs are just cooked, about 15 to 30 seconds. Remove the eggs and set aside.

Step 5

Into the same wok/pan over medium heat, add about a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the prepared protein. Season the protein with a generous pinch of salt and stir fry until the protein is just cooked. Remove and set set aside.*No need for a hard sear, as color is not necessary, but would not hurt if the protein has color.*

Step 6

To the same wok/pan over medium heat, add a generous amount of oil, about 3 tablespoons. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and bird's eye chili. Sauté until fragrant, about 15 seconds.

Step 7

Add the cold, day old rice and sauté briefly, until the rice are evenly coated with oil, about 15 to 30 seconds.

Step 8

To the rice, add the gai lan stems and diced onions. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the gai lan leaves and cook for about another minute, or until the leaves are wilted.

Step 9

Add the cooked protein and scrambled eggs to the rice and stir fry briefly to combine. Season with fish sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir fry the rice until the rice is evenly colored and everything is hot.

Step 10

Finish the fried rice by adding the tomato wedges and sliced green onions. Stir fry for about 15 seconds to combine.

Step 11

Enjoy the Thai fried rice while hot, topped with chopped cilantro and serve with sliced cucumber and a squeeze of lime if you wish.