Pineapple fried rice (Khao Pad Sapparod) - interesting Thai dish with an unusual serving

If you are a food lover and respect traditional dishes from different national cuisines, today you are in for a pleasant surprise. Let's go on a gastronomic journey to discover "Khao Pad Sapparod".

The origin of the dish

Before we delve into the intricacies of preparing Khao Pad Sapparod, let's trace its origin. "Khao Pad" in Thai means "fried rice" and "Sapparod" means "pineapple". Thus, Khao Pad Sapparod translates to "Fried rice with pineapple".

This reflects the appearance of the dish very well. Traditional Thai fried rice is not served on a simple plate, but on a handmade bowl of fresh pineapple. A great way to impress friends unfamiliar with Thai food!

This dish is believed to have originated in the bustling streets of Bangkok, where street vendors and home cooks discovered the delicious combination of pineapple and fried rice.

The sweetness of the pineapple blends well with the saltiness of the rice and an assortment of ingredients that create a great combination of flavors in every bite. Let's break down the main components of this tantalizing Thai dish:

Pineapple gives the dish a tropical sweetness. It not only enhances the flavor, but also creates a nice contrast with the other ingredients.

Jasmine rice, known for its flavor and slightly sticky texture, serves as the perfect base for the dish. It absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients.

Khao Pad Sapparod usually includes proteins such as shrimp, chicken or tofu, which give the dish a nice depth and heartiness. The choice of protein can be made according to your preference.

A colorful array of vegetables such as bell peppers, peas and carrots not only adds visual appeal to the dish but also enhances its nutritional value.

Thai cuisine is known for its use of flavorful herbs and spices. In Khao Pad Sapparod, garlic, shallots and chili peppers are usually added to give the dish a delightful spiciness and flavor.

The combination of soy sauce, fish sauce and a small amount of sugar creates the perfect balance of salty and sweet that is a hallmark of Thai cuisine. Lime juice or tamarind paste adds a touch of tartness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Cooking

Cooking Khao Pad Sapparod is not just about gathering ingredients, it is the art of cooking. Here is a simplified step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious dish:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, chilled
• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 200 g protein (shrimp, chicken or tofu)
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2-3 Thai chili peppers, chopped (season to your taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Lime wedges and fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the minced garlic and shallots and stir-fry until fragrant.
• Add your protein of choice and cook until pink and fried.
• Transfer the egg white to one side of the wok and break the egg into the other side. Whisk the egg until fully cooked.
• Pour in the cooked jasmine rice and stir-fry the egg-white mixture. Break up any lumps in the rice and ensure even mixing.
• Add the vegetable mixture, pineapple chunks and Thai chili peppers. Stir-fry for a few more minutes until the vegetables are soft.
• In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, soy sauce and sugar. Pour this sauce over the rice mixture and stir to coat evenly.
• Taste to taste and add more seasoning if necessary. You can add more fish sauce for saltiness or sugar for sweetness.
• When everything is well mixed and heated through, remove from heat.
• Prepare the pineapple by cutting out the pulp and transfer the hot rice into it.
• Serve Khao Pad Sapparod hot, garnished with lime slices and fresh cilantro.

If you love seafood, use juicy shrimp or pieces of tender fish to make Khao Pad Sapparod. The sweetness of the seafood blends perfectly with the pineapple to create an unforgettable seafood dish.

For vegetarians and vegans, simply omit the animal protein and substitute tofu or tempeh. The pineapple flavor and aromatic seasonings will still remain on point, creating a delicious meatless alternative.

Serving

The magic of Khao Pad Sapparod lies in its ability to harmonize seemingly contrasting elements. This dish demonstrates Thailand's culinary prowess by combining sweet and salty, spicy and mild, soft and crunchy.

The colorful array of ingredients and artistic presentation on the plate make it a dish that not only satisfies hunger, but also pleases the eye. No wonder Thai cuisine is often described as a work of art on a plate.

To truly savor the flavor of Khao Pad Sapparod, you can prepare a few drinks and a dessert. A refreshing Thai beer such as Singha, Tiger or Chang will complement the spiciness of the dish. Thai iced tea or coconut water add a cooling contrast to the heat of the chili peppers. Fresh fruit such as watermelon or papaya would make a great dessert to round out the meal.