Kath_
Tasty Apprentice
Hey, foodies! Today, let's explore the vibrant and unique flavors of Thai cuisine with Kao Khluk Kapi, a delicious and aromatic dish that combines shrimp paste fried rice with an assortment of flavorful condiments. This dish is a culinary adventure that brings together savory, spicy, and umami notes in every bite. Let's dive into this delightful recipe together!
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp Paste Fried Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, cooled
- 2-3 tablespoons shrimp paste (kapi)
- 1-2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1-2 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 100g small shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 eggs, beaten
For Garnish and Condiments:
- Sliced cucumber
- Sliced raw green beans
- Sliced raw Thai eggplant (optional)
- Sliced raw mango (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Fresh mint leaves
- Roasted peanuts, crushed
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp Paste Fried Rice:
- In a bowl, mix shrimp paste with palm sugar until well combined.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped shallot, and chopped Thai bird's eye chilies. Sauté until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp and Eggs:
- Add small shrimp to the pan and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Push the shrimp to the side of the pan and pour beaten eggs into the empty space. Scramble until cooked.
- Stir-Fry with Rice:
- Add cooked jasmine rice to the pan. Break up any clumps and stir-fry until the rice is well coated with the shrimp paste mixture and heated through.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Transfer the shrimp paste fried rice to serving plates.
- Arrange sliced cucumber, green beans, Thai eggplant (if using), and mango (if using) on the side.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, mint leaves, and crushed roasted peanuts.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the rice.
Serving Suggestion:
- Enjoy Kao Khluk Kapi as a flavorful and satisfying meal. The combination of shrimp paste fried rice with fresh vegetables and herbs creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that will transport you to the bustling streets of Thailand!