Hello from Thailand everyone!
Adding spicy chili paste to fried rice is a great idea, as it adds a perfect balance of heat and flavor. There are many types of chili paste that can be used, each offering a unique aroma and taste.
This afternoon, my mother-in-law brought over some homemade Mang Da chili paste, which is delicious even when paired with plain hot rice and fresh vegetables. Of course, I set aside some to make fried rice for my husband, as he loves fried rice, especially with Mang Da chili paste. I added eggs and squid to make it even more delightful, and it turned out perfectly. Here's the simple and quick recipe.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup of cooked jasmine rice, cooled
- 1 tablespoon Mang Da Chilli Paste
- 2 fresh squids
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon diced carrot
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon diced onion
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
- A pinch of white sugar
- A pinch of ground white pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Mang Da Chilli Paste Thai called Nam Prik Mang Da. It's a chili paste with a unique aroma from the Mang Da insect (a type of insect with a strong, pungent smell).
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the Squid
- Wash the squid in water mixed with salt to remove the fishy smell,then rinse several times with clean water. Slice it into rings. Blanch the squid in boiling water for a very short time. Drain and set aside.
(I blanch the squid first because it won't release water when stir-fried later. This prevents the fried rice from becoming soggy and also removes any fishy odor.)
- Crack the egg into a bowl and beat it lightly.
Place a pan over medium heat.Add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and fry until fragrant and starting to turn golden brown.
Add the Mang Da Chilli Paste and stir-fry with the garlic until fragrant.
- Push the garlic and Mangda Chilli Paste mixture to one side of the pan.Pour the beaten egg into the empty space.
- Wait for the egg to begin to set, then use your spatula to scramble it into small pieces. Mix the scrambled egg together with the garlic and relish.
- Add the diced carrot and diced onion.Stir-fry briefly until they are just cooked through.
- Add the prepared blanched squid.Stir-fry everything together
- Add the cooked jasmine rice. Stir-fry everything together until well combined.
Season with oyster sauce,light soy sauce, fish sauce, and a pinch of white sugar. Continue to stir-fry until the sauces are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more saltiness or sweetness if needed.
- Add the ground white pepper and chopped cilantro.Give everything one final stir to combine. Turn off the heat.
- Scoop the fried rice onto a plate.Serve immediately with sliced cucumber or your favorite vegetables.
YUMMY!!
- This Stir-fried Rice with Mang Da Chilli Paste and Squid is an explosion of complex, bold, and utterly addictive Thai flavors.
This is no ordinary dish. It is an intense and flavorful fried rice experience. The unique umami taste of mang da chili paste is enhanced by sweet, fresh squid and aromatic spices. Every bite is a perfect blend of soft rice, squid cooked just right, tender but not chewy, crisp vegetables, and a deep, impressive flavor. Served with cool, crunchy cucumbers, it creates a perfect contrast that makes me immediately crave another bite.
So, how about this menu? Easy and yummy 😃 Thank you all for visiting. See you again soon!
