Thai Style Crab Fried Rice

Thai Style Crab Fried Rice: A Flavorful and Quick Meal

If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to whip up, this Thai Style Crab Fried Rice is the perfect choice. With tender crab meat, fragrant garlic, and perfectly seasoned rice, this dish brings the essence of Thailand right to your kitchen. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want something light yet satisfying. Pair it with a tangy Prik Nam Pla sauce and garnish with fresh cucumber, cilantro, and lime for an authentic touch.

Ingredients:

For the Fried Rice:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 3 cups day-old long grain rice
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
• 2 teaspoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 can (6 oz / 170 g) lump crab meat, drained (yield 1/2 cup)
• 1/3 cup finely diced carrots
• 1/4 white onion, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced (or 1/2 small white onion, diced)

For the Side Sauce (Prik Nam Pla) (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, sliced
• 1 bird’s eye chili, sliced (or 1/2 small serrano pepper)
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

For Garnish (Optional):

• 1 Persian cucumber, sliced on a bias
• 1 lime wedge
• Sprig of cilantro

Directions:

1. Prepare the Side Sauce (Optional):

• In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, bird’s eye chili, and sugar. Stir well and set aside. This Prik Nam Pla sauce adds a tangy, spicy kick to the dish.

2. Cook the Garlic and Eggs:

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot.
• Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until it just starts to brown and becomes fragrant.
• Pour in the beaten eggs. Let them cook until the bottom is set, then lightly scramble them.

3. Add the Rice and Seasonings:

• Once the eggs are mostly cooked, add the day-old rice. Break apart the rice and stir it into the eggs.
• Cook until the rice is fully separated and lightly toasted.
• Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Stir well to combine.

4. Toast the Rice with Butter:

• Stir in the butter and toast the rice for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the flavors meld together.

5. Add the Crab and Vegetables:

• Gently stir in the lump crab meat, carrots, white onion, and green onions. Continue cooking for another minute until everything is heated through and well mixed.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.

6. Serve and Garnish:

• Transfer the fried rice to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh cucumber slices, a lime wedge, and a sprig of cilantro for extra freshness.
• Serve hot with the optional Prik Nam Pla sauce on the side for added flavor.

Recipe Notes:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: 340 kcal per serving
• Servings: 2-3 servings

A Perfect Blend of Flavors

This Thai Style Crab Fried Rice brings together savory, sweet, and umami flavors in every bite. The addition of tender crab meat adds a touch of luxury to this comforting dish, while the soy sauce, fish sauce, and white pepper create a balanced seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. The optional Prik Nam Pla sauce provides an extra layer of spice and tang, perfect for those who love a bit of heat.

Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something a little more special, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it with simple garnishes like cucumber slices, cilantro, and lime to brighten the flavors, and enjoy the taste of Thailand at home!

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