Khao pad sapparod is the pineapple fried rice.
In the Thai language, “Khao Pad” translates to “fried rice”, while “Sapparod” means “pineapple”. Therefore, Khao Pad Sapparod essentially means “pineapple fried rice”.
The dish originated in Thailand only about a hundred years ago, but the culture of eating steamed rice with pineapple or other fruits like bananas, mangoes, or watermelons has existed since ancient times in Thai society.
Especially in rural areas of Thailand, it is hypothesized that the choice to eat rice with pineapple came from the Chinese influence in Thailand, who have always had a culture of consuming fruit, thus creating a fusion of cultures.
Generally, Khao Pad Sapparod incorporates proteins such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu, while garlic, shallots, and chilies are added to provide an extra spicy kick.
The more elaborate version, Khao op sapparot, has the rice served inside a hollowed-out pineapple and garnished with raisins and cashews (see photo at the bottom), but typically the two versions overlap.
This is what I tasted at Mama kitchen in Ao Nang during the first part of my trip to Thailand in October 2024.
And even in Brazil, they have a traditional recipe, but based on shrimp, served in the pineapple….
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice (cooked)
- 1/2 pineapple (diced)
- 7 oz shrimp (or chicken or tofu)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 shallots (finely chopped)
- 3 Thai chilies (chopped)
- 2 tbsps fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 eggs (1 egg white and 1 whole egg)
- as needed vegetable oil
- as needed lime (for garnish)
Steps
First, heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sauté the chopped garlic and shallots until they release a fragrant aroma.
Add the shrimp.
Break the egg white on one side of the wok, breaking an egg on the other side. Scramble the egg well.
Then add the cold jasmine rice, mixing it well with the egg.
Incorporate the pineapple pieces and Thai chilies, continuing to stir-fry.
In a separate bowl, mix the fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar.Pour this mixture over the rice, stirring to coat everything evenly.
Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more fish sauce for a salty touch or sugar for a sweeter touch.
Once all the ingredients are well combined, remove from the heat.
Serve the Khao Pad Sapparod hot, garnished with lime slices.
This is the perfect and abundant version of Khao op sapparot enjoyed at the restaurant of the “Villa Cha Cha” Resort in Ao Nam Mao, Krabi, where I stayed between October and November 2024.
This is the perfect and abundant version of Khao op sapparot enjoyed at the restaurant of the “Villa Cha Cha” Resort in Ao Nam Mao, Krabi, where I stayed between October and November 2024.
FAQ
Is it true that Khao pad sapparod is mentioned in a Mickey Mouse episode?
Yes, pineapple fried rice is in the episode of Mickey Mouse by Walt Disney “Our Floating Dreams” published on YouTube worldwide on 06/22/19.
The story tells of the floating market of Thailand and its origin.
