Thai Style Fried Rice

This fried rice dish accompanies the Thai Grilled Shrimp on Thai Rice posted earlier. However, it's good enough to stand on its own. It can be served with Thai style chicken or with another entree altogether. It is spicy as the name implies; but it is delicious and very natural.

We like the colorful mini peppers that add a bit of sweetness and crunch. The spiciness is medium heat but you can add more heat by adding more red pepper flakes. It's best to cook the rice first then cool it with a cold water rinse and shake dry before adding it to the veggies to brown a bit. As you can see, the rice looks great with the grilled shrimp.

Serves: 2
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 15-20 min

INGREDIENTS
1 C Jasmine or other long grain rice
3-4 mini peppers in red, orange and yellow cut in 1/2" pieces
1/2 white onion, diced into 1/4" pieces
1 large jalapeno pepper, diced into 1/8" pieces
3 large garlic cloves, sliced crosswise into thin slices
1" ginger, chopped fine
2 large eggs, all mixed up (aren't we all)
1/4 C cilantro
sesame oil; we prefer either the toasted or dark oil from Japan
1T fish sauce
1 t hoisin sauce
pinch of red pepper flakes
1/4 pound Thai spiced cashews

PREPARATION
1. Bring 2 cups water to a boil; add rice and turn heat down to a low boil.
2. Cook for 15 minutes, then drain water in a colander and wash with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Reserve and let dry before proceeding.
Note: If you have problems with reserving rice or pasta, wash it, dry it and spray lightly with olive oil while stirring
3. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of sesame oil into a 12 inch pan. Heat to medium high heat. Oil will start to smoke lightly.
3. Add the eggs and stir until they start to cook. Then add the onion and jalapeno to soften. Add the sliced garlic and ginger and rice to pan and cook until slightly browned. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.

PLATING:
Place rice on a warmed plate and add the Thai style shrimp, or chicken or what have you. Or serve as a side dish with whatever Asian entree you choose. If vegetarian, this is an interesting main or side.
Serve with cilantro and lime wedges and a clever garnish.