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A Delicious Twist on Traditional Fried Rice: Shrimp Paste Fried Rice

Thai fried rice is a delightful dish that incorporates a unique blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors, making it a favorite among Asian cuisine lovers. Featuring shrimp paste, a staple ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes, this fried rice recipe is sure to impress both adults and kids alike. Plus, it's easy to prepare, making it a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients You'll Need

To create this fragrant and flavorful shrimp paste fried rice, you will need the following ingredients:

• Garlic

• Red onion

• Shallots

• Prawns (fresh or frozen)

• Salt

• White pepper

• Sake

• Oil for frying

• Cooked rice

• Eggs

• Fish sauce

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Each of these ingredients contributes to the dish's overall taste, with shrimp paste offering a distinctive aroma and flavor that elevates your fried rice experience.

Preparation Steps

Dicing the Aromatics

Begin by preparing your aromatics. Dice the garlic, red onion, and shallots into small pieces. If you're new to cooking or need a reminder, it is important to complete this step ahead of time for smooth cooking.

Preparing the Prawns

Next, rinse and pat dry your prawns. If you prefer, you can remove the tails, especially if you're cooking for children. Using frozen prawns is a budget-friendly option, and you'll find that the taste remains similar to fresh ones.

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Before cooking, season the prawns with salt, white pepper, and a splash of sake. This will enhance their flavor significantly. Mix the prawns well to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Cooking the Fried Rice

Step One: Sautéing the Prawns

Now it’s time to heat some oil in a pan and fry the seasoned prawns over medium heat until they are nicely cooked on both sides. Once done, set the prawns aside.

Step Two: Cooking the Aromatics and Shrimp Paste

In the same pan, lower the heat and add the diced garlic and red onion shallots. Allow them to sauté until they become fragrant, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

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Afterward, incorporate the shrimp paste into the mixture. This traditional Southeast Asian ingredient, made from fermented shrimp, adds a significant depth of flavor to the dish. Sauté it until it’s fragrant, stirring it well with the garlic and onion shallots.

Step Three: Frying the Rice

Increase the heat to high and toss in your cooked rice. The key to great fried rice is to ensure it is dry—too much moisture will result in a soggy dish. Stir-fry the rice until it begins to achieve that ideal dry texture.

Push the rice to the edges of the pan, creating space in the center. Pour a bit of oil into the center of the pan and crack an egg directly into it. Stir the egg slightly as it begins to cook, and then mix it into the rice.

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Reintroduce the cooked prawns into the pan and stir everything together until combined and the rice is dry.

Final Touches

Finally, add a splash of fish sauce and toss in the remaining shallots. Stir-fry the ingredients one last time until everything is well combined, and let the enticing aroma fill your kitchen.

Serving Your Fried Rice

Once your fried rice has reached the perfect dryness and is infused with rich flavors, turn off the heat. Transfer the dish to a plate, and it's ready to serve!

This shrimp paste fried rice is not only easy to make but also a delightful dish that will no doubt become a family favorite.

Conclusion

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In summary, this recipe for shrimp paste fried rice showcases a unique and delicious Asian flavor that is perfect for any evening meal. It’s quick to prepare, encourages family cooking, and introduces everyone to the incredible tastes of Asian cuisine. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try, and you might find yourself cooking it on repeat! Enjoy!

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Unable to summarize video: No transcript found.

Unable to summarize video: No transcript found.

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The Rise of Nina Métayer: A Journey to Culinary Mastery

Nina Métayer, a name that resonates with cake lovers around the globe, has been hailed as the world's best pastry chef. Her journey to the top, however, has been anything but easy. As one of the few women in a predominantly male industry, Nina's rise within the pastry world is marked by determination, resilience, and an undeniable passion for baking.

From La Rochelle to Las Vegas: Overcoming Adversity

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Hailing from La Rochelle, a picturesque port city in western France, Nina's love for baking blossomed during her teenage years spent in Mexico. It was there that she nurtured a dream of opening her own bakery. However, as she transitioned from high school to professional training, Nina faced substantial obstacles in the competitive pastry industry.

Initially training as a baker proved challenging. With limited opportunities available, she felt the pressure mounting. Her perseverance led her to pursue additional training, specializing in pastry making. This decision proved to be pivotal, opening doors for her in some of the world's most luxurious hotels and gourmet restaurants.

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Nina’s hard work eventually garnered attention and respect within the culinary community. Her dedication culminated in a moment of immense pride when she was awarded the title of the 'World's Best Pastry Chef' in 2024 at an event in Las Vegas. This accolade not only showcases her skill but also highlights her role as a trailblazer for women in the field.

The Art and Science of Nina's Chocolate Tart

With her own patisserie established in 2020 and a market stall in Issy-les-Moulineaux opened the following year, Nina has gained a reputation for her delectable desserts, none more famous than her signature chocolate tart.

Crafting this confection is an intricate process that exhibits both her technical skill and artistic sensibility.

The Crust and Filling: A Careful Process

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The journey begins with the tart crust, which Nina meticulously prepares, spreading and smoothing it to the perfect consistency. The rich filling combines a blend of milk, egg yolks, sugar, cream, and high-quality chocolate. She heats the milk and cream, mixing in the egg yolks and sugar before incorporating the chocolate pieces until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.

After a brief blending, the chocolate cream is set in the fridge to chill, allowing the flavors to develop.

A Sweet Touch: Caramelized Pecans

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Next, Nina shifts her focus to the pecans. In a pot, she caramelizes these nuts with sugar and a bit of water, ensuring they don't clump together by adding just the right amount of butter. The result is a delightful crunch that complements the smooth chocolate cream beautifully.

Once the chocolate cream is prepared and chilled, it is lovingly dotted onto the crumb crust. Nina finishes the tart with a light dusting of cocoa powder and the caramelized pecans. The pièce de résistance is the addition of paper-thin chocolate flakes that not only look stunning but also enhance the overall flavor profile.

Advice for Aspiring Pastry Chefs

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For those inspired by her remarkable journey and wishing to follow in her footsteps, Nina offers invaluable advice. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and continuous learning within the culinary arts. Throughout her ascent from an under-appreciated baker to a celebrated pastry chef, these qualities have been instrumental in her success.

Conclusion: A Sweet Legacy

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As Nina Métayer continues to enchant the world with her creations, she remains an inspiring figure in the pastry realm. Her story is a testament to the greatness that can emerge from determination and passion. From her humble beginnings in La Rochelle to the bright lights of Las Vegas, Nina’s journey reflects not only her culinary genius but also her role as a pioneer for women in the culinary industry. With each cake and tart, she continues to write her legacy, one sweet bite at a time.