# Gai tod (from Thai Girl in the Kitchen)

Video: [Southern Thai Fried Chicken Recipe - Gai Tod Hat Yai | Thai Girl in the Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFYTGAbkD1g) by [Thai Girl in the Kitchen](https://www.youtube.com/@ThaiGirlintheKitchen).
RecipesMD is not affiliated with Thai Girl in the Kitchen. Steps are paraphrased in our own words.
Status: machine-read from the video, not yet checked by a person.

- Serves: not stated
- Total time: not stated
- Ontario estimate*: ~$3.16 per serving, ~$6.32 for ~2 portions (assumed); saves ~$13.84* per serving (81%) vs ordering out (~$17.00*). * Estimate: predicted from the ingredient list: 3 line(s) priced from Ontario averages, the rest filled with typical costs for their type; the video doesn't state how many it serves, so 2 portions were assumed; restaurant comparison is a typical Ontario Southeast Asian restaurant plate at ~$17, before delivery fees, tax and tip. Prices: Ontario averages (StatCan 2026-07) + RecipesMD estimates, pro-rated, staples excluded.

## Ingredients

- some chicken legs and wings
- some garlic
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tsp coriander seeds
- 2 tsp white peppercorns
- 2 tsp salt
- 4-5 cloves garlic
- 4 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp water
- a couple shallots
- enough vegetable oil _(amount estimated)_
- 3 tbsp rice flour
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

## Steps

1. [2:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFYTGAbkD1g&t=142s) Toast cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and white peppercorns in a pan over medium heat for 0.5 to 1 minute.
2. [2:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFYTGAbkD1g&t=151s) Grind the toasted spices in a mortar and pestle.
3. [3:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFYTGAbkD1g&t=182s) Add salt, garlic cloves, and brown sugar to the mortar, then pound everything into a paste.
4. [3:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFYTGAbkD1g&t=199s) Pierce the chicken pieces with a knife or skewer to help flavors absorb.
5. [3:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFYTGAbkD1g&t=205s) Combine the chicken, spice paste, light soy sauce, and water in a bowl, mixing well.
6. [3:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFYTGAbkD1g&t=217s) Wrap the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
7. [4:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFYTGAbkD1g&t=255s) Soak whole shallots in room temperature water for about 15 minutes, then peel and slice them.
8. [5:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFYTGAbkD1g&t=304s) Pat the sliced shallots dry with paper towels.
9. [5:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFYTGAbkD1g&t=312s) Heat enough vegetable oil in a pan over medium-low heat, then fry the shallots until they turn yellow, remove them early, and drain on paper towels.
10. [6:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFYTGAbkD1g&t=388s) Mix rice flour and all-purpose flour directly into the marinated chicken.
11. [7:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFYTGAbkD1g&t=428s) Fry the coated chicken pieces in medium-low oil, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
12. [8:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFYTGAbkD1g&t=498s) Drizzle remaining marinade batter into the hot frying oil to create crispy bits, then strain.
13. [8:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFYTGAbkD1g&t=517s) Serve the fried chicken alongside sticky rice, sweet chili dipping sauce, fried shallots, and fresh cilantro.

## Equipment

- pan
- mortar and pestle
- mixing bowl
- knife
- cutting board
- paper towels
- skimmer spoon
- tongs

## What the video didn't say

- Servings not stated.
- Total cooking time not stated.
- Exact oil temperature not specified beyond medium-low heat.

Source page: https://recipesmd.com/v/thai-girl-in-the-kitchen-gai-tod