Irresistible Pad Thai Recipe: A Flavorful Thai Delight

Imagine diving into a plate of Pad Thai, where each bite delivers a delightful dance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. The noodles are perfectly chewy, mingling with crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro, while the rich aroma wafts through the air, making your mouth water long before the first forkful hits your lips. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Thailand.

Pad Thai holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of that one unforgettable evening spent at a street vendor in Bangkok. Surrounded by friends, laughter, and a chorus of sizzling woks, we savored every delicious bite under twinkling lights. Serving this Pad Thai recipe at home feels like I’m summoning that magical night back to life. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an adventurous weekend feast, this dish promises an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone feeling happy and satisfied.

I still remember the first time I made Pad Thai for my family; their delighted reactions were priceless.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Rice Noodles: Use flat rice noodles for that authentic chewy texture; soak them in hot water until tender.

• Shrimp or Chicken: Choose fresh shrimp or chicken breast for the best results; both proteins work beautifully in this dish.

• Eggs: Eggs add richness and depth; scramble them light and fluffy for the best texture.

• Bean Sprouts: Fresh bean sprouts provide crunch and freshness; add them just before serving for maximum crispness.

• Green Onions: Sliced green onions enhance flavor and color; use both green tops and white parts for balance.

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro offers vibrant herbal notes; chop finely and sprinkle generously on top before serving.

• Peanuts: Crushed peanuts deliver crunch and nuttiness; feel free to toast them slightly for added flavor.

For the Sauce:

• Tamarind Paste: Essential for authentic flavor; if unavailable, mix lime juice and brown sugar as a substitute.

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness without sacrificing taste; use it liberally in your sauce mixture.

• Fish Sauce: This salty condiment adds depth; just a dash goes a long way in enhancing umami flavor.

• Brown Sugar: Sweeten the dish with brown sugar to balance out sour notes; adjust according to taste preference.

• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens everything up; add right before serving for optimal zing.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare your cooking area by gathering all ingredients and tools needed like a wok or large skillet.

Soak Your Noodles: Place rice noodles in hot water for about 15 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside while you prep other ingredients.

Cook Your Protein: In a hot wok, add oil followed by shrimp or chicken. Sauté until golden brown and cooked through—about 4-5 minutes for shrimp or 6-8 minutes for chicken.

Add Aromatics: Push protein to one side of the wok. Add minced garlic and sliced green onions on the other side until fragrant—around 30 seconds should do!

Scramble Eggs: Move everything aside again and crack eggs into the pan. Scramble lightly until just set—this adds richness to our Pad Thai.

Toss It All Together: Add soaked noodles along with tamarind paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Toss everything together over heat until well combined—about 3-4 minutes so flavors meld beautifully.

Add Crunchy Toppings: Just before serving, toss in bean sprouts and crushed peanuts. Serve hot with extra lime wedges on the side for those who enjoy an extra zing!

Now you’ve made Pad Thai! Enjoy every bite while reminiscing about bustling streets filled with delicious aromas!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by soaking the rice noodles in warm water while you prepare your sauce and toppings. This ensures they are tender yet chewy when it’s time to stir-fry.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to switch out shrimp for chicken or tofu, or add veggies like bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

I remember the first time I made this pad thai recipe for my friends. They were so impressed that they started taking pictures of their plates instead of eating!

FAQ

What can I substitute for fish sauce in the pad thai recipe?

You can use soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and lime juice as alternatives.

Can I make this pad thai recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just replace shrimp with tofu and omit any animal products.

How do I make my pad thai spicy?

Add sliced chili peppers or a dash of sriracha to spice up your dish!

Print

Savory Pad Thai

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this classic Pad Thai, where chewy rice noodles harmonize with fresh shrimp or chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a zesty sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this dish captures the essence of Thailand in every mouthwatering bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz flat rice noodles
• 1 cup shrimp or chicken breast, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
• 2 tbsp tamarind paste
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• Juice of 1 lime

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Instructions

1. Soak rice noodles in hot water for about 15 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a hot wok, add oil and sauté shrimp or chicken until golden brown (4-5 minutes for shrimp; 6-8 minutes for chicken).
3. Push protein to one side and add minced garlic and sliced green onions until fragrant (30 seconds).
4. Crack eggs into the wok and scramble until just set.
5. Add soaked noodles, tamarind paste, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice; stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until well combined.
6. Toss in bean sprouts and crushed peanuts just before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Customize by swapping shrimp with tofu or adding vegetables like bell peppers for extra crunch. Keep your ingredients fresh for the best flavor and texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in a skillet with a splash of water.