Pad Thai Recipe
Pad Thai is a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish that balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors in a single, delicious meal. This Perfect Pad Thai Recipe uses simple, authentic ingredients like rice noodles, shrimp, chicken, or tofu, eggs, and a flavorful tamarind-based sauce. It’s quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Follow this guide for step-by-step instructions to achieve the perfect Pad Thai at home, complete with tips for achieving the ideal balance of flavors and textures.
Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 200 gm rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 200 gm shrimp, chicken, or tofu
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup peanuts chopped
- lime wedges for serving
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili powder optional
Instructions
- 1. Soak Noodles: Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 20 minutes, until soft but not mushy. Drain and set aside.2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, soy sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, and chili powder (optional). Set aside.3. Cook Protein: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over medium heat. Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu, and stir-fry until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.4. Cook Eggs: In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed, and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until just set, then push to one side of the pan.5. Stir-Fry Noodles: Add the softened noodles to the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss well to coat.6. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp (or chicken or tofu) to the wok, along with the bean sprouts, garlic, and green onions. Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes, until well mixed.7. Serve: Serve the Pad Thai hot, garnished with chopped peanuts and lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Adjust the sauce’s sweetness or saltiness to your taste by adding more brown sugar or fish sauce.
- For an extra kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil for a pop of color and flavor.
