Pad Thai Recipe
Description
Pad Thai is a quintessential Thai street food that has captured hearts worldwide with its tantalizing blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. This Pad Thai Recipe will guide you through creating this iconic dish at home, ensuring you get the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Pad Thai Recipe
Instructions for Pad Thai Recipe
Prepare the Noodles:
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Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 15-20 minutes until they are soft. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
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In a small bowl, mix the fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar until well combined.
Cook the Protein:
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Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp or chicken and cook until fully done. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Tofu:
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Add the remaining oil to the pan and cook the tofu until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Garlic and Eggs:
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Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant. Push the garlic to one side and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until just set.
Combine Ingredients:
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Add the soaked noodles to the pan, followed by the cooked shrimp or chicken, and tofu. Pour the sauce over the top and toss everything together.
Add the Vegetables:
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Stir in the bean sprouts and spring onions, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crunchy.
Serve:
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Transfer the Pad Thai to serving plates, sprinkle with crushed peanuts, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 20g40%
- Vitamin A 1600 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Pad Thai Recipe Variation Options:
- Vegetarian Pad Thai: Substitute shrimp or chicken with more tofu or a mix of vegetables like bell peppers and carrots.
- Spicy Pad Thai: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced Thai chilies to increase the heat.
- Pad Thai with Beef: Use thinly sliced beef instead of shrimp or chicken for a different protein option.
Pad Thai Recipe Cooking Tips:
- Noodle Texture: Ensure the noodles are soaked just until soft, but not mushy. They will continue to cook in the pan.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh bean sprouts and herbs for the best flavor and texture.
- Balancing Flavors: Adjust the sauce ingredients to taste, balancing the sweet, sour, and salty elements to your preference.
Pad Thai Recipe Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish Generously: Serve with plenty of crushed peanuts, fresh coriander, and lime wedges.
- Side Dishes: Pair with a Thai cucumber salad or a light soup like Tom Yum.
- Accompanying Beverage: Serve with a chilled Thai iced tea or a light, crisp white wine.
Reader Experience:
Have you tried this Pad Thai Recipe? We would love to hear about your experience and any variations you made. Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, chicken is a popular alternative to shrimp in Pad Thai. Simply cook it in the same way as described for shrimp.
Yes, you can make a vegetarian Pad Thai by using tofu and additional vegetables instead of meat.
You can substitute tamarind paste with a mixture of lime juice and brown sugar, though it won't be as authentic.
Ensure the noodles are soaked correctly and toss them with a bit of oil before adding to the pan.
Pad Thai is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and chop the ingredients ahead of time.
Use rice noodles, which are traditional for Pad Thai. They can be found in most grocery stores or Asian markets.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
If using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and rice noodles, this Pad Thai Recipe can be made gluten-free.
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition and flavor.
Overcooking the noodles, using too much sauce, and not balancing the flavors can affect the final dish. Follow the recipe closely for best results.
