Pad Thai, a beloved Thai street food staple, is a tantalizing dish that captivates with its harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. With its vibrant colors and irresistible aroma, Pad Thai has become a global favorite, offering a delightful culinary experience that transports diners to the bustling streets of Thailand. Today, we’ll explore how to create this iconic dish in your own kitchen, using the metric measuring system for precise results.
Ingredients:
- 200g rice noodles
- 200g firm tofu, cubed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 100g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 100g bean sprouts
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- 50g crushed peanuts
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
For the Pad Thai Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice Noodles:
- Place the rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Pad Thai Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, tamarind paste, palm sugar, soy sauce, and chili powder until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cook the Tofu and Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add the beaten eggs to the pan and scramble them until they are cooked through.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and opaque.
4. Assemble the Pad Thai:
- Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan with the eggs and shrimp.
- Pour the Pad Thai sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until well coated.
- Add the cooked tofu, bean sprouts, and sliced spring onions to the pan. Toss to combine and heat through.
- Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the crushed peanuts over the top.
- Serve the Pad Thai hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and lime wedges on the side.
With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, Pad Thai is a dish that never fails to impress. By following this recipe using the metric measuring system, you can recreate the magic of this iconic Thai street food favorite in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of homemade Pad Thai.