Pad Thai is one of the most popular dishes in Thai cuisine, known for its balance of savory, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Making this flavorful stir-fried noodle dish at home is simple and requires just a few ingredients. Follow this easy recipe to bring the taste of Thailand right to your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- For the Pad Thai:
- 200g rice noodles (flat, wide)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu (optional)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- For the Pad Thai Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on desired spice level)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
Prepare the Rice Noodles:
- Boil a pot of water. Add the rice noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually for about 4-6 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and set aside.
Make the Pad Thai Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, chili powder, and water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set the sauce aside.
Stir-Fry the Eggs:
- Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Crack the eggs into the pan, scramble, and cook until they are just set. Remove the eggs and set them aside.
Cook the Protein:
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. If using chicken, shrimp, or tofu, add your choice of protein and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
Combine the Noodles and Sauce:
- Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the protein. Pour in the prepared Pad Thai sauce and toss everything together, making sure the noodles are well-coated in the sauce.
Add the Vegetables:
- Add the bean sprouts and green onions to the noodles and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until everything is heated through.
Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the Pad Thai hot, garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and additional chili powder if desired.
Tips:
- For a vegetarian version, you can omit the fish sauce and replace it with soy sauce or a vegetarian fish sauce alternative.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder to suit your taste.
- Pad Thai is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Making Pad Thai at home is a fun way to enjoy authentic Thai flavors and customize it to your liking. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up this beloved dish anytime!
