Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand! This incredible Pad Thai recipe is not just another noodle dish – it's a family favorite that promises to revolutionize your home cooking experience. With a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, this recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it the ultimate weeknight meal that looks and tastes like it came from a professional Thai restaurant.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup shrimp or chicken
- 2 eggs
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts, crushed
- 1/4 cup tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Soak rice noodles in warm water for 15 minutes until they become soft but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, fish sauce, and sugar to create the pad thai sauce. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp or chicken and cook until protein is nearly cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Push protein to one side of the pan and crack eggs into the empty space. Scramble eggs quickly, breaking them into small pieces.
- Add drained rice noodles to the pan and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss everything together, ensuring noodles are evenly coated and cooking for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in chopped green onions and continue cooking until noodles are tender and sauce is slightly thickened.
- Transfer pad thai to serving plates. Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top and garnish with fresh lime wedges.
- Serve immediately while hot, allowing diners to squeeze lime juice over their portion for added brightness.
Tips
- Noodle Preparation is Key: Soak rice noodles in warm water, but be careful not to over-soak. They should be soft but still have a slight bite to prevent mushiness.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Use a wok or wide skillet on medium-high heat to achieve that authentic stir-fried texture and prevent ingredients from becoming soggy.
- Mise en Place Matters: Have all ingredients chopped and prepared before you start cooking, as Pad Thai comes together quickly.
- Sauce Balance is Crucial: Whisk the tamarind paste, fish sauce, and sugar thoroughly to create a harmonious flavor profile.
- Don't Overcook the Protein: Whether using shrimp or chicken, cook just until nearly done to prevent toughness.
- Fresh Lime is Non-Negotiable: The lime wedges aren't just a garnish – they bring a bright, fresh finish to the dish that elevates the entire flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Pad Thai is best enjoyed hot and fresh, so time your cooking to serve right away.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 220mg
