Pad Thai

Flavorful & Savory Stir-Fry

Are you craving a dish that’s full of bold, savory flavors with just the right amount of tang? Look no further than this Authentic Pad Thai Recipe! It’s a beloved Thai stir-fry packed with savory noodles, fresh ingredients, and a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is so simple to make and guarantees a satisfying meal.

There’s something magical about Pad Thai. It’s the dish that makes you think of bustling street markets in Thailand, with its tantalizing aroma and vibrant colors. I first tried Pad Thai during a trip to Bangkok, and I was hooked. The blend of tamarind, fish sauce, and lime with peanuts on top is simply irresistible. And the best part? You can recreate that same delicious experience right in your own kitchen! Just like our fan-favorite Chicken Caesar Pasta, this dish is a quick, crowd-pleasing option that comes together in less than 30 minutes. So, grab your ingredients and let’s dive into making this flavorful Pad Thai at home!

What is Pad Thai?

So, what exactly is Pad Thai? The name itself might sound fancy, but don’t worry – this dish is as simple as it is delicious! “Pad” means stir-fried, and “Thai” refers to its origins, so it’s basically Thailand’s signature stir-fried noodle dish. Some say it’s the way to anyone’s heart (especially if they’re a noodle lover). Why the name? Well, it’s rumored that Pad Thai was popularized in the 1930s as part of a campaign to create a unifying national dish in Thailand. It’s now beloved worldwide! With its chewy rice noodles, crispy vegetables, tender chicken or shrimp, and mouthwatering sauce, it’s the kind of dish that gets passed down from generation to generation – and now it’s your turn to make it! Ready to try making this savory dish? Let’s go!

Why You’ll Love This Pad Thai

This Pad Thai recipe checks all the boxes when it comes to comfort food that’s also packed with flavor. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need a ton of ingredients or complicated steps to whip up this satisfying dish, and you can have it ready in just 30 minutes! It’s also customizable – you can use chicken, shrimp, or tofu to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

Making Pad Thai at home saves you money too! You can recreate that restaurant-quality flavor for a fraction of the cost, and control exactly what goes into the dish. The magic really happens with the balance of ingredients: the tangy tamarind, the salty fish sauce, and the sweetness of sugar. Plus, the crushed peanuts sprinkled on top give a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire experience.

If you love vibrant, flavorful dishes like our Thai Basil Chicken, this Pad Thai recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. The simplicity, the speed, and the balance of flavors make it a meal everyone will rave about. So, go ahead and try making it for your next weeknight dinner or a special meal with friends!

How to Make Pad Thai

Quick Overview

Making this Pad Thai is quick and simple! The entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes – no need for any special cooking skills. With perfectly stir-fried noodles, a tangy sauce, and fresh toppings like peanuts and lime, you’re going to love how easy it is to bring this street food favorite to life in your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!

Key Ingredients for Pad Thai:

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Pad Thai:

• 8 oz rice noodles – These are the traditional noodles used for Pad Thai, which hold the flavors beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – For stir-frying the noodles and proteins.
• 1 chicken breast or 12 oz shrimp (optional) – Protein options like chicken or shrimp work best for this dish.
• 2 eggs – Lightly beaten; eggs add richness and texture to the stir-fry.
• 1 cup bean sprouts – Adds crunch and freshness to the dish.
• 2 green onions – Chopped, for garnish and flavor.
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts – Crushed peanuts bring the perfect amount of crunch and nuttiness.
• Lime wedges – A squeeze of lime balances the flavors and adds freshness.
• For the sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice Noodles: Start by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside. They should be soft but still firm enough to hold up in the stir-fry.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. Set this aside as it will bring the essential tangy and savory flavor to the dish.
3. Cook the Protein: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken or shrimp and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes for chicken, 2-3 minutes for shrimp). Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Scramble the Eggs: In the same skillet, add a little more oil and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them until cooked through and set aside with the chicken or shrimp.
5. Stir-Fry the Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the noodles, stirring to coat evenly.
6. Combine: Add the cooked chicken (or shrimp), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and half of the green onions to the noodles. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes, making sure everything is well mixed.
7. Serve: Plate your Pad Thai and garnish with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and the remaining green onions. Enjoy your vibrant, savory stir-fry!

What to Serve Pad Thai With

This Pad Thai is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides and drinks:

• Thai Spring Rolls: Light and crunchy, they’re the perfect appetizer to kick off a Thai-inspired meal.
• Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and tangy, this salad complements the richness of Pad Thai.
• Coconut Rice: A subtle coconut flavor adds a tropical touch that balances the savory stir-fry.
• Thai Iced Tea: The sweet, creamy tea offers a cool, refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of Pad Thai.

Top Tips for Perfecting Pad Thai

1. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Rice noodles can become mushy if overcooked. Be sure to cook them just to al dente, as they will soften further when stir-fried.
2. Adjust the Sauce to Taste: If you prefer more sweetness, add extra sugar. For more tang, increase the tamarind paste or vinegar.
3. Customize Your Protein: While chicken and shrimp are common choices, feel free to use tofu, beef, or even a mix of proteins depending on your preference.
4. Keep It Hot: Stir-frying the noodles and protein in a hot wok or pan ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully and adds a nice sear to the ingredients.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing: Leftover Pad Thai can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The noodles might absorb some of the sauce, but the flavor will still be great.

Reheating: To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to rehydrate the noodles. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Recipe Schema Markup

• Preparation Time: PT10M
• Cooking Time: PT20M
• Total Time: PT30M
• Type of Recipe: Main dish
• Cuisine: Thai
• Keywords: Pad Thai, Thai stir-fry, noodle dish, Asian cuisine, street food, easy dinner, Thai recipe
• Recipe Yield: 2-3 servings
• Calories: 400-500 per serving

Pros

• Quick and easy to make
• Customizable with different proteins
• Full of bold flavors
• Perfect for a weeknight dinner

Cons

• Requires a few specialty ingredients
• Not ideal for those with a peanut allergy
• May need adjustments to suit spice preferences

Recipe Instructions

Follow the step-by-step guide above to create your own flavorful, savory Pad Thai in under 30 minutes.