Dear Lykkers! Pad Thai is a beloved Thai stir-fried noodle dish, celebrated for its harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Typically made with rice noodles, it often includes ingredients like tofu or shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, and peanuts, all tossed together in a flavorful tamarind sauce.
With ingredients like rice noodles, tofu, shrimp, eggs, and a unique tamarind-based sauce, Pad Thai is both satisfying and relatively quick to make. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing authentic Pad Thai at home.
<h3>Ingredients</h3>
<b>Rice Noodles:</b> 6 oz (thin, flat noodles work best)
<b>Protein:</b> ½ cup shrimp or chicken (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
<b>Vegetables:</b> 1 cup bean sprouts, 1-2 green onions chopped, and fresh cilantro for garnish
<b> Sauce:</b>
3 tbsp tamarind paste (or tamarind concentrate diluted with water)
2 tbsp fish sauce (substitute with soy sauce for vegetarian option)
1-2 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
1 tbsp lime juice
Other Ingredients: 1 egg, 2 tbsp roasted peanuts (crushed), 1-2 garlic cloves (minced), and 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
<h3>Step-by-Step Instructions</h3>
<b>Step 1: Prepare the Noodles</b>
Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 15-20 minutes, or follow the package instructions until they are softened but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
<b>Step 2: Make the Sauce</b>
In a small bowl, combine tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, and lime juice. Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or tanginess as needed to achieve a balanced flavor.
<b>Step 3: Cook the Protein</b>
In a large wok or skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, chicken, or tofu, and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
<b>Step 4: Stir-fry the Vegetables</b>
In the same pan, add a little more oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add the chopped green onions and bean sprouts, cooking for a few minutes until softened.
<b>Step 5: Add the Egg</b>
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and crack an egg into the empty space. Scramble gently until cooked, then mix it in with the vegetables.
<b>Step 6: Combine Everything</b>
Return the noodles and cooked protein to the pan, followed by the Pad Thai sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring the sauce coats the noodles evenly. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the noodles are soft and have absorbed the sauce.
Easy Authentic Pad Thai At Home
Video By Joshua Weissman
<b>Step 7: Garnish and Serve</b>
Transfer the Pad Thai to a plate and top it with crushed peanuts, additional green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch. If you enjoy some heat, sprinkle chili flakes over the dish to enhance the flavor.
Making Pad Thai at home is a fantastic way to enjoy this iconic Thai dish with fresh ingredients and the perfect balance of flavors. The combination of textures—from the crunch of peanuts to the chewiness of the noodles—creates a delightful culinary experience that is both fun to prepare and satisfying to eat.