Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for making Pad Thai at home:
Pad Thai Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste (or 2 tablespoons lime juice as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (optional, for heat)
For the Pad Thai:
- 8 oz rice noodles (flat, about 1/4 inch wide)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound shrimp, chicken, or tofu, sliced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/4 cup chopped carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced bell peppers
- Extra chili flakes or fresh Thai chilies (for spice)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Noodles:
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until just tender (usually soaking in hot water for about 5-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, tamarind paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and chili paste. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your taste.
- Cook the Protein:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp, chicken, or tofu and cook until just done. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic (and any optional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Eggs:
- Push the garlic and veggies to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the other side and scramble them until just set.
- Combine and Cook:
- Add the cooked noodles, the protein, and the prepared sauce to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and heated through.
- Stir in the bean sprouts and green onions. Cook for another minute.
- Serve:
- Transfer the Pad Thai to serving plates.
- Garnish with crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side.
- Serve hot, and enjoy!
Tips:
- Vegan/Vegetarian Option: Use tofu for the protein and substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari.
- Customize Your Pad Thai: You can easily customize Pad Thai with your favorite vegetables or additional proteins like beef or pork.
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- Authentic Pad Thai Recipe
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- Shrimp Pad Thai
- Vegan Pad Thai
- Gluten-Free Pad Thai
- Homemade Thai Food
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- Pad Thai Sauce
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