Pad Thai, a beloved staple in Thai cuisine, is a delightful combination of stir-fried rice noodles, succulent shrimp, and a medley of flavors from tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The dish is beautifully complemented by the crunch of bean sprouts and the nutty taste of roasted peanuts.
Originating as a popular street food in Thailand, Pad Thai has gained international acclaim for its harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. Whether you’re a seasoned Thai food enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this dish promises a culinary journey that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression.
Authentic Pad Thai Stir-Fried Noodles
Ingredients
- Rice noodles: 8 oz soaked in cold water until soft, 30 to 50 minutes
- Chicken: 1/2 cup diced (optional, can be replaced with tofu or shrimp)
- Butter: 1 tablespoon
- Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Eggs: 2
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Fish sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon adjust to taste
- Bean sprouts: 1 cup
- Green onions: 2 chopped for garnish
- Roasted peanuts: 1/4 cup crushed for garnish
- Lemon: 1 cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- Soak the rice noodles in cold water for about 30 to 50 minutes until they soften.
- In a wok or large frying pan, heat the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced chicken and sauté until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Heat oil in the wok over medium-high heat. Crack the eggs into the hot oil and cook until firm.
- Stir in the browned chicken and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the softened noodles, sugar, fish sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry everything until the noodles are tender. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Stir in the bean sprouts and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Serve the Pad Thai hot, garnished with chopped green onions, crushed roasted peanuts, and a wedge of lemon.
