Authentic Thai Pad Thai
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this authentic Pad Thai recipe. This classic dish features stir-fried rice noodles tossed in a tangy sauce made with lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of sweetness from palm sugar. The combination of shrimp and chicken adds a delightful protein punch, while fresh bean sprouts, green onions, and peanuts provide a satisfying crunch. Serve with lime wedges for an extra zing and enjoy a taste of Thailand right at home!
4
Servings
550
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried medium rice noodles
8 ounces (Soaked in hot water until softened)
Chicken stock (or ketchup/tomato sauce)
3 tablespoons (Combined in sauce mixture)
Lime juice (or tamarind paste)
3 tablespoons (Combined in sauce mixture)
Fish sauce
2 tablespoons (Combined in sauce mixture)
Palm sugar (or brown sugar)
2 tablespoons (Combined in sauce mixture)
Hot chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon (Combined in sauce mixture)
Vegetable oil
3 tablespoons, divided (Used for cooking)
Eggs, beaten
2 (Scrambled in the wok)
Garlic cloves, chopped
3 (Sautéed with the meat)
Shrimp, peeled and deveined, cut into small pieces
4 ounces (Cooked in the stir-fry)
Boneless chicken (or pork), cut into small pieces
4 ounces (Cooked in the stir-fry)
Bean sprouts
2 cups, divided (Mixed in and used for garnish)
Green onions, chopped
2 (Used for garnish)
Peanuts, chopped
1/4 cup (Used for garnish)
Fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup (Used for garnish)
Fresh red chile, cut into strips
optional (Used for garnish)
Lime, cut into wedges
1 (Served on the side)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the rice noodles. Place them in a large bowl and cover with very hot water. Allow them to soak for 10 to 12 minutes until softened but still firm. Rinse the noodles well with cold water and drain thoroughly.
2
In a small bowl, mix together the chicken stock (or ketchup/tomato sauce), lime juice (or tamarind paste), fish sauce, palm sugar (or brown sugar), and hot chili sauce. Set the sauce mixture aside.
3
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beaten eggs and swirl them around to coat the bottom of the pan. Cook until the eggs start to set, then gently stir to break them into bite-sized pieces. Remove the scrambled eggs from the pan and set aside.
4
Add the remaining oil to the hot wok. Add the chopped garlic, shrimp, and chicken (or pork) to the wok and stir-fry for about 2 minutes, or until the shrimp and chicken are fully cooked.
5
Add the soaked noodles to the wok along with the prepared sauce mixture. Toss everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the noodles are heated through and coated well with the sauce, but still retain a firm texture.
6
Add 1 cup of bean sprouts and the reserved scrambled eggs to the wok, tossing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
7
Transfer the Pad Thai to a serving platter. Top with the remaining bean sprouts, chopped green onions, peanuts, cilantro, and strips of fresh red chili, if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an additional burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
17.5
Fat
70
Carbs
30
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Thai Pad Thai?
Authentic Thai Pad Thai is a classic stir-fried noodle dish featuring rice noodles, a tangy-sweet sauce, proteins like shrimp and chicken, and crunchy garnishes like peanuts and bean sprouts.
What kind of noodles are used in Pad Thai?
Dried medium rice noodles are used, which should be soaked in hot water until softened but still firm.
How long should I soak the rice noodles?
Soak the noodles in very hot water for 10 to 12 minutes until they are softened but retain a firm texture.
Can I substitute tamarind paste?
Yes, if you do not have tamarind paste, you can use lime juice to provide the necessary acidity for the sauce.
What can I use instead of chicken stock in the sauce?
Ketchup or tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for chicken stock in the sauce mixture.
Is there a substitute for palm sugar?
Yes, brown sugar is an excellent alternative if palm sugar is unavailable.
How many servings does this Pad Thai recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What proteins are included in this recipe?
This recipe includes shrimp, boneless chicken (or pork), and scrambled eggs.
How many calories are in one serving of this Pad Thai?
Each serving contains approximately 550 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving of this Pad Thai provides 30 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 17.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 70 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of hot chili sauce, offering a mild heat that can be adjusted to preference.
How do I prepare the eggs?
Beat the eggs and scramble them in a hot wok with oil until set, then break them into bite-sized pieces.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 17 ingredients required for this authentic Pad Thai recipe.
When do I add the bean sprouts?
Add 1 cup of bean sprouts to the wok during the final tossing phase, and use the rest as a garnish.
What type of oil is best for cooking Pad Thai?
Vegetable oil is recommended for stir-frying because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?
Rinse the noodles with cold water after soaking and only cook them in the wok for 1-2 minutes.
Can I use pork instead of chicken?
Yes, boneless pork cut into small pieces is a valid substitute for chicken in this stir-fry.
What are the essential garnishes for serving?
Key garnishes include chopped green onions, chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, and lime wedges.
How much shrimp is required?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cut into small pieces.
What provides the salty flavor in Pad Thai?
Fish sauce is the primary ingredient that provides the traditional salty and savory umami flavor.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 3 chopped garlic cloves to flavor the stir-fry.
Is it necessary to use fresh red chilies?
Fresh red chilies are an optional garnish used for extra heat and visual appeal.
Can I make this recipe without peanuts?
Yes, you can omit the peanuts if you have an allergy or simply prefer the dish without them.
How do I serve the lime?
Cut the lime into wedges and serve them on the side so diners can add a burst of flavor as desired.
What is the first step in making Pad Thai?
The first step is preparing the rice noodles by soaking them in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes.
What goes into the sauce mixture?
The sauce is a mix of chicken stock, lime juice, fish sauce, palm sugar, and hot chili sauce.
How long does it take to cook the meat and shrimp?
The shrimp and chicken (or pork) should be stir-fried for about 2 minutes until fully cooked.
Can I use cilantro in this dish?
Yes, 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro leaves is used as a garnish for added freshness.