Ultimate Thai Pork Pad
Indulge in the flavors of Thailand with this Ultimate Thai Pork Pad, an exquisite take on the classic Pad Thai. This vibrant dish showcases tender pork loin marinated with aromatic lemongrass and spicy red chilies, expertly stir-fried with rice noodles and crunchy bean sprouts. Served with a zesty lime dressing and topped with fresh cilantro and roasted peanuts, this recipe brings the essence of Thai street food to your kitchen. Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, it's a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will impress anyone at your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
rice noodles
16 ounces (Soaked in boiling water until softened)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (For cooking)
minced garlic
3 teaspoons (Freshly minced)
chopped onion
1 cup (Chopped)
lemongrass
1 stalk (Flattened with a cleaver and finely chopped)
boneless pork loin
1.5 lbs (Julienned)
dried shrimp
1/2 cup (Soaked in 1/2 cup water for 5 minutes)
Thai red chili peppers
6 (Minced)
sugar
1 tablespoon (For seasoning)
fish sauce
3 tablespoons (For seasoning)
fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
ketchup
4 tablespoons (For flavor)
black pepper
3/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
eggs
2 (Lightly beaten)
bean sprouts
6 cups (Fresh)
Chinese chives
1/4 cup (Chopped (or green onion with garlic))
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (Chopped for garnish)
chopped peanuts
1/3 cup (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by soaking the rice noodles in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until they soften. Once done, drain the noodles and plunge them into cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain again and set aside.
2
In a large wok or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stir-frying until fragrant and tender, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3
Next, incorporate the julienned pork loin and soaked dried shrimp (or salad shrimp). Stir in the finely chopped lemongrass and minced Thai red chili peppers, cooking for an additional 5 minutes or until the pork is fully cooked through.
4
Once the meat is cooked, add in the sugar, fish sauce, fresh lime juice, ketchup, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients, followed by the beaten eggs. Allow the eggs to scramble gently among the other ingredients for about 1-2 minutes.
5
Finally, add the prepared rice noodles, bean sprouts, and chopped chives to the wok. Toss everything together, cooking for another 2-4 minutes until heated through and the eggs are set.
6
To serve, plate the dish and generously sprinkle with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts. Optionally, provide hot sauces like Nam Prik Dang or Sambal Oelek on the side for a spicy kick.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Thai Pork Pad?
It is an exquisite take on the classic Pad Thai, featuring tender pork loin marinated with aromatic lemongrass and spicy red chilies, stir-fried with rice noodles and crunchy bean sprouts.
What type of noodles are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of rice noodles.
How should I prepare the rice noodles?
Soak them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until softened, then drain and plunge into cold water to stop the cooking process.
What kind of meat is used in this Pad Thai?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of boneless pork loin.
How do I prepare the pork loin?
The pork loin should be julienned into thin strips.
How do I prepare the lemongrass?
Flatten the lemongrass stalk with a cleaver and then chop it finely.
How many Thai red chili peppers are needed?
The recipe uses 6 minced Thai red chili peppers.
What is the preparation for the dried shrimp?
Soak 1/2 cup of dried shrimp in 1/2 cup of water for 5 minutes before adding to the stir-fry.
Can I use something other than dried shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute dried shrimp with salad shrimp.
What aromatics are used in the base of the stir-fry?
The base uses 3 teaspoons of minced garlic and 1 cup of chopped onion.
What ingredients make up the seasoning sauce?
The sauce consists of sugar, fish sauce, fresh lime juice, ketchup, and black pepper.
Why is ketchup used in this recipe?
Ketchup is used to add a unique flavor and color common in certain variations of Pad Thai.
How are the eggs added to the dish?
Two lightly beaten eggs are added to the wok and allowed to scramble gently among the other ingredients.
How many cups of bean sprouts are required?
The recipe requires 6 cups of fresh bean sprouts.
What can I substitute for Chinese chives?
You can use green onions mixed with garlic as a substitute for Chinese chives.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Garnish the dish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro and 1/3 cup of chopped roasted peanuts.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How long does it take to cook the pork?
The pork should be stir-fried for about 5 minutes or until fully cooked through.
At what point do I add the bean sprouts and chives?
Add them in the final step along with the rice noodles, cooking for another 2-4 minutes.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, it includes 6 Thai red chili peppers, making it quite vibrant and spicy.
What tools are best for cooking this recipe?
A large wok or a heavy frying pan is recommended for the best stir-fry results.
How much fish sauce is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of fish sauce.
What is the role of lime juice in this recipe?
Three tablespoons of fresh lime juice provide a zesty, acidic balance to the savory flavors.
How much sugar is added for seasoning?
One tablespoon of sugar is used to balance the salty and sour elements.
Can I add more spice to the finished dish?
Yes, you can serve it with hot sauces like Nam Prik Dang or Sambal Oelek on the side.
What makes this dish an 'Ultimate' Thai Pork Pad?
The inclusion of authentic ingredients like lemongrass, dried shrimp, and fresh chives creates a deeper flavor profile than standard recipes.
How long do I cook the noodles in the wok?
The noodles are tossed and cooked for 2-4 minutes until they are heated through and the eggs are set.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The dish features tender noodles, succulent pork, and crunchy bean sprouts and peanuts.
Is the onion chopped or sliced?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped onion.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe specifies 3/4 teaspoon of black pepper for seasoning.