Pad Thai

A Taste of Thai Street Food at Home

Pad Thai is a cherished Thai street food dish, known for its delicious combination of stir-fried rice noodles, succulent shrimp or chicken, crunchy peanuts, and fresh bean sprouts. This authentic Pad Thai recipe makes it simple to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Thailand right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Pad Thai Sauce:

• 1/4 cup tamarind paste
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or palm sugar)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

For the Pad Thai:

• 8 oz (225 g) rice noodles (flat or thin)
• 1/2 lb (225 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined (or chicken, sliced into strips)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles

Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes or until softened. If using dried noodles, follow the package instructions for cooking. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Pad Thai Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the tamarind paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, and chili powder until well combined. Set aside.

3. Cook the Protein

In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp (or chicken) and cook until they turn opaque and are fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

4. Scramble the Eggs

In the same wok, push the ingredients to one side and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them until just set, then mix them with the other ingredients.

5. Combine Noodles and Sauce

Add the soaked rice noodles to the wok along with the prepared Pad Thai sauce. Toss everything together gently to ensure the noodles are evenly coated. Stir in the bean sprouts and green onions, cooking for an additional minute until heated through.

6. Serve

Transfer the Pad Thai to serving plates and top with chopped roasted peanuts. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your homemade Pad Thai hot!

Tips for the Perfect Pad Thai

• Adjusting Spice: Modify the amount of chili powder based on your heat preference.
• Protein Options: Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or a combination of proteins.
• Garnishing: A squeeze of lime juice just before serving enhances the dish's flavor.

This authentic Pad Thai recipe brings the essence of Thai street food to your table, allowing you to savor a delicious meal in no time. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!

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