Embark on a culinary adventure with this authentic Thai Pad Thai Noodles stir-fry recipe! This dish, bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, is a true testament to Thai cuisine’s rich heritage. Learn how to create this iconic street food favorite in your own kitchen, and impress your friends and family with your newfound Thai cooking skills. Prepare for a delicious journey filled with fragrant spices, savory sauces, and perfectly cooked rice noodles – the quintessential Thai Pad Thai experience awaits!
Get ready to experience the magic of Pad Thai, a dish known for its incredible balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes. This Pad Thai recipe guarantees an unforgettable taste of Thailand, right in your home. The tantalizing aroma alone will transport you to the bustling street markets of Bangkok!
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice noodles (wide flat) | 8 oz |
| Chicken breast (or shrimp, tofu), thinly sliced | 1 lb |
| Bean sprouts | 1 cup |
| Shredded carrots | 1/2 cup |
| Chopped scallions | 1/4 cup |
| Peanut butter (smooth) | 2 tbsp |
| Fish sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Lime juice | 2 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Sriracha (or other chili sauce), to taste | 1-2 tbsp |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp |
| Crushed peanuts (for garnish) | 1/4 cup |
| Chopped cilantro (for garnish) | 1/4 cup |
| Lime wedges (for garnish) | 4 wedges |
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken (or shrimp, tofu) and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Push the chicken to the side of the wok and add the peanut butter, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Stir until well combined and slightly thickened. This is the heart of the Pad Thai flavor.
- Add the cooked rice noodles and stir to coat them evenly with the sauce. Add the bean sprouts and carrots, and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the scallions.
- Serve immediately, garnished with crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. Enjoy your delicious homemade Pad Thai!
Tips for the Perfect Pad Thai:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken (or shrimp) for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t overcook the noodles; they should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness. Pad Thai can range from mild to very spicy.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to your Pad Thai, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- For a vegetarian Pad Thai, substitute the chicken with firm tofu.
- Remember, the key to a great Pad Thai is the balance of flavors. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Serve this Pad Thai immediately for the best texture and taste. The noodles tend to absorb the sauce as they sit.
This Pad Thai recipe offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the vibrant tastes of Thailand. The beauty of Pad Thai lies in its adaptability; you can adjust the ingredients and spice level to suit your preferences. Each bite is an explosion of delicious flavors and textures, leaving you wanting more. So gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to enjoy an authentic Thai Pad Thai experience!
