Thai Pad Thai – The Perfect Stir-Fried Noodle Dish

 

Introduction

Pad Thai is one of the most beloved Thai dishes worldwide. This flavorful stir-fried noodle dish balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. It’s traditionally made with rice noodles, tamarind sauce, tofu, shrimp, and crunchy peanuts, making it a dish that’s both light and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it with chicken, shrimp, or tofu, Pad Thai offers bold flavors in every bite. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make authentic Pad Thai at home that tastes just like it came from a Thai street market.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp tamarind paste
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Stir-Fry

• 200 grams (7 oz) rice noodles
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 200 grams (7 oz) shrimp or chicken, sliced
• 1 block (150 grams) firm tofu, cubed
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 green onions, chopped

For Garnish

• ½ cup roasted peanuts, crushed
• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 20-30 minutes until softened but not mushy.
2. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix the tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves and set the sauce aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Ingredients

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp or chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté the tofu until golden on all sides.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

1. Push the tofu to the side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space.
2. Scramble the eggs until set, then mix them with the tofu.

Step 5: Add the Noodles and Sauce

1. Add the drained noodles to the pan, followed by the prepared sauce.
2. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.

Step 6: Add Bean Sprouts and Green Onions

1. Toss in the bean sprouts and green onions just before serving for a fresh crunch.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Transfer the Pad Thai to serving plates.
2. Garnish with crushed peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Pad Thai

• Don’t over-soak the noodles—they should be soft but still firm to the bite.
• Use palm sugar for an authentic touch, but brown sugar works as a substitute.
• Adjust the spice level with more chili flakes if you prefer a kick.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the fish sauce and shrimp, and add extra tofu.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450
Protein	20 g
Carbohydrates	50 g
Fat	15 g

Conclusion

Pad Thai is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that makes every bite exciting. Whether you’re enjoying it with shrimp, chicken, or tofu, this dish offers a satisfying balance of sweet, sour, and savory. Serve it with extra lime wedges and peanuts for the ultimate Thai experience!