Traditional Pad Thai

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Pad Thai is one of those dishes that instantly transports you to the bustling streets of Thailand. This traditional version features shrimp and a balance of tart, sweet, and savory flavors. Perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.

Ingredients for Traditional Pad Thai

Rice noodles are the base of any Pad Thai. They soak up the flavors beautifully and offer a chewy texture. Peanut oil imparts a subtle nutty aroma that complements the peanuts in the dish. Garlic adds a fragrant depth that is essential for the sauce. Shrimp provides protein and a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the sauce. Eggs give the dish richness and help everything bind together.

Bean sprouts add a refreshing crunch. Peanuts are for garnish, providing a nutty crunch that contrasts with the soft noodles. Green onions introduce a mild, fresh flavor. Lime wedges bring acidity to balance the sweetness and saltiness of the dish.

The fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, and chili powder create the signature Pad Thai sauce, balancing salty, sweet, sour, and spicy notes. Finally, cilantro adds a burst of freshness at the end.

Tips & Tricks

  • Be sure to soak the rice noodles just until tender — over-soaking can make them mushy.
  • Adjust the chili powder according to your spice preference; feel free to add more if you like it hot.
  • If you can't find tamarind paste, a mixture of lime juice and brown sugar can work in a pinch, though it won't be exactly the same.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pad Thai with a side of fresh Thai cucumber salad to add a cooling contrast. If you’re hosting, consider offering extra lime wedges and chili flakes on the side, so everyone can customize their plate to taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! Just ensure the chicken is cooked through before adding the eggs.
What if I don't have fish sauce?
Soy sauce can be a substitute, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce.

Traditional Pad Thai Recipe Walkthrough

Start by soaking the rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes until they soften up nicely. Drain them and set them aside. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, and chili powder. This will be your flavorful sauce.

Heat up some peanut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and let it sauté until it’s nice and fragrant, but keep a close eye to prevent burning. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook until they turn pink and are just cooked through.

Push the shrimp to one side of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them gently and mix them in with the shrimp. Now, toss in the drained noodles and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir well to ensure the noodles and shrimp are well coated.

Finally, add in the bean sprouts and green onions. Stir everything together and let it cook for another couple of minutes until the sprouts are just tender. Serve the Pad Thai hot, garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic taste that brings the flavors of Thailand to your kitchen.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • A delightful balance of textures — from the soft noodles to the crunchy peanuts.
  • Customizable with your choice of protein or veggies.

Ingredients

8 oz rice noodles
2 tbsp peanut oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup bean sprouts
1/4 cup peanuts, crushed
2 green onions, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges
1/4 cup fish sauce
2 tbsp tamarind paste
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Soak rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes until soft, then drain.
2. In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, and chili powder; set aside.
3. Heat peanut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp to the pan and cook until pink.
5. Push shrimp to the side and pour in beaten eggs; scramble and mix with shrimp.
6. Add drained noodles and prepared sauce mix; stir well to combine.
7. Stir in bean sprouts and green onions; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve hot, garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro.

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