Craving a taste of Thailand in your own kitchen? This Zesty Lime Pad Thai delivers vibrant flavors and a hint of heat, perfect for an adventurous weeknight dinner. With just a few simple steps, you'll create a dish that's both refreshing and satisfying.
First, let's get those rice noodles ready. Follow your package instructions, usually involving a quick soak or boil. Once they're tender, drain them well and set aside. You don't want soggy noodles in your Pad Thai!
Now, heat up the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, just until it's golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it — there's a fine line between aromatic and acrid.
Add the shrimp and chicken breast to the pan. You'll want to cook these until the shrimp is pink and the chicken is fully done, about five minutes should do it. Cooking them together lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Push the shrimp and chicken to one side of your pan. Pour in the beaten eggs on the empty side and scramble them until they're set. This method keeps everything in one pan and makes clean-up a breeze.
Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked noodles, bean sprouts, and green onions to the pan. In a small bowl, mix the lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Pour this tangy mixture over everything and give it a good toss to coat the noodles evenly.
Let it all cook together for another 2-3 minutes, just until everything is heated through. Serve it up hot, garnishing with crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime on the side for that extra zing.
Pair this zesty Pad Thai with a crisp cucumber salad to enhance its refreshing qualities. A side of steamed edamame or a light vegetable soup can also complement the meal nicely. If you're looking to impress, serve with a chilled glass of Riesling or a light lager to balance the flavors.
Let's talk about what makes this dish special. The star of the show is the rice noodles, which soak up all the delicious flavors. Vegetable oil is our cooking medium, keeping things light. Garlic adds a fragrant base, while shrimp and chicken breast give it a protein-packed punch. The eggs provide richness and a slight creaminess. Bean sprouts and green onions introduce freshness and crunch. For that authentic Thai tang, lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar create a balanced sauce, with a kick from red pepper flakes. Finally, roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro are the perfect garnish, adding texture and aroma.
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