Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand right in your kitchen with this mouthwatering Pad Thai recipe. This classic dish combines stir-fried rice noodles with a savory sauce, fresh vegetables, and your choice of protein. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is straightforward and guarantees a satisfying meal that bursts with flavor. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the preparation steps to create this Thai favorite!
Ingredients
– 8 oz rice noodles
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 eggs, lightly beaten
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
– 1/4 cup peanuts, crushed
– 3 tbsp fish sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp lime juice
– Optional: shrimp, chicken, or tofu
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
The nutritional value per serving (1/3 of recipe):
– Calories: 400
– Protein: 15g
– Fat: 18g
– Carbohydrates: 48g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sodium: 800mg
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Soak rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes until softened, then drain.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat.
3. Add beaten eggs and scramble until just set, then remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add soaked noodles and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in fish sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice; stir to combine.
6. Add shredded carrots and green onions; stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
7. Incorporate the scrambled eggs back into the noodles.
8. Toss in bean sprouts and cook for an additional minute.
9. Serve hot, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.
10. Enjoy your homemade Pad Thai!
Alternative Ingredients
For a vegetarian option, substitute shrimp or chicken with tofu. You can also use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch!
Serving and Pairings
Pad Thai is best served with lime wedges and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts on top. It pairs wonderfully with a side of spring rolls or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the flavors.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Pad Thai in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the noodles. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the texture may change.
Cooking Mistakes
– Overcooking the noodles can make them mushy.
– Using too much sauce can overpower the dish.
– Not stirring continuously can lead to uneven cooking.
– Forgetting to soak the rice noodles properly affects texture.
– Skipping the fresh lime juice dulls the flavor.
Helpful Tips
– Always prepare your ingredients before starting to cook.
– Use high heat for stir-frying to achieve that signature wok char.
– Experiment with protein combinations for variety.
– Adjust the sweetness by adding sugar to taste.
– Garnish with cilantro for added freshness.
FAQs
What is the origin of Pad Thai?
Pad Thai originated in Thailand during the 1930s as a national dish. It was promoted by the government to encourage rice consumption and became a staple street food.
Can I make Pad Thai ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Cooked noodles can be stored, but the dish may lose its texture when reheated.
Is Pad Thai healthy?
Pad Thai can be a nutritious option if made with lean protein and plenty of vegetables. However, be mindful of the sauce and portion sizes to manage calorie intake.
What type of noodles are used in Pad Thai?
The traditional noodles used in Pad Thai are flat rice noodles, which are soft and chewy, making them perfect for stir-frying.
Can I make Pad Thai vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute eggs with tofu and use vegan fish sauce or soy sauce for a delicious vegan version of this dish.
Conclusion
This Pad Thai recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare at home. With its vibrant flavors and customizable ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Thailand in your own kitchen!
Pad Thai Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup green onions chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts crushed
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Optional: shrimp chicken, or tofu
Instructions
- Soak rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes until softened, then drain.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat.
- Add beaten eggs and scramble until just set, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add soaked noodles and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in fish sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice; stir to combine.
- Add shredded carrots and green onions; stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
- Incorporate the scrambled eggs back into the noodles.
- Toss in bean sprouts and cook for an additional minute.
- Serve hot, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.
- Enjoy your homemade Pad Thai!
