Name: Pad Thai Recipe: Tangy and Flavorful
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: Pad Thai:; 8 oz flat rice noodles; 1/2 lb shrimp (peeled); 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 large eggs (beaten); 1 cup bean sprouts; 1/2 cup red bell pepper (sliced); 3 green onions (sliced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup roasted peanuts (chopped); Sauce:; 3 tbsp tamarind paste; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp chili paste (optional); 2 tbsp water; Optional: Lime wedges (cilantro); Suggested Pairings: Spring rolls (Thai iced tea)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Pad Thai is a vibrant, iconic Thai dish, perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or as a flavorful meal to impress. Its chewy rice noodles, succulent shrimp, and tangy-sweet tamarind sauce create a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and sour flavors. Served in white ceramic bowls, garnished with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, this Pad Thai offers a colorful, inviting aesthetic. This recipe delivers a traditional Pad Thai, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served hot for a lively, restaurant-style experience.

Ingredients

For the Pad Thai:

8 oz flat rice noodles (medium width, about 1/4 inch)
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (or tofu, or pork)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup bean sprouts
1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp tamarind paste (or concentrate)
2 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp chili paste (like sambal oelek, optional for heat)
2 tbsp water

Serving:

Optional: Lime wedges, extra peanuts, cilantro, chili flakes
Suggested Accompaniments: Spring rolls, cucumber salad
Suggested Pairings: Thai iced tea, sparkling water
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in white ceramic bowls
Suggested Equipment: Large wok or skillet, medium pot, colander, mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Process

Cook Noodles: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Remove from heat, add rice noodles, and soak for 6-8 minutes until softened but al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk tamarind paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, chili paste (if using), and water until smooth. Adjust to taste for the balance of sweet, sour, and salty.
Prep Ingredients: Ensure shrimp (or protein), eggs, bean sprouts, bell pepper, green onions, garlic, and peanuts are prepped and ready, as cooking is fast.
Cook Protein and Eggs: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp; cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside. Add eggs to the wok; scramble for 1-2 minutes until just set. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.
Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil to the wok. Add garlic and white parts of green onions; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell pepper; cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened.
Combine and Serve: Add noodles, sauce, shrimp, and eggs to the wok. Toss gently for 2-3 minutes until noodles are coated and heated through. Add bean sprouts and green onion greens; toss for 30 seconds. Serve immediately in white ceramic bowls, garnished with peanuts, cilantro, lime wedges, and chili flakes. Pair with spring rolls, cucumber salad, Thai iced tea, or sparkling water.

Tips for Better Pad Thai

Soak noodles just until pliable; over-soaking makes them mushy.
Use tamarind paste for authentic flavor; if unavailable, substitute 1 tbsp lime juice mixed with 1 tbsp brown sugar.
Prep all ingredients before cooking; stir-frying is quick and needs attention.
Adjust the sauce to taste before adding it to the wok; balance sweet, sour, and salty.
Use a wok for the best heat distribution; a large skillet works too.
Toss gently to avoid breaking noodles; tongs or chopsticks help.
Serve immediately to maintain noodle texture and vibrant flavors.
Enhance aesthetic: Serve in white ceramic bowls, garnish with crunchy peanuts and bright cilantro for a colorful look.

Variations and Customization

Vegetarian Pad Thai: Omit shrimp and fish sauce; use tofu and soy sauce or vegan fish sauce.
Gluten-Free Pad Thai: Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure tamarind paste is gluten-free.
Vegan Pad Thai: Use tofu, vegan fish sauce, and omit eggs; add extra vegetables like carrots.
Low-Sodium Pad Thai: Reduce fish sauce and soy sauce to 1 tbsp each; use low-sodium alternatives.
Spicy Pad Thai: Increase chili paste to 1 tbsp or add fresh Thai chilies.
Chicken Pad Thai: Replace shrimp with 1/2 lb diced chicken breast; cook for 4-5 minutes until done.
Peanut-Free Pad Thai: Omit peanuts; use toasted sesame seeds or crushed cashews.
Veggie Pad Thai: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms or shredded carrots with bell pepper.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen noodles; avoid the microwave to preserve texture.
Do not freeze; noodles may become mushy, and sauce may separate.
Serve hot for the best flavor; avoid room temperature for over 2 hours.
Use leftovers as a cold noodle salad or stir-fry base.
Pair with light sides like cucumber salad to balance bold flavors.
Presented in white ceramic bowls with garnishes for an inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings (1.5 cups each, with shrimp):

Calories: 480 kcal
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 980mg
Total Carbohydrates: 58g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 20g
Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 25% Daily Value
Calcium: 8% Daily Value
Iron: 10% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by brand. These are high in sodium; try low-sodium or vegetarian versions. Serve with vegetables for balance.

Conclusion

This Pad Thai recipe offers a tangy, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. It transforms simple ingredients into a Thai classic. Its quick preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The chewy noodles and zesty sauce, with colorful garnishes, delight every time. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its authentic appeal.