International Cuisine > Thai Cuisine > Noodle & Rice Dishes (Thai) > Pad Thai Recipe

Authentic Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a quintessential Thai street food dish, celebrated for its harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating a delicious and authentic Pad Thai experience at home. Learn how to balance the tamarind's tang with palm sugar's sweetness, complemented by the umami of fish sauce, all while achieving perfectly cooked noodles and a delightful textural contrast.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings
2-3
Ingredients
  • 8 oz Dried Rice Noodles (Pad Thai Noodles)
  • 3 tbsp Tamarind Paste
  • 3 tbsp Fish Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Palm Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 Shallots, minced
  • 4 oz Firm Tofu, cubed
  • 2 tbsp Dried Shrimp
  • 2 Eggs
  • 2 cups Bean Sprouts
  • 1/2 cup Chinese Chives, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp Roasted Peanuts, crushed
  • for serving Lime Wedges
  • optional, for serving Red Pepper Flakes

Prepare the Noodles

Soak the dried rice noodles in warm water for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are pliable but still firm. Drain well and set aside. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture; avoid over-soaking, as the noodles will become mushy during cooking.

Make the Pad Thai Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, rice vinegar, and water. Stir well until the palm sugar is completely dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness, sourness, or saltiness according to your preference. This sauce is the heart of Pad Thai, so take your time to get the balance right.

Sauté the Aromatics and Tofu

Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and shallots and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the cubed tofu and dried shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the tofu is lightly golden brown.

Cook the Eggs

Push the tofu and shrimp to one side of the wok. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble them lightly. Once the eggs are partially cooked, break them into smaller pieces and mix them with the tofu and shrimp.

Add the Noodles and Sauce

Add the soaked rice noodles to the wok and pour the Pad Thai sauce over them. Toss everything together well, ensuring that the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the sauce. If the noodles seem dry, add a tablespoon or two of water to prevent them from sticking.

Incorporate the Bean Sprouts and Chives

Add the bean sprouts and Chinese chives to the wok and toss them together with the noodles. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until the bean sprouts are slightly wilted but still crunchy. Remove the wok from the heat.

Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Pad Thai to serving plates. Garnish with crushed roasted peanuts, lime wedges, and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve immediately. Encourage diners to squeeze lime juice over their Pad Thai for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

  • Calories: Approximately 200-250 kcal
  • Protein: 8-10g
  • Carbohydrates: 30-35g
  • Fat: 5-7g
Note: This is an estimate. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Other Important Considerations for Nutrition

  • Palm Sugar: It is high in calories; use sparingly or consider alternatives.
  • Fish Sauce: High in sodium. Those watching their sodium intake should use a low-sodium version or reduce the quantity.
  • Tofu: A great source of protein, making this dish more filling and nutritious.

← Authentic Pad See Ew: Stir-Fried Noodles with a Savory Sweet Sauce Authentic Thai Green Curry →

FAQ

  • Can I use a substitute for tamarind paste?

    Yes, you can use a mixture of lime juice and brown sugar as a substitute. However, the flavor will not be exactly the same. Start with equal parts lime juice and brown sugar and adjust to taste.
  • What if I can't find palm sugar?

    You can substitute palm sugar with brown sugar or coconut sugar. These alternatives provide a similar sweetness and caramel-like flavor.
  • Can I add other vegetables to Pad Thai?

    Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli to your Pad Thai. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the vegetables are cooked to your liking.