Pad Thai Noodles

pad_thai_noodles

When it comes to Thai cuisine, Pad Thai is considered to be among the most famous and well-loved dishes worldwide. Originating in Thailand, Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish that is usually cooked with shrimp or chicken, bean sprouts, tofu, peanuts, and eggs. The dish is loaded with flavors from various ingredients like tamarind sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, cilantro, and lime.

Pad Thai has been considered a national dish in Thailand because of its unique blend of flavors, which makes it a mouthwatering and satisfying meal. It is one of the best comfort foods known for its balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. The dish is simple to make, and it’s affordable, which makes it easy to find on menus all over Thailand.

This Pad Thai recipe is easy to prepare and requires only accessible ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is the flexibility you have to adjust it to your liking. You can add extra veggies or adjust the seasoning to your taste buds. It is perfect for vegetarians and for those who are looking to cut down on meat.

The star of this Pad Thai recipe is undoubtedly the noodles. Thai rice noodles are delicate, thin, and perfectly chewy. You can usually find these noodles in the Asian section of any supermarket or at an Asian grocery store. They are affordable, and you can store them in the pantry for an extended period.

Next, you will need chicken, shrimp or tofu, which is the perfect protein for the dish. This recipe calls for chicken, but if you prefer shrimp or tofu, then go for it. I use chicken breast and prepare it separately with seasoning, and this step can be done ahead of time to save time. Tofu can be an excellent addition for vegetarians or vegans.

Bean sprouts are another key component of Pad Thai. They add a nice crunch and texture to the recipe. You will also need garlic, scallions, cilantro, and peanuts, which add a depth of flavor and a nutty crunch to the dish.

The sauce is the final piece of the puzzle, and it’s what makes the dish pop. The sauce for this Pad Thai is a simple mixture of tamarind sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. The tamarind sauce adds the tanginess to the dish, fish sauce brings in the umami, and the brown sugar balances the flavors by adding sweetness.

In conclusion, Pad Thai is a delicious and straightforward recipe that brings the flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen. It’s a popular dish that is well-loved around the world, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, has a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, and can be customized to your preference. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a quick and satisfying meal that is budget-friendly, healthy and flavorful. Follow these simple steps, and you’re sure to have a Pad Thai dish that would impress anyone’s taste buds.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. Thai rice noodles
  • 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup pressed or firm tofu, cut into thin strips
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tbsp. fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp. tamarind paste
  • 2 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup mung bean sprouts
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Fresh cilantro, for serving
  • Crushed red pepper, for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook for about 3-5 minutes or until soft. Drain and set aside.

  2. In a wok or large skillet, heat vegetable oil over high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. Add shrimp and tofu to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.

  4. Push the shrimp and tofu to the sides of the wok or skillet, and pour the lightly beaten eggs into the center. Let the eggs cook until they set and scramble them into small pieces.

  5. Add fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, and chicken broth to the wok or skillet. Mix well and let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes.

  6. Add mung bean sprouts to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until they are slightly cooked.

  7. Add the cooked noodles to the wok or skillet and toss well with the sauce.

  8. Top with chopped roasted peanuts and green onions.

  9. Serve hot with lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and crushed red pepper.

Enjoy your delicious Thai Pad Thai Noodles!