If you’ve ever craved a dish that’s savory, sweet, tangy, and a little nutty, then this pad thai recipe is just what you need. One of Thailand’s most iconic street foods, Pad Thai has become a favorite worldwide for its bold flavors and satisfying textures. With chewy rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, tender chicken (or shrimp/tofu), and a perfectly balanced sauce, this dish is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Pad Thai Recipe
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Customizable: Works with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Balanced flavors: A delicious mix of sweet, sour, savory, and nutty.
- Better than takeout: Fresh, flavorful, and healthier when made at home.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Pad Thai Recipe
Here are the key ingredients that make this dish shine:
- Rice noodles – The chewy base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Chicken, shrimp, or tofu – Protein of choice to keep it filling and versatile.
- Eggs – Add richness and that classic Pad Thai texture.
- Bean sprouts & green onions – Fresh crunch to balance the noodles.
- Garlic & shallots – Build the savory, aromatic base.
- Peanuts – Toasted and crushed for a nutty crunch.
- Tamarind paste – The tangy, signature flavor of authentic Pad Thai sauce.
- Fish sauce & soy sauce – Umami-packed seasoning staples.
- Brown sugar – Balances out the tang with a touch of sweetness.
- Lime wedges – Bright, zesty finishing touch.
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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pad Thai Recipe
- Soak noodles: Place rice noodles in warm water until just tender, then drain.
- Make the sauce: Whisk together tamarind paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Set aside.
- Cook protein: Heat oil in a wok or skillet, then stir-fry chicken, shrimp, or tofu until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Scramble eggs: In the same pan, lightly scramble eggs until just set.
- Sauté aromatics: Add garlic and shallots; cook until fragrant.
- Combine noodles & sauce: Toss in the drained noodles and pour in the sauce. Stir-fry until evenly coated.
- Add everything back: Return protein, eggs, bean sprouts, and green onions. Toss well.
- Serve & garnish: Plate with crushed peanuts and lime wedges on the side.
Expert Tip: To avoid mushy noodles, soak them only until flexible and finish cooking them in the sauce.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Spicy kick: Add Thai chili flakes or Sriracha for extra heat.
- Vegetarian: Swap fish sauce with soy sauce and use tofu as the protein.
- Sweeter flavor: Increase the sugar slightly if you prefer a sweeter profile.
- Nut-free: Replace peanuts with toasted sunflower seeds for crunch.
How to Store & Reheat
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long to keep noodles from drying out.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this flavorful pad thai recipe, you’ll also love these other comforting dishes:
- White Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker) – A hearty, creamy chili perfect for cozy nights.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta – Rich, creamy, and family-friendly comfort food.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Rice Skillet – A one-pan meal packed with flavor and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use another noodle instead of rice noodles?
A: Rice noodles are traditional, but you can use soba, zucchini noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch.
Q: Is Pad Thai gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Q: What protein works best for Pad Thai?
A: Chicken, shrimp, and tofu are the most popular, but beef or pork also work well.
Q: How do I make Pad Thai less salty?
A: Reduce the fish sauce and balance it with more lime juice or sugar.
This pad thai recipe is proof that restaurant-quality dishes can be recreated at home with ease. Bursting with flavor, texture, and customizable options, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try tonight, and don’t forget to squeeze plenty of lime on top before digging in!
Pad Thai Recipe
Ingredients
- Rice noodles – the chewy base of the dish
- Chicken shrimp, or tofu – protein of your choice
- Eggs – scrambled for richness
- Garlic and shallots – aromatic base flavor
- Bean sprouts & green onions – fresh crunch
- Crushed peanuts – nutty topping
- Tamarind paste – signature tangy flavor
- Fish sauce & soy sauce – umami depth
- Brown sugar – sweet balance
- Lime wedges – zesty garnish
Instructions
- Soak rice noodles in warm water until just tender. Drain.
- Whisk tamarind paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar to make the sauce.
- Stir-fry chicken, shrimp, or tofu until cooked; set aside.
- Scramble eggs lightly in the same pan.
- Add garlic and shallots; sauté until fragrant.
- Toss in noodles and pour the sauce. Stir-fry until coated.
- Return protein, add bean sprouts and green onions. Toss well.
- Serve hot with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.