Pad Thai is a beloved and iconic Thai street food dish that brings together a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This stir-fried noodle dish is not only delicious but also customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferred level of spice and ingredients. With a combination of sweet, savory, and tangy elements, Pad Thai is a culinary adventure worth exploring.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a beloved and iconic Thai street food dish that brings together a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This stir-fried noodle dish is not only delicious but also customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferred level of spice and ingredients. With a combination of sweet, savory, and tangy elements, Pad Thai is a culinary adventure worth exploring.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup tofu cubed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup shrimp peeled and deveined (optional)
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 4 green onions chopped
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
- Lime wedges for serving
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce or soy sauce for a vegetarian version
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
Instructions
Prepare Rice Noodles:
- Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes or until they are pliable. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, and chili powder. Adjust the taste to your liking.
Cook Tofu and Shrimp:
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed tofu and cook until golden brown. If using shrimp, add them to the pan and cook until they turn pink. Remove tofu and shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry:
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Push the garlic to one side and pour the beaten eggs into the pan. Scramble the eggs until cooked.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add soaked and drained rice noodles to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss to combine.
Final Assembly:
- Add cooked tofu, shrimp, bean sprouts, and chopped green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve:
- Transfer Pad Thai to serving plates. Garnish with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.
Enjoy:
- Serve Pad Thai hot, squeezing lime wedges over each portion before eating.