Pad Thai – A Flavorful Thai Stir-Fry Recipe
Category: Main Dishes | Serves: 4
Pad Thai is one of the most beloved and iconic dishes of Thai cuisine, characterized by its perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re making this dish for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a family gathering, it is sure to impress with its vibrant ingredients and satisfying textures. This version of Pad Thai includes shrimp, rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs, all brought together in a mouthwatering stir-fry that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice noodles | 300g |
| Shrimp | 200g |
| Soybean sprouts | 150g |
| Peanuts | 80g |
| Vegetable oil | 60g |
| Water | 50g |
| Fish sauce | 40g |
| Tamarind juice | 40g |
| Soy sauce | 20g |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Fresh coriander | To taste |
| Chives | To taste |
| Lime | 1 |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 900mg |
| Sugars | 5g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Rice Noodles:
Begin by soaking the rice noodles in warm water. Leave them to soften for about 10-15 minutes, or until you are ready to use them. The noodles should be pliable but not too mushy. -
Prepare the Fresh Herbs and Garnishes:
While the noodles are soaking, take the time to prepare your fresh garnishes. Wash and dry the fresh coriander, then finely chop it. Do the same for the chives, setting them aside for later. -
Toast the Peanuts:
Heat a wok over medium heat and add 30g of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the peanuts and toast them until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Once done, transfer them to a bowl and set them aside. -
Sauté the Garlic:
In the same wok, remove any leftover oil and add the remaining 30g of vegetable oil. Grate the garlic and add it to the wok. Sauté the garlic over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to release its aroma. -
Cook the Noodles:
Once the garlic has softened, drain the soaked rice noodles and add them to the wok. Toss them gently to coat them in the garlic-infused oil, ensuring they mix well with the flavor. -
Add Tamarind and Soy Sauce:
Pour in the tamarind juice and half of the soy sauce. Stir well to combine, making sure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Add the water to the wok, continuing to stir to keep the noodles from sticking. -
Add the Soybean Sprouts:
Rinse the soybean sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt, and add them to the wok. Toss them into the noodles, letting them wilt slightly but keeping their crunch for texture. -
Cook the Shrimp:
Push the noodles to one side of the wok, creating space for the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the open side of the wok and cook them for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them. -
Combine Everything:
Once the shrimp are cooked, gently stir them into the noodles, mixing everything together. Add the toasted peanuts to the wok and continue tossing until all ingredients are evenly distributed. -
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the Pad Thai from the heat and transfer it to serving plates. Sprinkle with freshly chopped coriander and chives for a burst of flavor. Cut the lime into wedges and serve on the side, allowing everyone to squeeze fresh lime juice over their dish for an extra tangy kick.
Tips for a Perfect Pad Thai
- Noodle texture: Be sure not to over-soak the rice noodles. They should be soft but still have a little bite to them when you stir-fry them.
- Protein variations: While shrimp is a traditional protein in Pad Thai, you can easily substitute it with chicken, tofu, or even beef, depending on your preferences.
- Adjusting flavor balance: Feel free to tweak the amount of tamarind juice, soy sauce, and fish sauce to match your personal taste. If you like it spicier, add a dash of chili paste or fresh chilies.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, simply skip the shrimp and replace the fish sauce with a vegan alternative, such as mushroom soy sauce or tamari.
Why You’ll Love This Pad Thai Recipe
Pad Thai brings the perfect balance of flavors, with the tanginess from tamarind, the saltiness from fish sauce and soy sauce, the crunchiness from peanuts, and the freshness from herbs. It’s a versatile dish that’s satisfying, quick to make, and easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. The addition of shrimp adds a touch of elegance, but you can also make this dish vegetarian or vegan by swapping out the protein.
This Pad Thai recipe is a great weeknight dinner, but it’s also special enough to serve at parties or gatherings. Whether you’re craving a flavorful stir-fry or exploring the depths of Thai cuisine, this dish will transport you straight to the streets of Thailand with every bite. Enjoy!
