Pad Thai Recipe

Pad Thai, the quintessential Thai street food, is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts worldwide. This stir-fried noodle dish balances sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors in perfect harmony, making it a favorite for both casual meals and special occasions.

Ingredients:

• Rice Noodles: 8 oz (225g), soaked in warm water until pliable but firm
• Protein of Choice: 8 oz (225g) shrimp, chicken, or tofu, thinly sliced
• Vegetables: 1 cup bean sprouts, 2 green onions (chopped), 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• Eggs: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Peanuts: 1/4 cup, crushed
• Oil: 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• Fish Sauce: 3 tbsp
• Tamarind Paste: 2 tbsp dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water
• Sugar: 2 tbsp (palm or brown sugar)
• Chili Paste: 1-2 tsp, adjust to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a small bowl, mix together fish sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, and chili paste. Adjust sweetness and spiciness to your preference.

1. Soak Noodles:

• Place rice noodles in a bowl of warm water for about 20-30 minutes until they are pliable but still firm. Drain and set aside.

1. Stir-Fry:

• Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add your choice of protein (shrimp, chicken, or tofu) and cook until nearly done, then push to one side of the skillet.

1. Cook Eggs:

• Pour beaten eggs into the skillet and scramble until fully cooked. Mix eggs with the protein.

1. Combine Everything:

• Add soaked noodles to the skillet, followed by the prepared sauce. Toss everything together over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until noodles are well-coated and heated through.

1. Add Vegetables and Finish:

• Add bean sprouts, chopped green onions, and half of the chopped cilantro. Toss for another minute until vegetables are slightly cooked but still crunchy.

1. Serve:

• Transfer Pad Thai to serving plates. Garnish with crushed peanuts and the remaining cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges and extra chili flakes on the side for those who enjoy more heat.

Tips for the Perfect Pad Thai:

• Preparation is Key: Have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking. Pad Thai cooks quickly, so you’ll want everything within arm’s reach.
• Adjust to Taste: Taste your sauce before adding it to the noodles. Adjust the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors to suit your palate.
• Get the Wok Hot: A hot wok or skillet ensures that your ingredients cook quickly and evenly without becoming soggy.

Enjoying Pad Thai:

Whether you’re recreating the bustling streets of Bangkok in your kitchen or introducing friends to the flavors of Thailand, Pad Thai promises a satisfying experience. With its vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, and complex flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

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Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste preferences, and enjoy the journey of cooking this beloved Thai classic!