Easy homemade Pad Thai recipe with rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, tofu, tamarind sauce, and peanuts. perfect weeknight.

Ratings 05

What Is The Pad Thai?
Pad Thai is Thailand’s most famous stir-fried noodle dish, often considered the country’s national dish. It is made by wok rice noodles with eggs, vegetables, and a protein of one’s choice, like tofu, chicken, or shrimp, in a hot wok. The key part, which is the sweet-savory-tangy sauce, is usually made with sugar, fish sauce, tamarind paste, and a little chili.
Traditionally, the dish is finished with lime wedges, peanuts, bean sprouts, and, every once in a while, pickled radish or dried shrimp for depth. Pad Thai is a tasty, trying to fill, and very well street food which can be found all across Thailand since it strikes a balance between the 4 major Thai flavors: sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
Pad Thai’s Health Benefits
01. High In Protein
- Protein from food products such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu is necessary for energy and muscle repair.
- Likewise, eggs provide such a high-quality protein boost.
02. Good Source Of Complex Carbohydrates
- Rice noodles give quick energy and are gluten-free, making Pad Thai suitable for those avoiding wheat.
03. Full Of Vegetables
- Green onions, bean sprouts, and other veggies (such as broccoli or carrots) offer vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
04. Nutritious Peanut Fats
- Crushed peanuts provide magnesium, heart-healthy fats, and plant-based protein.
05. Balanced Flavors & Nutrients
- Pad Thai often has a good balance of macronutrients (carbs, protein, fats) along with micronutrients from herbs and lime juice (vitamin C).
06. Adaptable To Dietary Requirements
- Alter the sauce (using soy sauce instead of fish sauce and tamarind) to start making it vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free.
07. Note:
Depending on the proportions of the sauce, traditional pad Thai can be high in sugar and sodium; consequently, adjusting the seasoning makes it healthier.
Advice On Preparing Pad Thai
01. Soak The Noodles Properly
Rice noodles must be drenched in warm water until just pliable, vs being boiled like pasta. This helps to keep the noodles from becoming mushy or sticky.
02. Use High Heat (Wok Style)
Cook Pad Thai in a hot skillet or wok. Noodles remain chewy and vegetables continue to stay crisp once stir-fried rapidly.
03. Keep The Sauce In Balance
Thai food is known for its sense of harmony of flavors, which can be accomplished by trying to adjust the tamarind (sour), sugar (sweet), fish sauce or soy sauce (salty), and chili (spicy).
04. Prepare The Ingredients In Steps
Protein ought to be simmered first and then left aside. After the eggs are roasted, mix in the noodles and sauce. This preserves food from overcooking.
05. Don’t Overload The Pan
Work in small batches if needed. Too many ingredients at once will steam the noodles instead of frying them.
06. Add Veggies Last
Bean sprouts, green onions, and fresh herbs should go in at the end to keep them crunchy and fresh.
07. Add A Lot Of Garnish
Serve with extra bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and chili flakes on the side. Everyone can presently personalize flavors to satisfy their tastes.
08. Try Different Proteins And Toppings
Try tofu, chicken, shrimp, or even a mixture. For additional fragrance, add Thai basil or fresh cilantro.
FAQ Pad Thai
01. Is It Possible To Make Vegetarian Or Vegan Pad Thai?
Indeed! Skip this same oyster sauce and then use soy sauce (or tamari if gluten-free) in place of fish sauce. Switch out meat or shrimp for tofu or extra vegetables.
02. What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Tamarind Paste?
You can mix lime juice and rice vinegar (or lemon juice) with a little brown sugar as a substitute. This then keeps adding a tangy flavor, but it won’t be precisely the same.be
03. Why Are My Pad Thai Noodles Sticking Together?
This normally happens whenever the noodles are not stir-fried quickly enough or are over-soaked. Soak only until gentle, stirring frequently, place above a white high heat with enough oil or sauce.
04. What Are Some Healthier Ways To Prepare Pad Thai?
- Use less oil and sugar in the sauce.
- Include additional veggies, such as carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli.
- Make use of lean protein or tofu.
- Choose fish sauce or low-sodium soy sauce.
05. Can Pad Thai Be Made Ahead Of Time?
Pad Thai has been best appreciated fresh, but you can chop the ingredients to make the sauce in advance. Leftover Pad Thai can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in a pan (not microwave, if possible, to keep texture).
06. For Pad Thai, Which Noodles Work Best?
Historically, flat rice noodles are now about ¼ inch wide. For a lighter twist, try utilizing thinner rice sticks or even zucchini noodles.
07. How Spicy Is Pad Thai?
Pad Thai is usually served with a sprinkle of seasoning. The heat comes from chili flakes, which you can adjust to your taste.

Pad Thai
Ingredients
- 150 g (5 oz) rice noodles
- 200 g (7 oz) chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu (your choice)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Pad Thai Sauce
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare noodles – Soak rice noodles in warm water for 30–40 minutes until pliable but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- Mix sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chili flakes.
- Cook protein – Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or pan, stir-fry chicken/shrimp/tofu until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Scramble eggs – Add a little more oil, crack eggs, and scramble lightly. Push to one side of the pan.
- Add noodles & sauce – Toss in drained noodles, pour the sauce over, and stir-fry until noodles absorb the flavor (2–3 minutes).
- Combine – Add cooked protein back, along with bean sprouts and green onions. Stir-fry briefly.
- Serve – Plate hot, top with crushed peanuts, extra chili, and lime wedges on the side.
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Pad Thai
Easy homemade Pad Thai recipe with rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, tofu, tamarind sauce, and peanuts. perfect weeknight. Ratings 05 What Is The Pad Thai? Pad Thai is Thailand’s most famous stir-fried noodle dish, often considered the country’s national dish. It is made by wok rice noodles with eggs, vegetables, and a protein of one’s…
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