Once you get the hang of making Pad Thai at home, you’ll never order it again. My goal for every recipe is to simplify to the greatest extent possible while still achieving maximum deliciousness. If you love Thai food, it’s definitely worth a try.
What is Pad Thai?
Pad Thai is a relatively recent invention in Thailand that only began showing up in the mid-20th century. While rice noodle stir-fries have been made in Thailand for centuries, the combination of flavors unique to Pad Thai is fairly new. Once the dish was exported, its easy-to-love sweet and savory flavor made it one of the most popular Thai dishes around the world.
The authentic version of this iconic Thai noodle dish is made with stir-fried rice noodles coated in a tamarind and fish sauce-based sauce with shrimp, chopped chives, scrambled egg, firm tofu, pickled radish or turnip, and bean sprouts.
Prep Time Cook Time Total Time
15mins 15mins 30mis
Ingredients
🔖 4 ounces of flat rice noodles, less than 1/4 inch wide
🔖 8 ounces tofu, shrimp, or chicken
🔖 3 garlic cloves, minced (3 tsp)
🔖 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided (or 1/2 tbsp if using tofu or pre-cooked shrimp, chicken)
🔖 1 cup bean sprouts
🔖 2 eggs
🔖 3 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
🔖 1 1/2 cups julienned carrots or red bell pepper or a combination, about 1/2 pepper, 1 medium carrot
Pad Thai Sauce
🔖 2 tablespoons fish sauce
🔖 2 tablespoons soy sauce, low sodium
🔖 1 tablespoon sriracha for mild-medium spicy
🔖 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
🔖 1/4 cup brown sugar
🔖 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Garnish
🔖 1/2 cup dry-roasted peanuts, crushed
🔖 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
🔖 lime wedges
Instructions
Soften cook noodles: First, make noodles according to package instructions. Typically, place in the bowl with hot water for 5-7 minutes or until soft. Drain and rinse under cold water if not using right away to keep them from sticking.
Make Pad Thai sauce: While the noodles are soaking, whisk all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl or measuring cup.
2 tablespoons fish sauce Note 2,2 tablespoons soy sauce, low sodium,1/4 cup brown sugar,1 tablespoon sriracha,2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter,2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Cook shrimp, Tofu, or Chicken (if needed): Tofu doesn't need to be cooked (up to you). You can use leftover, rotisserie, or precooked chicken or shrimp. Just cut into small pieces – and skip this step.
Sauté Veggies: Heat the pan to medium-high heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of oil. Add carrots, green onions, and peppers. Sauté for around 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Cook Eggs: Move veggies to one side of the pan. Crack eggs into the pan. As they cook, break them up and scramble them with a wooden spoon into little pieces, about 1 minute.
Assemble Pad Thai: Add protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu), half of the bean sprouts, cooked noodles, half of the cilantro, and sauce. Toss with tongs to coat everything with sauce and heat through. If the mixture is too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water. Transfer to a platter and garnish with remaining bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Pad Thai at home without a wok?
Absolutely, while a wok gives the best results, you can use a large skillet or non-stick frying pan. The key is to cook over medium-high heat in small batches so the noodles and ingredients stir-fry evenly without sticking or steaming.
Q2: Can I make Pad Thai vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, of course! Replace shrimp or chicken with tofu or extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Use soy sauce instead of fish sauce for a fully vegan-friendly version. Adding crushed peanuts and lime wedges still gives it an authentic Pad Thai flavor.
Q3: How can I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Soak the rice noodles in warm water until they are pliable but slightly firm. Drain them well before stir-frying, and toss them quickly in the pan with sauce and oil.
Q4: Can I make Pad Thai ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best eaten immediately for the perfect texture. If you need to store leftovers, keep the noodles separate from garnishes like peanuts, lime, and bean sprouts. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or sauce.
Pad Thai noodles are a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the best of Thai cuisine into your home kitchen. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, combined with the satisfying texture of stir-fried noodles, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, casual meals, or special occasions.
Making Pad Thai at home allows you to customize the ingredients and spice level to suit your taste. Fresh vegetables, proteins like shrimp or chicken, and the perfect combination of tamarind, lime, and peanuts elevate the dish to restaurant-quality flavor. Serve it with lime wedges and extra crushed peanuts for a touch of authenticity and crunch. Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is approachable, quick, and packed with flavor
It’s an easy recipe idea that’s perfect for any time. If you try this Delicious Pad Thai recipe, tell me how it was because I always appreciate hearing your thoughts.