Authentic Pad Thai Noodles | Sweet, Tangy & Delicious

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

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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. 

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

It’s an easy recipe idea that’s perfect for any time. If you try this Delicious Pad Thai recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always appreciate hearing your thoughts.