Pad Thai is a beloved Thai dish known for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. This iconic stir-fried noodle dish is a staple in Thai cuisine, often enjoyed as a quick street food meal or a comforting dinner at home.
With its vibrant ingredients and simple preparation, this Easy Pad Thai Recipe is designed for home cooks who want to recreate authentic flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe will guide you through crafting a delicious Pad Thai in under 30 minutes.
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Why You’ll Love This Pad Thai Recipe
This recipe is not only quick and easy but also versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on dietary preferences or what’s in your pantry.
The combination of tender rice noodles, succulent shrimp (or your protein of choice), crunchy peanuts, and a tangy tamarind-based sauce creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with a homemade Thai feast. Plus, with the right tools and ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
Ingredients for Easy Pad Thai
To make this Pad Thai for 4 servings, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the authentic taste of this Thai classic. Where applicable, I’ve linked to high-quality products available on Amazon to ensure you have the best options for your kitchen.
- 8 oz flat rice noodles
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (or substitute with chicken, tofu, or pork)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (about 2–3 stalks)
- 1/4 cup peanuts, roasted and roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving
For the Pad Thai Sauce
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili paste (adjust for spice preference)
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Kitchen Equipment/Appliances Needed
To prepare this Pad Thai, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. These are widely available and will make the cooking process smooth and efficient. Each item is linked to a reliable product on Amazon.
- Large skillet or wok – For stir-frying the ingredients evenly.
- Saucepan – To soak and soften the rice noodles.
- Colander – For draining the noodles.
- Tongs – To toss and stir the noodles and ingredients.
- Small mixing bowl – For preparing the Pad Thai sauce.
- Measuring spoons – To measure out sauce ingredients accurately.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. This dish comes together quickly, so having everything ready is key. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 8–10 minutes until they’re soft but still slightly firm (al dente). Drain using a colander and set aside. Chop the green onions, cilantro, and peanuts, and set out your bean sprouts and lime wedges.
Step 2: Make the Pad Thai Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine the fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, and chili paste. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely. Taste and adjust the balance of sweet, sour, or spicy to your liking. Set the sauce aside.
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Step 3: Cook the Protein
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp (or your chosen protein) and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until just set, about 1–2 minutes. Push the eggs to one side of the skillet.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Noodles
Add the soaked and drained rice noodles to the skillet. Pour the prepared Pad Thai sauce over the noodles and toss everything together using tongs. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked shrimp, bean sprouts, and green onions to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and sprinkle with peanuts and cilantro (if using). Serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of flavor.
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Tips for the Perfect Pad Thai
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Soak the noodles until they’re pliable but not too soft to avoid a mushy texture when stir-frying.
- Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding it to the noodles and tweak the sweetness, sourness, or heat to suit your preferences.
- Customize Your Protein: Swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or even beef based on your dietary needs.
- Add Crunch: For extra texture, toss in more peanuts or crushed cashews.
- Support Your Health: To enhance digestion and support weight management, try Probiosin Plus, a probiotic supplement that promotes gut health and aids in weight control.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this Pad Thai recipe (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin C: 10% of Daily Value (from lime and bean sprouts)
- Iron: 15% of Daily Value
- Calcium: 8% of Daily Value
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See also: Easy Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Customizing Your Pad Thai
Pad Thai is highly adaptable to suit various dietary preferences:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace shrimp with tofu and use a vegan fish sauce alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Substitute rice noodles with zucchini noodles and try NuviaLab Keto to support your ketogenic diet and weight loss goals.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili paste to make it milder or spicier.
Storing and Reheating
Pad Thai is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the noodles.
Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture. For meal prep, store the sauce separately to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.
See also: Easy Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce Recipe
FAQs
1. Can I make Pad Thai without tamarind paste?
Yes, you can substitute tamarind paste with a mix of lime juice and brown sugar for a similar tangy-sweet flavor, though the taste won’t be identical.
2. Is Pad Thai gluten-free?
Pad Thai can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are free of gluten. Always check labels to confirm.
3. How can I make Pad Thai less spicy?
Reduce or omit the chili paste in the sauce. You can also serve with extra lime wedges to balance the heat.
4. Can I use other noodles for Pad Thai?
While rice noodles are traditional, you can use glass noodles or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
5. How do I store leftover Pad Thai?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a bit of water to maintain texture.
See also: Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Conclusion
This Easy Pad Thai Recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand to your kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of tender noodles, savory protein, and a tangy sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress with its balance of flavors and textures. Plus, with the ability to customize it to your dietary needs, it’s a versatile recipe that fits into any lifestyle.
For those looking to support their weight loss or overall health, supplements like Fat Burn Active can complement your efforts by boosting metabolism and energy levels. Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of Thailand at home.
Looking for more savory recipes? Here are a few of my faves:
- Easy Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry
- Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Easy Creamy Mushroom Pasta
- Easy Garlic Butter Steak Bites Recipe
- Quick and Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp
