Pad Thai
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
2 - 3 people
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Calories
650 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Thai
Pad Thai
Description
The Pad Thai begins by soaking selected dried rice stick noodles briefly in boiling water, then rinsing with cold water to maintain texture. The sauce combines tamarind puree (not concentrate), brown sugar, fish sauce, and oyster sauce, providing a medley of tangy, salty, and sweet elements essential to the dish's flavor profile. Stir frying garlic and onions in vegetable oil develops aromatic depth, followed by cooking thin slices of chicken until just done.
Eggs are scrambled in the pan alongside the chicken before adding bean sprouts, tofu batons, and the noodles. Incorporating the sauce and gently tossing allows the noodles to absorb flavors. Fresh garlic chives and chopped peanuts are added toward the end for crunch and mild onion-garlic notes. Serving includes lime wedges and optional chili for heat adjustment, alongside additional bean sprouts to add a fresh, crunchy contrast.
This recipe emphasizes ingredient quality, such as choosing specific brands of noodles less prone to breaking and authentic tamarind puree for depth. Alternatives for tamarind and soy sauce are offered if originals are unavailable, noting their impact on flavor. The stir-frying sequence and ingredient order contribute to achieving the correct texture and flavor blending.
It's recommended to use a well-seasoned skillet or wok for even heat distribution. The recipe yields an ample two servings that balance noodles and toppings effectively.
Ingredients
- 125 g / 4oz dried rice stick Note 1, Chang's Pad Thai brand
Sauce:
- 1 1/2 tbsp tamarind puree , NOT concentrate (Note 2)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar packed
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (Note 3)
- 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce (Note 4)
Stir Fry:
- 2 - 3 tbsp vegetable oil or canola oil
- 1/2 onion , sliced (brown, yellow)
- 2 garlic finely chopped, cloves
- 150 g/5oz chicken breast thinly sliced, or thigh
- 2 egg lightly whisked
- 1 1/2 cups beansprouts
- 1/2 cup tofu firm, cut into 3cm / 1 1/4" batons
- 1/4 cup garlic chives cut into 3cm / 1 1/4" pieces
- 1/4 cup peanuts finely chopped
For serving:
- lime essential, wedges
- ground chilli pepper optional, or cayenne pepper
- beansprouts more
Instructions
- Place noodles in a large bowl, pour over plenty of boiling water. Soak for 5 minutes, then drain in a colander and quickly rinse under cold water. Don't leave them sitting around for more than 5 - 10 minutes.
- Mix Sauce in small bowl.
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large non stick pan (or well seasoned skillet) over high heat. Add garlic and onion, cook for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken and cook for 1 1/2 minutes until mostly cooked through.
- Push to one side of the pan, pour egg in on the other side. Scramble using the wooden spoon (add touch of extra oil if pan is too dry), then mix into chicken.
- Add bean sprouts, tofu, noodles then Sauce.
- Toss gently for about 1 1/2 minutes until Sauce is absorbed by the noodles.
- Add garlic chives and half the peanuts. Toss through quickly then remove from heat.
- Serve immediately, sprinkled with remaining peanuts and lime wedges on the side, with a sprinkle of chilli and a handful of extra beansprouts on the side if desired (this is the Thai way!). Squeeze over lime juice to taste before eating.
Notes
- Use Chang's brand rice stick noodles or a similar 2–3 mm wide noodle to avoid breaking during cooking.
- Soak noodles only briefly in boiling water, then rinse cold, to maintain their texture.
- Tamarind puree is preferred over concentrate for authentic flavor; available in Asian markets.
- If tamarind is unavailable, a ketchup-based substitute mixture offers a close flavour alternative.
- Garlic chives add a distinctive mild garlic flavor but can be replaced with chopped shallots or scallions if needed.
- A well-seasoned wok or skillet enhances even cooking and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2- 3 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 650 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 650cal | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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