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Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish featuring rice noodles coated in a tangy, peanut-infused sauce. It typically includes cooked shrimp or chicken, scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and chopped peanuts, resulting in a dish with a combination of chewy noodles, tender protein, and crunchy toppings. The final presentation is vibrant, with colorful garnishes and a glossy sauce coating every strand.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces rice noodles preferably thin and dried
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for stir-frying
  • 1 small shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce or soy sauce as a substitute
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind paste for authentic tang
  • 1 tablespoon sugar palm sugar or regular
  • 1 cup bean sprouts fresh and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts roasted if possible
  • 2 green onions chopped for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the rice noodles and cook according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  2. Heat the wok or skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot and shimmering, add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp and set aside on a plate.
    8 ounces rice noodles
  3. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble gently, stirring until just set and slightly fluffy, about 30 seconds. Push the eggs to one side of the wok.
    8 ounces rice noodles
  4. Mix in the cooked noodles, cooked shrimp, fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar. Stir vigorously using tongs or spatula to combine everything evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to coat the noodles evenly. You should see a glossy, well-coated mixture with slightly caramelized edges.
    8 ounces rice noodles
  5. Add the bean sprouts and chopped green onions; toss everything together and cook for another minute until the bean sprouts are slightly wilted but still crunchy. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter.
    8 ounces rice noodles
  6. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top of the dish and garnish with lime wedges. Serve immediately while hot, allowing each person to squeeze lime over before eating.
    8 ounces rice noodles