Pad Thai is a classic Thai dish that has gained popularity all over the world. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. If you're looking to make pad Thai at home, you're in luck. In this article, we will guide you on how to make the perfect pad Thai recipe. We'll cover everything from the ingredients needed to make pad Thai to the kitchen tools you'll need. So, let's get started!
Ingredients Needed to Make Pad Thai Recipe
To make a delicious pad Thai recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz. of rice noodles
- 1/2 lb. of chicken breast, thinly sliced (or shrimp, tofu, or beef)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp of fish sauce
- 2 tbsp of tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp of palm sugar
- 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
For the Marinade Pad Thai Recipe
Before you start cooking, you'll want to marinate your chicken (or other protein). Here's what you'll need for the marinade:
- 1 tbsp of fish sauce
- 1 tbsp of soy sauce
- 1 tbsp of vegetable oil
Combine the ingredients in a bowl and add your sliced chicken (or other protein). Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Kitchen Tools Needed Pad Thai Recipe
To make pad Thai at home, you'll need the following kitchen tools:
- A large pot for boiling water
- A wok or large frying pan
- A spatula
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A whisk
How to Make Pad Thai Recipe
Now that you have all your ingredients and kitchen tools ready, let's start cooking!
- Boil a large pot of water and cook your rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add your marinated chicken (or other protein) and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan. Add your minced garlic and chopped shallot, and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Crack 2 eggs into the pan and scramble until cooked through. Add your bean sprouts, roasted peanuts, and green onions to the pan and stir-fry for another minute.
- Add your cooked noodles and cooked chicken (or other protein) back to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together your fish sauce, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything together to coat.
- Serve hot with lime wedges and extra chopped peanuts on top.
How to Cook Pad Thai Recipe
If you're cooking pad Thai for the first time, it's important to follow the recipe closely. Here are some tips to help you cook the perfect pad Thai:
- Make sure your noodles are cooked al dente (firm to the bite) and not overcooked.
- Use a wok or large frying pan to stir-fry your ingredients. This will ensure that everything is evenly cooked.
- Don't overcrowd your pan. Cook your ingredients in batches if necessary.
- Use high heat to stir-fry your ingredients. This will help to create a nice char on your noodles and protein.
- Don't overcook your protein. Cook until just browned and then remove from the pan.
- Use fresh lime juice to add a bright, citrusy flavor to your dish.
- Top your pad Thai with extra chopped peanuts and green onions for added flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about pad Thai:
- What is pad Thai?
Pad Thai is a classic Thai dish made with rice noodles, protein (usually chicken or shrimp), bean sprouts, peanuts, and a sweet and tangy sauce made with fish sauce, tamarind paste, and palm sugar. - How do you pronounce pad Thai?
Pad Thai is pronounced "pad tie". - Is pad Thai spicy?
Pad Thai can be spicy, depending on how much red pepper flakes you add to the dish. You can adjust the spice level to your liking. - What protein can I use in pad Thai?
You can use chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef in your pad Thai recipe. - What are rice noodles?
Rice noodles are thin, translucent noodles made from rice flour and water. They are commonly used in Asian cuisine and have a chewy, tender texture. - Can I make pad Thai vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make pad Thai vegetarian or vegan by omitting the protein and using tofu or a meat substitute instead. You can also use vegan fish sauce and palm sugar to make the sauce. - How long does pad Thai last in the fridge?
Pad Thai will last for 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. - Can I freeze pad Thai?
Pad Thai can be frozen for up to 3 months when stored in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. - What can I serve with pad Thai?
Pad Thai is often served with lime wedges, chopped peanuts, and green onions. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. - Is pad Thai gluten-free?
Pad Thai is gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice noodles and gluten-free soy sauce. - What is tamarind paste?
Tamarind paste is a tangy, sweet paste made from the fruit of the tamarind tree. It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. - What is fish sauce?
Fish sauce is a condiment made from fermented fish and salt. It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine to add saltiness and umami flavor to dishes. - Can I make pad Thai spicy?
Yes, you can make pad Thai spicy by adding red pepper flakes or chopped Thai chilies to the dish. - What is palm sugar?
Palm sugar is a sweetener made from the sap of palm trees. It is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. - Can I make pad Thai without peanuts?
Yes, you can omit the peanuts from your pad Thai recipe if you have a nut allergy or simply don't like peanuts.