Today we are on a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Thailand with this authentic Pad Thai recipe.

A perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, this dish brings together succulent with your choice of protein (such as chicken), tender rice noodles, and a symphony of fresh ingredients, all stir-fried to perfection.

Pad Thai is a popular Thai street food dish made with stir-fried rice noodles.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, this Pad Thai will transport your taste buds to the heart of Thai cuisine.

The key ingredients in Pad Thai typically include:

1. Rice Noodles: Thin, flat rice noodles are the base of the dish.
2. Protein: Common choices are shrimp, chicken, beef, or tofu for vegetarian versions.
3. Vegetables: Bean sprouts, garlic chives, and sometimes carrots or bell peppers.
4. Eggs: Scrambled into the noodles.
5. Sauce: A combination of fish sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, and sometimes vinegar, creating a balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
6. Toppings: Often garnished with crushed peanuts, fresh lime wedges, and chopped green onions or coriander.

Each ingredient is quickly stir-fried together, resulting in a flavorful and colorful dish. Variations exist, but these components form the core of traditional Pad Thai.

My Chicken Pad Thai Recipe:

The recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Each serving is packed with the authentic flavors and ingredients typical of this beloved Thai dish.

Prep/Cooking Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• Rice Noodles: 8 ounces (225 grams)
• Chicken Breast, chunked (or sliced): 12 ounces (340 grams)
• Bean Sprouts: 1 cup (100 grams)
• Garlic, minced: 2 cloves (6 grams)
• Eggs: 2 large
• Tamarind Paste: 3 tablespoons (45 grams)
• Fish Sauce: 3 tablespoons (45 ml)
• Brown Sugar: 3 tablespoons (36 grams)
• Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Vegetable Oil: 3 tablespoons (45 ml)
• Roasted Peanuts, crushed: 1/4 cup (30 grams)
• Green Onions, chopped: 1/4 cup (25 grams)
  Optional:
• Fresh Cilantro, chopped: 1/4 cup (15 grams)
• Fresh Lime Wedges: for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Noodles: Soak rice noodles in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes or until soft. Drain and set aside.
2. Make Sauce: In a small bowl, mix tamarind paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Cook Eggs: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Crack eggs and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside with chicken.
5. Stir-Fry Noodles: Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Add minced garlic and stir-fry for a few seconds. Add drained noodles and sauce. Toss everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken and eggs to the skillet. Add bean sprouts and half of the green onions. Toss everything together and heat through.
7. Serve: Plate the Pad Thai. Garnish with crushed peanuts, remaining green onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.

Tips to Perfection:

• Soak the rice noodles just until they are pliable but not too soft; they will cook further in the wok.
• Prepare all ingredients beforehand, as the cooking process is quick.
• Use a well-seasoned wok or non-stick skillet to prevent sticking.
• Adjust the sweetness, sourness, and saltiness of the sauce to taste.

Can you make this with pasta instead of noodles?

I’m a big believer in creativity in the kitchen, and that means you can experiment with a recipe as much as you want.

With that being said, there are notable differences between pasta and the noodles used in Pad Thai…

Ingredients:

• Pasta: Typically made from wheat flour and water. Italian pasta might also include eggs.
• Rice Noodles: Made from rice flour and water, making them naturally gluten-free.

Texture and Cooking Method:

• Pasta: Has a firmer, chewier texture. It’s boiled in water until al dente (firm to the bite).
• Rice Noodles: Tend to be softer and more delicate. They are often soaked in lukewarm water to soften before being cooked, or cooked very briefly in boiling water.

Flavor:

• Pasta: Has a subtle, slightly nutty flavor, influenced by the type of wheat used.
• Rice Noodles: Have a neutral taste, which makes them excellent at absorbing the flavors of sauces and seasonings in a dish.

Cultural and Culinary Usage:

• Pasta: A staple in Italian cuisine, used in a wide variety of dishes from spaghetti to lasagna.
• Rice Noodles: Common in Southeast Asian cuisines, such as Thai and Vietnamese dishes, including Pad Thai and Pho.

Nutritional Profile:

• Pasta: Higher in protein and carbohydrates, due to the wheat content.
• Rice Noodles: Gluten-free and generally lower in calories and protein but similar in carbohydrate content.

These differences influence not only the dishes they are used in but also how they interact with sauces and other ingredients in a recipe.

Nutrient Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~400 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 1200mg (approx.)

Storing and Reheating Leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a microwave or skillet, adding a small amount of water to refresh the noodles.

Origin and Folklore:

Pad Thai’s origin is both fascinating and controversial.

It is said to have been popularized in the 1930s and 1940s in Thailand under Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram, who sought to establish a national identity.

Some believe that Pad Thai was a culinary strategy to reduce rice consumption during World War II, while others argue it has deeper roots in Thai culture.

Regardless of its true origins, Pad Thai has become an emblematic dish of Thai cuisine, loved for its delightful interplay of flavors and textures.

About Thailand

Thailand, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, offers a captivating experience for visitors. Here are some highlights that make Thailand so interesting…

Diverse Landscapes:

From the bustling cityscape of Bangkok with its vibrant street life and iconic temples like Wat Arun, to the serene beaches of Phuket and Koh Samui, Thailand’s varied landscapes cater to all tastes.

The northern regions, like Chiang Mai, offer lush mountains and traditional hill tribes.

Cultural Heritage:

Thailand’s history is deeply intertwined with Buddhism, visible in its numerous temples and shrines, such as:

• The majestic Grand Palace
• Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok

The ancient city of Ayutthaya and the historical parks of Sukhothai offer glimpses into the country’s rich past.

Cuisine:

Thai cuisine is renowned globally for its flavors and diversity.

Street food in cities like Bangkok provides an authentic taste of dishes like Pad Thai, Som Tam (green papaya salad), and Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup).

Festivals:

Thailand’s festivals are a vibrant and colorful affair. The Songkran Festival, celebrated in April, marks the Thai New Year with water fights and traditional rituals.

Loy Krathong, the festival of lights, is another spectacular event where people float lanterns on waterways.

Wildlife and Nature:

For nature enthusiasts, Thailand offers national parks like Khao Yai and marine parks like the Similan Islands.

These are places where visitors can see diverse wildlife, go trekking, or enjoy snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear waters.

Friendly People:

Known as the “Land of Smiles,” the warmth and hospitality of Thai people add to the country’s charm, making visitors feel welcome and at ease.

These aspects, combined with its affordability and well-developed tourist infrastructure, make Thailand a compelling destination.

Especially for travelers seeking cultural immersion, adventure, relaxation, and culinary delights.