Ingredients
– 8 ounces rice noodles These form the base of your Thai noodles dish, soaking up the sauce for that perfect chewy texture.
– 3 Tablespoons oil Used for stir-frying, it helps evenly cook the protein and veggies without sticking.
– 3 cloves garlic (minced) Adds a pungent aroma and depth, enhancing the overall Thai cuisine taste.
– 8 ounces uncooked shrimp, chicken, or extra-firm tofu (cut into small pieces) Provides protein; shrimp or chicken for a hearty feel, tofu for a vegetarian option.
– 2 eggs Scrambled into the mix, they add richness and help bind the ingredients together.
– 1 cup fresh bean sprouts Offer crunch and freshness, plus vitamins for a nutritious boost.
– 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced) Brings sweetness and color, making your Pad Thai visually appealing and full of antioxidants.
– 3 green onions (chopped) Add a mild onion flavor and garnish, perfect for that final pop of green.
– 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts Provide crunch and nutty taste, plus healthy fats for a balanced meal.
– 2 limes Squeezed for juice, they add tanginess that brightens the whole noodle dishes experience.
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped) Infuses a herb burst that elevates the authentic Thai food authenticity.
– 3 Tablespoons fish sauce Creates the umami base, essential for that traditional Pad Thai flavor.
– 1 Tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce Balances saltiness and adds depth; opt for gluten-free if needed.
– 5 Tablespoons light brown sugar Brings sweetness to counter the tang, making the sauce irresistible.
– 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar or tamarind paste Adds sour notes; tamarind makes it more authentic.
– 1 Tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce (or more to taste) Kicks in the heat, adjustable for your spice preference.
– 2 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter (optional) If you want extra creaminess, this boosts the flavor profile.
Instructions
1-First Step: Start by cooking the rice noodles. Bring a pot of water to boil and cook 8 ounces of rice noodles according to package instructions until tender, usually about 5-7 minutes. Once done, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and set them aside for that perfect chewy texture in your Asian stir-fry.
2-Second Step: Prepare the homemade Pad Thai sauce. In a medium bowl, combine 3 Tablespoons fish sauce, 1 Tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, 5 Tablespoons light brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar or tamarind paste, 1 Tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce, and 2 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter if you’re using it. Mix well and set aside; this step adapts easily for vegetarian Pad Thai by swapping fish sauce for soy sauce.
3-Third Step: Heat the oil in a wok or large saucepan. Pour 1.5 Tablespoons of oil into the pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your chosen protein 8 ounces of uncooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu cut into small pieces along with 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink, or chicken for 3-4 minutes, flipping once until it’s fully cooked through.
4-Fourth Step: Scramble the eggs. Push the cooked ingredients to one side of the pan and add the remaining oil if needed. Pour in 2 beaten eggs on the empty side and scramble them until they’re broken into small pieces, about 1 minute. This adds a lovely protein boost and helps the Thai street food vibe shine.
5-Fifth Step: Combine everything in the wok. Add the cooked rice noodles, the prepared sauce, 1 cup fresh bean sprouts, and most of the 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts (save some for topping) to the pan. Toss all ingredients together over high heat for 2-3 minutes until everything is thoroughly coated and heated through. For a gluten-free version, make sure your soy sauce is certified gluten-free.
6-Sixth Step: Garnish and serve. Remove from heat and top your Pad Thai with the remaining peanuts, 3 chopped green onions, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, and wedges from 2 limes. Serve immediately for the best flavor it’s a hit for family dinners or as a quick Pad Thai dinner option. Remember, high heat is key to keeping the noodles from getting mushy, so keep things moving!
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🌿 Prepare protein and vegetables ahead to save time during cooking.
🍋 Use tamarind paste instead of vinegar for a more authentic tangy flavor.
🥜 Add peanut butter to the sauce for extra creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 627
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1867mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 77g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 153mg