Learn how to make an authentic Pad Thai, which is Thailand’s national dish and popular street food. This recipe requires rice noodles, chicken or shrimp, vegetable oil, garlic, eggs, fish sauce, tamarind concentrate, palm sugar, bean sprouts, scallions, cilantro, roasted peanuts, and limes. The recipe starts by soaking rice noodles in warm water, cooking chicken or shrimp, and sauteing garlic and eggs. Then, everything is combined with the softened noodles, fish sauce, tamarind concentrate, and palm sugar, and toppings like bean sprouts and cilantro are added. This dish can be customized with different proteins and toppings to suit personal preferences.

Bringing the Flavor of Bangkok to Your Kitchen: Authentic Pad Thai Recipe

Pad Thai is a popular street food in Thailand and is regarded as the country’s national dish. With its sweet and tangy flavor, it’s no wonder why it is enjoyed by many worldwide.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. of rice noodles
• 1/2 lb. of chicken or shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp. of vegetable oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp. of fish sauce
• 1 tbsp. of tamarind concentrate
• 2 tbsp. of palm sugar
• 1 cup of bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup of chopped scallions
• 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup of chopped roasted peanuts
• 2 limes, cut into wedges

Instructions:

1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes or until they soften. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp. of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
3. Add the chicken or shrimp and cook until it turns golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil and garlic. Saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Add the eggs and scramble until they’re fully cooked. Slide the eggs to the side of the pan.
6. Add the softened rice noodles, fish sauce, tamarind concentrate, and palm sugar to the pan. Toss all the ingredients to combine.
7. Add the cooked chicken or shrimp back into the pan.
8. Add the bean sprouts, scallions, and cilantro. Toss everything together for about 2-4 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked and everything is well combined.
9. Serve hot and garnish with roasted peanuts and lime wedges.

Tips:

• When soaking the rice noodles, make sure the water is warm, but not boiling. Boiling water will overcook the noodles and make them too soft.
• Slice the chicken or shrimp into small pieces so that they cook evenly and quickly.
• If tamarind concentrate is not available, you can substitute it with lime juice mixed with brown sugar. Start with a tablespoon of lime juice and a teaspoon of brown sugar, then adjust according to your preference.
• Pad Thai can be made with different proteins such as beef, pork, tofu, or vegetables, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

With this simple recipe, you can bring the flavors of Bangkok right to your kitchen. Authentic Pad Thai is a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Try it with your choice of protein and adjust the seasonings according to your liking. Plus, you can customize the dish with your favorite toppings such as crushed red pepper, chopped garlic chives, or hard-boiled egg. Enjoy!