This recipe details how to make Thai Pad Thai, a noodle dish filled with contrasting flavors and textures. To begin, rice noodles must be soaked in hot water until soft, while a sauce is prepared consisting of fish sauce, sugar, tamarind paste, and water. Vegetables such as garlic, onion, and bean sprouts are cooked in a skillet, before the sauce is poured over the cooked rice noodles and tossed together. Finally, peanut, green onion, and cilantro leaves are added as garnish with lime wedges on the side. Experimentation with different proteins such as shrimp, chicken, and tofu is suggested to create a personalized dish.
How to Make Thai Pad Thai
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. rice noodles
- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp. fish sauce
- 3 tbsp. sugar
- 2 tbsp. tamarind paste
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
- Place the rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with hot water. Let it soak for 15 minutes or until the noodles are soft and pliable. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, sugar, tamarind paste, and water. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
- Add the beaten eggs and scramble until they are fully cooked.
- Add the bean sprouts and stir-fry for another minute.
Step 4: Add the Noodles and Sauce
- Add the prepared rice noodles to the skillet and toss to combine. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Turn up the heat to high and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the noodles are heated through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Top the Pad Thai with roasted peanuts, green onions, and cilantro leaves. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Tips:
- When soaking the rice noodles, make sure to use hot water and not boiling water to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Make sure to have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go before you begin cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly and you don’t want to be caught off guard.
- Try experimenting with different proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu to make this dish your own.
Conclusion:
Thai Pad Thai is a delicious and satisfying noodle dish that’s bursting with flavors and textures. With a bit of preparation and some simple techniques, you can easily make this dish at home and impress your family and friends. Follow this recipe and get ready to experience the amazing tastes and smells of Thai cuisine.