Pad Thai is a popular and delicious Thai dish that is loved by many. It’s a stir-fried noodle dish that is typically made with chicken or shrimp, but can also be made vegetarian or vegan. Pad Thai is a great meal to make when you’re short on time, as it only takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
- 200g rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 eggs
- 200g chicken breast, sliced
- 100g bean sprouts
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
Cooking Instructions
- Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 15 minutes until they are soft. Drain and set aside.
- In a wok or large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Push the garlic and onion to the side of the pan and add the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until set, then mix with the garlic and onion.
- Add the sliced chicken breast and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Add the soaked rice noodles and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Add the fish sauce, tamarind paste, and palm sugar. Stir-fry for another minute until the noodles are coated in the sauce.
- Add the bean sprouts and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they are slightly cooked but still crispy.
- Serve the Pad Thai hot, topped with chopped peanuts and lime wedges.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add tofu or more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli.
- Vegan: Use tofu instead of eggs and omit the fish sauce or use a vegan alternative.
- Shrimp: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or use both.
- Spicy: Add some sliced chili peppers or chili flakes for some extra heat.
Pad Thai is a delicious and easy dish that can be enjoyed by anyone. With this easy recipe, you can make a tasty and authentic Pad Thai dish in just a few simple steps. Serve it hot and enjoy!
FAQ
What kind of noodles do I need for Pad Thai?
You need to use rice noodles for Pad Thai.
Can I use chicken or beef instead of shrimp?
Yes, you can use chicken, beef or even tofu instead of shrimp.
What are tamarind paste and fish sauce?
Tamarind paste is made from the fruit of the tamarind tree and has a sour and tangy taste. Fish sauce is a condiment made from fish and salt, and has a salty and savory taste.
Can I make Pad Thai without peanuts?
Yes, you can make Pad Thai without peanuts. You can either omit them or replace them with another nut, like cashews or almonds.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of peanut oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil instead of peanut oil, but peanut oil has a higher smoke point and will give your Pad Thai a better flavor.
Can I make Pad Thai ahead of time?
Pad Thai is best served fresh, but you can make the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time to make the cooking process faster.
Can I add more vegetables to Pad Thai?
Yes, you can add more vegetables to Pad Thai, like bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts.
How do I prevent my rice noodles from sticking together?
Make sure to rinse the noodles with cold water after cooking and toss them with a little bit of oil to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I use regular sugar instead of palm sugar?
Yes, you can use regular sugar instead of palm sugar, but palm sugar has a unique flavor that is traditional in Pad Thai.
How do I know when the Pad Thai is done cooking?
The Pad Thai is done cooking when the noodles are soft and the sauce has thickened and coated the noodles evenly.