Description
Sizzling Pad Thai brings Bangkok street flavors straight to your kitchen with authentic noodle magic. Crisp vegetables, tender proteins, and tangy sauce create a perfect harmony that transports you to Thailand’s bustling culinary landscape.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) uncooked shrimp (or chicken, or extra-firm tofu, cut into small pieces)
- 2 eggs
Noodles and Vegetables:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) flat rice noodles
- 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 3 green onions (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 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
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (optional)
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts
- 2 limes
Instructions
- Prepare rice noodles in boiling water until just al dente, approximately 3-4 minutes. Immediately rinse under cold water to halt cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Whisk together sauce ingredients in a separate bowl, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Set mixture aside for later use.
- Heat oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Rapidly sauté protein (shrimp, chicken, or tofu) with minced garlic and sliced bell peppers for 2-3 minutes, ensuring protein is cooked through but remains tender.
- Create a well in the center of the wok and pour beaten eggs into the space. Scramble eggs using quick circular motions, breaking them into delicate pieces while maintaining a soft texture.
- Pour prepared sauce over the protein and eggs. Add soft rice noodles, crunchy bean sprouts, and roughly chopped peanuts. Toss ingredients vigorously to ensure even coating and thorough integration of flavors.
- Transfer pad thai to serving plates. Garnish generously with chopped green onions, additional crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro leaves, and zesty lime wedges for brightness.
- Refrigerate any remaining portions within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Perfectly cook noodles just until al dente to prevent mushiness, avoiding overcooking which can make them soggy and break apart during stir-frying.
- Choose protein flexibility by swapping shrimp, chicken, or tofu based on dietary preferences or availability, ensuring even cooking times for each protein type.
- Control heat precisely when stir-frying to maintain ingredients’ texture and prevent burning, using medium-high heat and moving ingredients constantly for even cooking.
- Enhance flavor by toasting peanuts briefly before adding to the dish, which releases their natural oils and creates a deeper, nuttier taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg