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    Pad Thai

    clock-icon70 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A classic Thai dish made with rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, tofu, eggs, and a flavorful sauce.

    Ingredients for Pad Thai

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    USchevron
    units in
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    serves
    4 peoplechevron
    serves
    4 peoplechevron

    Rice Noodles

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Shrimp, peeled, deveined

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chicken, sliced thinly

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Tofu, diced

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Eggs

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Bean sprouts

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic, chopped

    cloves

    Substitute chevron-down

    Scallions, chopped

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Peanuts, crushed

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lime

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Fish Sauce

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Tamarind paste

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Sugar

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Oil

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Pad Thai

    1. Soak Rice Noodles

    Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 20-30 minutes until they soften.

    2. Prepare Protein

    While the noodles are soaking, prepare your protein. If using shrimp, peel and devein them. If using chicken, slice it thinly. Dice the tofu into small cubes.

    3. Chop Garlic and Scallions

    Finely chop your garlic and scallions.

    4. Cook Tofu and Eggs

    Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil, then toss in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the tofu and cook until it becomes golden brown. Push the tofu to one side of the pan, crack in the eggs, and scramble them until they just set.

    5. Cook Protein

    Add your shrimp or chicken to the pan and cook until they are just done. Remove everything from the pan and set it aside.

    6. Cook Noodles

    In the same pan, add a bit more oil, and then the soaked noodles. Stir them around for a minute before adding the fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar.

    7. Combine Ingredients

    Return the cooked tofu, eggs, and protein to the pan, tossing everything together. Add the bean sprouts and scallions, cooking for just a couple of minutes.

    8. Add Lime Juice

    Squeeze in some fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors.

    9. Serve

    Transfer your Pad Thai to a plate and top it with crushed peanuts and more lime wedges.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Quality Ingredients

    Start with sourcing the best quality ingredients. Authentic Thai ingredients such as tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar make a significant difference in flavor. Avoid using ketchup or other substitutes for tamarind paste, as they will not provide the same depth of flavor.

    Soak the Noodles

    Use dried rice noodles and soak them in lukewarm water until they are pliable but still firm. They'll finish cooking in the pan, and you want to avoid overcooked, mushy noodles.

    Balancing Flavors

    Your sauce should have a harmonious blend of sour (tamarind), sweet (sugar), and salty (fish sauce). Always taste and adjust the seasoning before adding it to the noodles.

    Mise en Place

    Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Pad Thai cooks quickly, and you won't have time to chop or measure once you start cooking.

    Serving Immediately

    Pad Thai is best served right out of the pan. The texture and taste are at their peak when it's fresh.


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