Pad Thai — Thailand’s Most Popular Dish

Pad Thai is Thailand’s iconic stir-fried noodle dish, loved for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and savory flavors.

Ingredients for Thai Pad Thai

(Serves 4)

Noodles and Protein

  • 200g rice noodles (soaked in warm water for 30 minutes)

  • 200g chicken, shrimp, or tofu (cut into bite-sized pieces)

For the Sauce

  • 3 tbsp tamarind paste

  • 2 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)

  • 2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian version)

  • 1 tsp lime juice

For Cooking

  • 3 tbsp olive oil or ghee

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 shallots, finely chopped

  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten

  • 100g bean sprouts

  • 3 green onions, chopped

  • ¼ cup crushed peanuts

  • 1–2 red chilies, sliced (optional)

  • Fresh lime wedges for serving

How to Make Pad Thai

1. Prepare the Sauce

  1. Mix tamarind paste, sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice in a bowl. Set aside.

2. Cook the Protein

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan or wok.

  2. Cook chicken, shrimp, or tofu until just done. Remove and set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Aromatics

  1. In the same pan, sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant.

  2. Push to the side and pour in beaten eggs. Scramble lightly.

4. Add Noodles and Sauce

  1. Add soaked rice noodles and the prepared sauce.

  2. Toss to combine well.

  3. Add cooked protein, bean sprouts, and green onions. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until everything is coated with the sauce.

5. Serve

  1. Plate the Pad Thai.

  2. Top with crushed peanuts, red chilies, and lime wedges.

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