Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Bangkok! This mouthwatering Pad Thai recipe is about to revolutionize your home cooking, offering an authentic Thai experience that's surprisingly simple to create. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, this dish promises to wow your family and friends with its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that define the essence of Thai cuisine.
Prep Time: 12 mins
Cook Time: 18 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup peanuts, crushed
- 3 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Soak rice noodles in warm water for 15-20 minutes until they become soft but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar to create the classic Pad Thai sauce. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Heat a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and let it become hot.
- Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are almost fully cooked. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- In the same wok, crack two eggs and quickly scramble them, breaking into small pieces as they cook.
- Add drained rice noodles to the wok and pour the prepared sauce over them. Stir-fry quickly to ensure noodles are evenly coated and heated.
- Return cooked shrimp to the wok and continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes, mixing everything together.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and crushed peanuts. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
- Transfer to serving plates and serve immediately with lime wedges and additional crushed peanuts if desired.
Tips
- Noodle Preparation is Key: Soak rice noodles just until they're pliable but not soft. Oversoaking can lead to mushy noodles that ruin the dish's signature texture.
- High Heat is Essential: Use a wok or large skillet on medium-high heat to achieve that classic wok-seared flavor and prevent sticking.
- Mise en Place Matters: Have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking. Pad Thai comes together quickly, and you don't want to burn anything while preparing the next ingredient.
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Remove shrimp as soon as they turn pink to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery.
- Sauce Balance is Crucial: Taste your sauce before adding it to the noodles. The perfect Pad Thai should have a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
- Fresh Garnishes Make a Difference: Use freshly chopped green onions and crushed peanuts just before serving to add a burst of flavor and texture.
- Serve Immediately: Pad Thai is best enjoyed hot and fresh, straight from the wok to the plate.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 250mg
