Imagine a dinner that transforms picky eaters into adventurous food lovers and brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand right to your family table! This kid-friendly Pad Thai recipe is about to become your secret weapon in the kitchen - a magical dish that combines delicious taste with easy preparation, guaranteed to have everyone from toddlers to teens asking for more. Get ready to create a restaurant-quality meal that's not just tasty, but also simple enough for even novice home cooks to master!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 lb chicken or shrimp
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup peanuts, crushed
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables, measuring sauces, and setting them within easy reach.
- Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, typically by soaking in hot water for 8-10 minutes until they're soft but still slightly firm. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces if using, or prepare shrimp by peeling and deveining.
- Cook protein by adding chicken or shrimp to the hot pan, stirring frequently until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Push protein to one side of the pan and crack two eggs into the empty space. Scramble eggs quickly, mixing them with the protein.
- Add drained noodles to the pan, then pour soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice over the noodles. Gently toss everything together to combine and coat evenly.
- Add bean sprouts and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring noodles are heated through and slightly crispy.
- Remove from heat and garnish with crushed peanuts and chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Tips
- Prep is Key: Have all ingredients chopped and measured before you start cooking. This "mise en place" approach makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
- Noodle Ninja Trick: Don't overcook rice noodles! They should be slightly firm when you add them to the pan, as they'll continue cooking and absorbing sauce.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Use a wok or large skillet on medium-high heat to get that authentic stir-fried flavor and slight crispiness.
- Protein Perfection: If cooking for picky kids, cut chicken into very small, uniform pieces to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Customize for Kids: Feel free to reduce spice or sauce intensity. You can always serve extra condiments on the side for adults who want more flavor.
- Make it Interactive: Let kids help crush peanuts or sprinkle green onions as a fun cooking activity that might encourage them to try the dish.
- Leftovers Hack: This Pad Thai tastes great the next day, so don't worry about making too much!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 220mg
