Pad Thai (Stir Fried Noodles)

Pad Thai (Stir Fried Noodles)

Pad Thai is a quintessential Thai street food dish that has gained worldwide popularity for its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. This iconic stir-fried noodle dish features rice noodles, tender pieces of protein, crunchy vegetables, and a medley of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Traditionally cooked with ingredients like tofu, shrimp, or chicken, Pad Thai offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes, making it a favorite among Thai food enthusiasts. Its distinct combination of ingredients and seasonings, such as tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar, creates a unique flavor profile that is both comforting and exotic.

The beauty of Pad Thai lies in its versatility, allowing for endless variations to suit individual preferences. Whether enjoyed as a quick street food snack or a hearty main course, Pad Thai never fails to captivate with its aromatic aroma and vibrant presentation. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to home kitchens around the world, Pad Thai has become a beloved dish that embodies the spirit of Thai cuisine and invites diners on a culinary journey to the bustling markets of Thailand.

Ingredients Required for Making Pad Thai

pad thai ingredients
  • 200g rice noodles (चावल के नूडल्स)
  • 150g tofu, diced (टोफू)
  • 100g shrimp, peeled and deveined (झींगा)
  • 2 eggs, beaten (अंडे)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (वनस्पति तेल)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (लहसुन)
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced (छोटे प्याज)
  • 1/2 cup bean sprouts (मूंग फली की अंकुरित बीज)
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed (भूने हुए मूंगफली)
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind paste (इमली का पेस्ट)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce (मछली की सॉस)
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar (ताड़ का चीनी या भूरा चीनी)
  • 1 tablespoon dried shrimp (सूखे झींगे)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (हरा धनिया)
  • Lime wedges, for serving (नींबू के विन्तियों के लिए)

Step-wise Process of Making Pad Thai

  1. Preparation of Rice Noodles: Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes, or until they are pliable but still firm to the touch. Drain and set aside.
  2. Stir-frying Tofu and Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced tofu and shrimp, and stir-fry until the tofu is golden brown and the shrimp is cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Cooking Eggs: In the same pan, add the beaten eggs and scramble until they are fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside with the tofu and shrimp.
  4. Making the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
  5. Stir-frying Vegetables: Heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same pan. Add the minced garlic and sliced shallots, and sauté until fragrant. Add the soaked rice noodles to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Combining Ingredients: Add the cooked tofu, shrimp, scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, and dried shrimp to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until well combined.
  7. Finishing Touches: Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through and evenly coated with the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with more fish sauce, palm sugar, or tamarind paste if desired.
  8. Garnishing and Serving: Garnish the Pad Thai with chopped cilantro and serve hot with lime wedges on the side.

Number of Servings

This recipe serves 2-3 people.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

  • Prep Time: 40 minutes (including soaking time for noodles)
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Important Points to Keep in Mind

  • Adjust the amount of sauce ingredients according to your taste preferences, balancing the sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
  • Be careful not to over-soak the rice noodles, as they can become too soft and mushy.
  • Keep the heat high and stir constantly while stir-frying to prevent the noodles from sticking to the pan and ensure even cooking.

How to Serve Pad Thai

pad thai

Pad Thai is best served hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve it as a main course or as part of a larger Thai meal, accompanied by other dishes such as spring rolls, Thai curry, or stir-fried vegetables. Provide additional condiments like chili flakes, sliced green onions, and extra peanuts for diners to customize their Pad Thai according to their taste preferences.

Final Thoughts…

Pad Thai is a delightful representation of the bold and vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine, offering a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes. Its versatility and appeal make it a beloved dish worldwide, loved by both Thai food enthusiasts and newcomers alike. With this recipe, you can recreate the authentic flavors of Pad Thai at home and enjoy a taste of Thailand in every bite.

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