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Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most beloved dishes, known for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Making authentic Pad Thai at home is easier than you might think, especially when using fresh ingredients. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 200g rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 100g shrimp or chicken (optional)
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Crushed peanuts for garnish
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by soaking the rice noodles in warm water for about 20 minutes until they are soft but not mushy. Drain and set aside. This ensures they cook evenly when stir-fried.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. This sauce will give your Pad Thai its authentic flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Protein
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp or chicken and cook until fully done, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-fry the Aromatics and Noodles
In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the soaked noodles and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Protein
Push the noodles to one side of the wok. Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble gently. Once nearly cooked, mix everything together, adding back the cooked shrimp or chicken.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Add bean sprouts and chopped green onions, stirring briefly to combine. Remove from heat. Serve your Pad Thai hot, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Enjoy Your Homemade Pad Thai!
Making authentic Thai Pad Thai at home is both fun and rewarding. Using fresh ingredients and following these steps will help you create a flavorful dish that rivals restaurant versions. Happy cooking!