How to Make a Classic Pad Thai
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
For the Pad Thai:
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup firm tofu, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles:
- Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes, or until they are pliable. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, and chili powder until the sugar is dissolved. Adjust the flavors to your taste.
- Cook the Pad Thai:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and tofu, and stir-fry until the tofu is golden brown.
- If using shrimp, add them to the wok and stir-fry until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the tofu and shrimp from the wok and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just set.
- Add the soaked and drained rice noodles to the wok, and pour the prepared sauce over the noodles. Toss everything together to combine.
- Return the tofu and shrimp to the wok, and add the bean sprouts and chopped scallions. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Serve:
- Transfer the Pad Thai to serving plates. Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips
- Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer a spicier Pad Thai, you can add more chili powder or some fresh chili slices.
- Protein Variations: Feel free to substitute the shrimp with chicken, beef, or make it entirely vegetarian by adding more tofu or vegetables like bell peppers and carrots.
- Tamarind Paste Substitute: If you can’t find tamarind paste, you can use a mixture of lime juice and a bit of brown sugar as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Enjoy your homemade Pad Thai!