Description
Savor Thailand’s beloved chicken pad thai, a symphony of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors dancing on your plate. Silky rice noodles, tender chicken, and crisp peanuts create a harmonious balance that will transport you to the bustling streets of Bangkok.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Main Starch and Noodles:
- 8 oz (226 grams) rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Seasonings and Garnishes:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) fish sauce (or soy sauce for a milder option)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (or extra lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional, for a richer taste)
- 1 teaspoon chili sauce (Sriracha or red pepper flakes, optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Immerse rice noodles in hot water, following package guidelines until they reach a tender yet slightly firm consistency. Drain thoroughly and set aside, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
- Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together umami-rich fish sauce, caramel-like brown sugar, tangy rice vinegar, complex tamarind paste, creamy peanut butter, and fiery chili sauce in a small mixing bowl. Allow flavors to meld while preparing other components.
- Ignite a large wok or skillet with oil over robust heat. Carefully introduce sliced chicken, searing each piece until golden brown edges develop and internal temperature reaches perfect doneness. Transfer protein to a waiting plate.
- In the same heated cooking vessel, quickly sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Create a small clearing and pour beaten eggs, gently scrambling until just set but still soft and silky.
- Reunite cooked noodles with seared chicken, introducing the carefully prepared sauce. Toss vigorously to ensure every strand and morsel becomes generously coated with the complex flavor profile.
- Incorporate crisp bean sprouts, julienned carrots, and delicate green onions into the sizzling mixture. Allow ingredients to dance together briefly, developing depth and texture.
- Remove culinary creation from heat source, showering the dish with crunchy chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro leaves, and zesty lime wedges. Serve immediately to capture maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Soak rice noodles in warm water before cooking to achieve the perfect texture and prevent sticking during stir-frying.
- Prep all ingredients beforehand to ensure a smooth, quick cooking process since Pad Thai requires rapid high-heat cooking.
- Customize protein options by substituting chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for dietary preferences and varied flavor profiles.
- Balance sauce ingredients carefully to nail the classic sweet-tangy-savory Pad Thai flavor, adjusting to personal taste by tasting and tweaking proportions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg