Description
Spicy chicken pad thai delivers authentic Thai street flavor in a quick, homemade meal. Fresh ingredients and balanced seasonings create a delicious dining experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 8 oz (226 g) rice noodles
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tbsps vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tbsps soy sauce
- 2 tbsps fish sauce (or more soy sauce)
- 2 tbsps lime juice
- 2 tbsps brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tbsp peanut butter (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Noodle Preparation: Submerge rice noodles in boiling water according to package instructions, drain completely, and set aside to prevent clumping.
- Sauce Crafting: Whisk soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, sriracha, peanut butter, and chili flakes into a harmonious, flavor-packed mixture.
- Protein Searing: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature, cook chicken until golden and fully done, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Aromatic Base: In the same pan, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant and slightly softened, creating a foundational flavor profile.
- Egg Integration: Create a space in the pan, crack eggs, and scramble into soft, delicate curds that intertwine with the other ingredients.
- Final Fusion: Combine noodles, chicken, and prepared sauce in the pan, tossing vigorously to ensure complete flavor distribution and even coating.
- Finishing Touches: Incorporate bean sprouts and green onions for a burst of freshness and textural contrast, then garnish with crushed peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges before serving immediately.
Notes
- Noodle Prep Precision: Rinse noodles immediately after boiling to stop cooking and prevent mushiness, ensuring perfect al dente texture.
- Sauce Balancing Act: Taste and adjust sauce ingredients for personalized heat and sweetness, as sriracha and chili flakes intensity can vary between brands.
- Protein Flexibility: Substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences while maintaining similar cooking techniques.
- Sizzling Stir-Fry Secret: Use high heat and quick movements when stir-frying to achieve authentic restaurant-style caramelization without overcooking ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg