Pad Thai translates to Thai Stir Fry! It is without a doubt one of the most popular takeout dishes. When we were in Thailand, there were stalls at every nook and corner serving Pad Thai. The aroma of the fragrant sauces filled the air as you walked down the streets of Krabi. It is such a simple dish, yet so delicious and healthy! It is an amalgamation of sweet, salty, spicy and tangy topped with crunchy! It was a perfect cheap meal to enjoy while sipping on some Singha beer while watching the sunset. It cannot get better than that now can it?
What you will need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For the Sauce: | |
| Chili Powder (optional) | 1/4 tablespoon |
| Fish Sauce | 1 1/2 tablespoon |
| Lime Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Soya Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar or Jaggery | 4 tablespoon |
| Rice Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Tamarind Paste | 4 tablespoon |
| Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Bean Sprouts | 1 cup |
| Chopped Garlic | 5 cloves |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Oil | 5 tablespoon |
| Pickled Sweet Radish (optional) | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Protein of Your Choice (Tofu, Shrimp, Chicken, Beef, Pork) | 1/4 cup |
| Red Chili Flakes (optional) | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Rice Stick Noodles | 225 grams (dry weight) |
| Roasted and Crushed Peanuts | 1/4 cup |
| Spring Onions | 1/2 cup |
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serving: 4
How to make it:
- Mix all the ingredients listed under “for the sauce” to make the stir-fry sauce for Pad Thai. You can also make this sauce ahead of time and use it as needed.
- Follow the instructions on the rice noodles packet to cook them. I soaked mine in hot water for 8 minutes and then drained the water. Ensure that they are not overcooked and still have a bite to it.
- Cut the spring onions and chop the garlic.
- Crush the roasted peanuts as well.
- Keep all the ingredients close by before you start making the Pad Thai.
- In a wok, heat oil. Add the chopped garlic and chili flakes once the oil is hot.
- Add the protein and cook till done. You can use any protein of your choice. I used tofu for this recipe.
- Once the protein is cooked, add an egg and let it fry. Once it is half done, break it into pieces.
- Add the sprouted beans, spring onions, and the sauce to the wok. Saute for a minute.
- Add the cooked rice noodles and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
- Serve with crushed peanuts on top.
- In Thailand, they serve it with sides of sprouted beans, spring onions, crushed peanuts and chili flakes. This lets you customize the dish to your taste. Here is a picture I took of the Pad Thai we ate in Thailand! Enjoy!
Pad Thai in Thailand