Pad Thai 2
Description
This classic Pad Thai combines silky rice noodles with plump shrimp and tender bean sprouts in a vibrant tamarind-based sauce. The dish strikes a perfect balance between sweet palm sugar, tangy lime, and salty fish sauce, creating a complex flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. Crispy peanuts and a squeeze of fresh citrus add necessary texture and brightness to every bite. It is an ideal weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, offering a restaurant-quality experience at home. Serve it hot with extra lime wedges and chili flakes for those who prefer a spicy kick. This versatile recipe allows for easy customization with chicken or tofu if you prefer a different protein.Ingredients
Directions
-
Soak rice noodles in warm water according to package instructions until soft but still slightly firm. Drain well and set aside.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and tomato paste to create the sauce.
-
Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Add garlic and onion to the hot oil and stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Add shrimp to the wok and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Push shrimp to one side of the wok.
-
Pour beaten eggs into the empty side of the wok and scramble until just set.
-
Add drained noodles and the prepared sauce to the wok. Toss everything together thoroughly, cooking for 2-3 minutes until noodles are heated through and coated in sauce.
-
Stir in bean sprouts and toss for another 30 seconds until slightly wilted but still crunchy.
-
Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates.
-
Garnish with crushed peanuts and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 180mg60%
- Sodium 1200mg50%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 22g44%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
If you cannot find tamarind paste, a mixture of lime juice and a little brown sugar can approximate the flavor, though tamarind provides the authentic sour depth.
Do not overcook the noodles; they should remain slightly chewy (al dente). If they stick together, add a splash of water while tossing in the wok.
Prepare all ingredients before you start cooking, as the stir-frying process happens quickly.
Leftover Pad Thai is best consumed within 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to restore moisture.