Pad Thai (ผัดไทย)

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dried flat rice noodles (Pad Thai noodles)
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 8 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8-10 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (or 1/2 cup sliced chicken or pork)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup Chinese chives or green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup chopped unsalted roasted peanuts
• Lime wedges for serving
• Optional: Dried chili flakes to taste

Sauce: * 3 tbsp fish sauce * 1 tbsp tamarind paste dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water, strained * 3 tbsp palm sugar (or light brown sugar) * 1 tbsp rice vinegar

Instructions:

1. Soak rice noodles in warm water for 20-30 minutes until pliable but still firm. Drain thoroughly.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, tamarind water, palm sugar, and rice vinegar until sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. Add remaining 2 tbsp oil to the wok. Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add shrimp (or other protein) and cook until just pink and cooked through. Push to one side.
5. Crack eggs into the empty side of the wok. Scramble lightly until cooked but still slightly moist. Mix with the shrimp/protein.
6. Add the drained noodles and the prepared sauce to the wok. Toss continuously with tongs or spatulas for 2-3 minutes until noodles absorb the sauce and are tender.
7. Add the cooked tofu, half the bean sprouts, and half the chives/green onions. Toss everything together for another minute.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining bean sprouts, chives/green onions, chopped peanuts, a lime wedge, and optional chili flakes.

What Makes It Special:

Pad Thai is arguably Thailand's most famous culinary export. Its magic lies in the perfect harmony of sweet (palm sugar), sour (tamarind), salty (fish sauce), and savory flavors. The combination of soft noodles, crunchy peanuts and sprouts, protein, and fresh herbs creates a delightful textural contrast, making it a universally appealing and satisfying dish.