Pad Thai

Get ready to master the most craved Thai dish right in your own kitchen! This Pad Thai recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that made you fall in love with it at your favorite restaurant.

The magic of Pad Thai lies in its harmonious contrasts – tender rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, tangy lime, and your choice of protein all dancing together in a sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Best of all? It comes together in just 35 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Pad Thai:

• 6 ounces Pad Thai rice noodles
• 1 large egg
• 1 ounce pressed tofu (optional)
• 2 tablespoons pickled radish or turnip
• 3 cloves garlic
• 4 stalks Chinese chives
• 1/3 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
• 1 lime
• 1 cup mung bean sprouts (optional)
• 1/3 cup Pad Thai Sauce
• 6 ounces protein of choice (shrimp, chicken, or tofu)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

For Serving:

• White sugar
• Fish sauce
• Red pepper flakes

Steps

1. Cook noodles according to package directions for exactly 8-10 minutes until al dente. Test by taking a strand – it should be flexible but still slightly firm in the center. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
2. Prep all ingredients before heating the wok:
   • Whisk egg until fully blended
   • Cut protein into 1-inch pieces
   • Mince garlic finely
   • Chop Chinese chives into 1-inch lengths
   • Roughly chop peanuts, dividing into two portions
   • Cut lime into 6 wedges
3. Heat wok over medium-high heat until you can feel heat radiating when holding your hand 6 inches above surface (about 375°F/190°C).
4. Add 1 tablespoon oil and protein. Cook until just barely done: 1 minute per side for shrimp, 2 minutes for chicken, 3 minutes for tofu. Look for slight browning but not full doneness.
5. Push protein aside, add remaining oil and egg. Scramble until 80% set but still slightly wet – about 2 minutes.
6. Add noodles and sauce, tossing constantly for 2-3 minutes until noodles are heated through and slightly charred in spots.
7. Off heat, add chives, half the peanuts, and bean sprouts. Toss just until chives begin to wilt, about 30 seconds.
8. Serve immediately topped with remaining peanuts, lime wedges, and condiments for customizing.