Classic Pad Thai Recipe: Thai Street Food

Ingredients

• 8 oz flat rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 1/4 cup fish sauce
• 1/3 cup honey or palm sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup firm tofu, cut into small cubes
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1/2 cup crushed peanuts
• 1/3 cup chopped green onions
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the flat rice noodles in warm water for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are soft but still chewy.
Step 2: Prepare the Pad Thai sauce by whisking together tamarind paste, fish sauce, honey (or palm sugar), rice vinegar, and chili powder in a bowl. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large wok or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook the tofu until golden on all sides, then set aside.
Step 4: In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
Step 5: Push the garlic to one side of the wok, crack the eggs into the wok, and scramble until set.
Step 6: Drain the soaked noodles and add them to the wok, stirring to combine with the eggs and garlic.
Step 7: Pour the prepared sauce over the noodle mixture and toss everything together to coat the noodles well. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
Step 8: Add the cooked tofu, bean sprouts, and most of the crushed peanuts to the wok. Toss everything together and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 9: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and remaining crushed peanuts.

Equipment and Tools

• Wok or large frying pan
• Bowl
• Whisk

Preparation

Before you begin cooking, prepare all the ingredients and have the sauce mixed and ready to use. It’s important to have everything within reach as the cooking process goes quickly once started.

Cooking Process

Pad Thai is best cooked quickly over high heat, which is why it’s recommended to cook it in a wok or large frying pan. The noodles need to be soaked until just tender and then fried with the rest of the ingredients until they soak up the delicious sauce and get a slightly charred flavor.

Tips and Tricks

If you prefer your Pad Thai less sweet, reduce the amount of honey or palm sugar.
Add a splash of water if the noodles stick to the wok or seem too dry during stir-frying.
For extra protein, include shrimp or chicken in your Pad Thai.
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for a tangy kick.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 400-500 per serving (varies based on ingredients used)
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 12g

Introduction:

Dive into the vibrant world of Thai street food with this authentic and aromatic Classic Pad Thai Recipe. A favorite among locals and travelers alike, Pad Thai delivers a riot of flavors and textures in each bite, balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements in perfect harmony.

Ingredients:

You will need flat rice noodles, tamarind paste, fish sauce, honey or palm sugar, rice vinegar, chili powder, vegetable oil, tofu, garlic, eggs, bean sprouts, peanuts, green onions, and lime wedges.

Equipment:

For this recipe, a wok or large frying pan, a bowl, and a whisk are essential for an authentic cooking experience.

Instructions:

The hands-on cooking steps involve soaking noodles, making the sauce, stir-frying the ingredients, and finally tossing them together to create this iconic dish.

Tips and Variations:

Tweak the sweetness to your liking and add a splash of water to help the noodles cook evenly. Introduce additional proteins if desired, and serve fresh with a squeeze of lime for added zest.

Serving Suggestions:

Pad Thai is a stand-alone dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner, and it pairs excellently with Thai iced tea or a cold beer.

Flavor Profile:

This dish is a complex layering of sweet, tangy, salty, and spicy tones complemented by the crunch of peanuts and the freshness of lime.

Conclusion:

Master the art of Thai street food in your own kitchen with this Classic Pad Thai Recipe. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful feast any day of the week. Grab your wok and get ready for a culinary adventure to the streets of Thailand!