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Authentic Pad Thai Recipe
Thai · Lunch

Authentic Pad Thai Recipe

Pad Thai is a famous Thai street food dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, shrimp, eggs, and a flavorful sweet, sour, and savory sauce. This authentic Pad Thai recipe is quick, delicious, and perfect for a satisfying lunch.

Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Serves
2
Difficulty
Medium

Method

1

Prep Noodles

Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 20 to 30 minutes until they become soft yet slightly firm, then drain and set aside to prepare for stir-frying.
2

Sauce Blend

In a small bowl, mix together fish sauce, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and chili flakes, stirring well until the sugar dissolves completely and the sauce becomes smooth and well balanced.
3

Wok Heat

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat, then add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant without letting it burn.
4

Sear Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through, then push them to one side of the pan.

Thai stir-fried noodles with succulent shrimp held by chopsticks
5

Scramble Eggs

Crack the eggs into the empty side of the pan and scramble them gently until they are just set, then mix them together with the shrimp.
6

Combine Base

Add the soaked rice noodles into the pan, followed by the prepared sauce, and toss everything together thoroughly so that the noodles are evenly coated and begin to absorb the flavors.

Macro shot of Pad Thai noodles with savory sauce on a fork
7

Flavor Absorption

Stir-fry for a few more minutes, allowing the noodles to soften further and the sauce to thicken slightly while ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
8

Fresh Crunch

Add bean sprouts and green onions, tossing lightly for a minute to keep their crunch and freshness intact.
9

Final Plating

Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished generously with crushed peanuts and lime wedges for added flavor and texture.

Traditional Pad Thai serving with fresh bean sprouts and lime

Cook’s tips

  • For the best texture, ensure your wok is ripping hot before adding the garlic and shrimp.
  • Balance is key in Pad Thai; if it is too sweet, add more tamarind; if too salty, add a pinch more sugar.
  • Do not overcook the noodles during the soaking stage, as they will continue to soften in the wok.

Recipe notes

Authentic Pad Thai is a famous Thai street food dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, shrimp, eggs, and a flavorful sweet, sour, and savory sauce. This authentic Pad Thai recipe is quick, delicious, and perfect for a satisfying lunch.

Craving more Asian masterpieces? Perfect your skills with our Hand-Rolled Sushi Masterclass or enjoy the calming warmth of our Traditional Japanese Miso Soup!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?

Yes, chicken breast or thigh pieces work beautifully; just ensure they are cooked through before adding the noodles.

Is there a vegan alternative for fish sauce?

You can use light soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative to maintain the salty, umami profile.

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