What To Know
- Today, we’ll embark on a culinary journey to create a classic dish that embodies the flavors and aromas of Thailand.
- The tamarind sauce provides a sweet and sour tang, while the fish sauce adds a salty and savory depth.
- The palm sugar adds a touch of sweetness, and the red chili flakes bring a bit of heat.
Welcome to the delightful world of Thai cuisine! Today, we’ll embark on a culinary journey to create a classic dish that embodies the flavors and aromas of Thailand: the basic chicken pad thai. This recipe is a perfect starting point for those new to cooking Thai food or those looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal. So, grab your wok, and let’s get started!
Ingredients
1. 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2. 16 ounces wide rice noodles
3. 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4. 2 eggs, beaten
5. 1/2 cup chopped onion
6. 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
7. 1/2 cup chopped carrots
8. 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
9. 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
10. 1 lime, cut into wedges
11. Pad Thai Sauce:
- 1/2 cup tamarind sauce
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
1. Prepare the Noodles:
- Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 10 minutes or according to the package instructions.
- Drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Make the Pad Thai Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tamarind sauce, fish sauce, palm sugar, rice vinegar, red chili flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
4. Cook the Eggs:
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the same wok.
- Pour in the beaten eggs and swirl the wok to create thin egg sheets.
- Break the eggs into small pieces with a spatula.
- Remove the eggs from the wok and set aside.
5. Assemble the Pad Thai:
- Add the noodles, pad thai sauce, onion, red bell pepper, and carrots to the wok.
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Add the Chicken and Eggs:
- Return the cooked chicken and eggs to the wok.
- Stir-fry for an additional minute or two, until everything is well combined.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the pad thai to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges.
- Serve immediately.
Tips for a Perfect Pad Thai
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have tamarind sauce, you can substitute lemon juice or lime juice.
- If you don’t have palm sugar, you can substitute brown sugar or granulated sugar.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your desired spice level.
- Serve the pad thai immediately for the best texture.
Variations
- Add other vegetables to the pad thai, such as broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn.
- Use shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for extra flavor.
- Serve the pad thai with a side of cucumber salad or pickled vegetables.
Storing and Reheating
- Leftover pad thai can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply microwave the pad thai for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
The Secret to a Great Pad Thai
The secret to a great pad thai lies in the balance of flavors. The tamarind sauce provides a sweet and sour tang, while the fish sauce adds a salty and savory depth. The palm sugar adds a touch of sweetness, and the red chili flakes bring a bit of heat. When these flavors come together, they create a harmonious and unforgettable dish.
Enjoy the Journey
Cooking pad thai is a journey of exploration and discovery. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of this classic dish. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and enjoy the process!
What You Need to Know
1. What is the best way to cook the noodles for pad thai?
- The best way to cook the noodles for pad thai is to soak them in warm water for 10 minutes or according to the package instructions. This will soften the noodles and make them easier to stir-fry.
2. Can I substitute other ingredients for the tamarind sauce?
- Yes, you can substitute lemon juice or lime juice for the tamarind sauce. However, the tamarind sauce has a unique flavor that is difficult to replicate, so the taste of your pad thai may be slightly different.
3. What is the best way to store leftover pad thai?
- Leftover pad thai can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the pad thai for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
