What To Know
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the pad thai noodles.
- Add the cooked chicken and the pad thai noodles to the skillet.
- Add more Sriracha sauce or chili flakes to the pad thai sauce for a spicy kick.
Embark on a culinary journey to create an authentic chicken pad thai recipe without fish sauce. This flavorful dish combines the essence of Thai cuisine with the convenience of a fish-sauce-free preparation. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this tantalizing recipe that offers a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
1. 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2. 8 ounces pad thai noodles
3. 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
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 green onions
9. 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
10. 1/2 cup tamarind sauce
11. 1/4 cup soy sauce
12. 1/4 cup brown sugar
13. 1/4 cup rice vinegar
14. 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (optional)
15. 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
16. Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Noodles:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the pad thai noodles.
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until they are tender but still firm.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Add the chicken strips and cook, stirring frequently, until they are cooked through and slightly browned.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Pad Thai Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the tamarind sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and Sriracha sauce (if using).
- Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Assemble the Pad Thai:
- Heat the skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add the garlic, onion, red bell pepper, and carrots.
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the cooked chicken and the pad thai noodles to the skillet.
- Pour the pad thai sauce over the noodles and chicken.
- Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the pad thai to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and roasted peanuts.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Pad Thai Recipe Without Fish Sauce
1. Use Fresh Ingredients:
- Fresh ingredients will give your pad thai the best flavor.
- Look for crisp vegetables and tender chicken.
2. Don’t Overcook the Noodles:
- Pad thai noodles should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
- Overcooked noodles will become mushy and lose their texture.
3. Use a Wok or Large Skillet:
- A wok or large skillet will allow you to stir-fry the ingredients quickly and evenly.
- This will help to prevent the food from sticking and burning.
4. Add the Sauce Gradually:
- Add the pad thai sauce to the noodles and chicken gradually, stirring constantly.
- This will help to prevent the sauce from clumping.
5. Serve Immediately:
- Pad thai is best served immediately after it is cooked.
- The noodles will start to absorb the sauce and become soggy if you let it sit for too long.
Variations
1. Vegetarian Pad Thai:
- Omit the chicken and add extra tofu or vegetables to make a vegetarian pad thai.
2. Spicy Pad Thai:
- Add more Sriracha sauce or chili flakes to the pad thai sauce for a spicy kick.
3. Peanut Pad Thai:
- Add extra roasted peanuts to the pad thai for a nutty flavor.
4. Shrimp Pad Thai:
- Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
5. Noodle Variation:
- Use rice noodles or lo mein noodles instead of pad thai noodles.
Key Points
Indulge in the delectable flavors of this chicken pad thai recipe without fish sauce. The perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Experiment with different variations and customize the dish to suit your preferences. Embrace the culinary journey of creating this authentic Thai dish without compromising on flavor.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Can I use a different type of noodle?
- Yes, you can use rice noodles or lo mein noodles instead of pad thai noodles.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- You can cook the noodles and chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the noodles and chicken and toss them with the pad thai sauce.
3. What can I use instead of tamarind sauce?
- If you don’t have tamarind sauce, you can substitute it with lime juice and brown sugar.
- Use 1/4 cup of lime juice and 1/4 cup of brown sugar for every 1/2 cup of tamarind sauce.
