What To Know
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the noodles are coated in the sauce.
- If you’re cooking a large batch of pad thai, stir-fry the noodles and vegetables in batches.
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor to the dish.
Craving the irresistible flavors of pad thai but don’t have tamarind on hand? Fear not! This chicken pad thai recipe without tamarind delivers an equally tantalizing taste experience, using simple ingredients to create a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the art of crafting this delectable dish.
Ingredients:
1. Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips
2. Rice Noodles: Wide, flat rice noodles, soaked in warm water for 15 minutes
3. Vegetables: Bean sprouts, carrots, red bell peppers, and green onions, thinly sliced
4. Sauce: Fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes, whisked together
5. Peanuts: Roasted and chopped for garnish
6. Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
7. Lime Wedges: For serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add a drizzle of oil and toss in the chicken strips.
- Stir-fry until cooked through and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Set aside.
2. Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the soaked rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 5-7 minutes.
- Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes until well combined.
- Set aside.
4. Assemble the Pad Thai:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the cooked noodles, vegetables, and prepared sauce.
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the noodles are coated in the sauce.
5. Add the Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well.
- Continue stir-frying for another minute or two, until the chicken is heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the pad thai to a serving platter or individual bowls.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro leaves, and lime wedges.
- Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Pad Thai:
1. Use Wide Rice Noodles:
- Authentic pad thai is made with wide, flat rice noodles, which soak up the sauce better than thin noodles.
2. Don’t Overcook the Noodles:
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, but be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked noodles will become mushy and lose their texture.
3. Use a Wok or Large Skillet:
- A wok or large skillet is ideal for stir-frying pad thai. It allows you to toss the noodles and vegetables easily and evenly.
4. Stir-Fry in Batches:
- If you’re cooking a large batch of pad thai, stir-fry the noodles and vegetables in batches. This will prevent overcrowding the pan and ensure that everything cooks evenly.
5. Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste:
- The sauce is the key to a flavorful pad thai. Adjust the proportions of fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice to suit your taste preferences.
Variations:
1. Vegetarian Pad Thai:
- Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of the dish.
2. Add Other Vegetables:
- Feel free to add other vegetables to your pad thai, such as broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn.
3. Use Different Noodles:
- If you don’t have rice noodles, you can use other types of noodles, such as ramen noodles or udon noodles.
4. Make it Spicy:
- Add more chili flakes or chopped chili peppers to the sauce for a spicy kick.
5. Serve with a Fried Egg:
- Top your pad thai with a fried egg for an extra layer of flavor and protein.
Serving Suggestions:
1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs:
- Cilantro, basil, and mint are all great herbs to garnish pad thai with.
2. Add a Squeeze of Lime:
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor to the dish.
3. Serve with a Side of Cucumber:
- Cucumber slices are a refreshing and crunchy side dish for pad thai.
4. Pair with a Cold Beer:
- A cold beer is a perfect accompaniment to the spicy and tangy flavors of pad thai.
In a nutshell:
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of chicken pad thai without tamarind, a delightful variation that showcases the versatility of this classic dish. Experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own unique pad thai masterpiece. Bon appétit!
Questions You May Have
1. Can I use a different type of protein in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use tofu, tempeh, or shrimp instead of chicken.
2. What if I don’t have rice noodles?
- You can use other types of noodles, such as ramen noodles or udon noodles.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
- Add more chili flakes or chopped chili peppers to the sauce.
4. What are some good side dishes to serve with pad thai?
- Cucumber slices, fresh herbs, and a cold beer are all great options.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the pad thai ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
