What To Know
- Add the drained noodles to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken.
- Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a home cook seeking adventure, this guide will empower you to create an authentic version of this beloved street food.
- Store leftover pad thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Craving an authentic taste of Thailand’s beloved street food? Look no further than this comprehensive guide on how to make authentic chicken pad thai. With step-by-step instructions and insider tips, you’ll master the art of this culinary masterpiece, transporting your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Bangkok.
Gather Your Ingredients
To create this authentic dish, you’ll need:
- 8 oz flat rice noodles
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup tamarind paste
- 1/4 cup palm sugar
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
- 1/4 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Prepare the Noodles
1. Soak the noodles: In a large bowl, cover the rice noodles with hot water. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes, or until softened.
2. Drain and rinse: Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold water.
Make the Pad Thai Sauce
1. Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, fish sauce, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and peanuts.
Cook the Chicken
1. Heat the oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
Assemble the Pad Thai
1. Add the noodles: Add the drained noodles to the skillet and stir to combine with the chicken.
2. Pour in the sauce: Pour the pad thai sauce over the noodles and toss to coat.
3. Cook until heated through: Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through.
Add the Garnish
1. Sprinkle with toppings: Sprinkle the pad thai with bean sprouts, green onions, cilantro, and crushed peanuts.
2. Squeeze lime juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the pad thai.
Tips for Authenticity
- Use flat rice noodles: Authentic pad thai uses flat rice noodles, not the wide or thin ones commonly found in grocery stores.
- Balance the flavors: Pad thai should have a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Adjust the tamarind paste and palm sugar as needed.
- Cook quickly: Pad thai is a quick-cooking dish. Overcooking can make the noodles mushy.
The Final Masterpiece
Your authentic chicken pad thai is now complete. Serve it immediately with extra lime wedges and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Thailand.
The Joy of Pad Thai
Pad thai is not just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Thai culture. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a home cook seeking adventure, this guide will empower you to create an authentic version of this beloved street food.
FAQ
Q: Can I use other types of noodles?
A: Flat rice noodles are essential for authentic pad thai. However, if you can’t find them, you can substitute thin rice noodles.
Q: What can I use instead of fish sauce?
A: Soy sauce is a reasonable substitute for fish sauce, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Q: How can I make my pad thai spicier?
A: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce. You can also garnish with chopped chili peppers.
Q: What are some other toppings I can add?
A: Fried tofu, hard-boiled eggs, and chopped carrots are all popular additions to pad thai.
Q: How can I store leftover pad thai?
A: Store leftover pad thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.
