Description
A classic Thai stir-fried noodle dish featuring rice noodles, tofu, shrimp, eggs, and a flavorful tangy-sweet sauce made from soy sauce, tamarind paste, and brown sugar. Packed with fresh bean sprouts, crunchy peanuts, and vibrant herbs, this homemade Pad Thai offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes for an authentic Thai dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Rice noodles
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup tofu, cubed
- 1/2 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 eggs
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Garnish and Extras
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Soak Noodles: Soak the rice noodles in hot water according to package instructions until they are soft. Drain and set aside.
- Heat Oil: In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat to prepare for stir-frying.
- Cook Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and chopped red chili to the pan, stir-frying for about 1 minute until fragrant to release their flavors.
- Add Protein: Add the cubed tofu and peeled shrimp to the pan, cooking until the shrimp is pink and opaque, ensuring even cooking.
- Cook Eggs: Push ingredients to one side, crack the eggs into the empty side, and scramble until fully cooked.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the scrambled eggs with the tofu and shrimp in the pan to incorporate all components evenly.
- Add Noodles: Incorporate the soaked rice noodles into the pan, preparing to coat them with sauce.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, tamarind paste, and brown sugar to form a tangy and sweet sauce.
- Add Sauce: Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss to coat everything thoroughly.
- Add Garnishes: Add bean sprouts, chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro to the pan for texture and fresh flavor.
- Final Stir Fry: Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors melded.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning by adding more soy sauce, tamarind paste, or sugar if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Pad Thai hot, garnished with extra peanuts, green onions, and cilantro as desired.
- Enjoy: Dig into your delicious homemade Pad Thai and savor the authentic flavors.
Notes
- Soaking noodles as per package instructions is crucial to avoid mushy or undercooked noodles.
- Adjust chili quantity to control heat level according to your preference.
- Fresh tamarind paste ensures authentic sourness; substitute with lime juice if unavailable but flavor will vary.
- Use a wok or large skillet for best results due to even heat distribution and space for tossing.
- Peanuts add crunch; can be omitted if allergic but lose some texture.
- For a vegetarian version, omit shrimp or substitute with more tofu or vegetables.
