How to make Pad Thai

Pad Thai took off in the 1930s when Thailand faced rice shortages. So the country launched a “noodle campaign,” and a stir-fried hero was born. Today Pad Thai is a global favorite, from street stalls to restaurants—the best flavor is that perfect mix of sour, sweet, and a little salty.

Ingredients

  • 80 g dry rice noodles
  • 1 egg
  • 40 g firm tofu: Cut into cubes
  • 4–5 medium shrimp or 60 g chicken (Optional)
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 2 tbsp garlic chives: cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp roasted peanuts: coarsely crushed
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil

Sauce (mix before cooking)

  • 1 tsp. fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
  • 1 tbsp. oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp. tamarind juice (or 1 tbsp. lime juice or apple cider vinegar as substitute)
  • 1 tsp. soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp. palm sugar (or brown sugar)
  • ½ tsp. chili flaskes (optional, to taste) 

Instructions

  1. Soak noodles in warm water for 30 min or until softened but still firm. Drain well.
  2. Heat oil in a pan/wok. Add tofu → stir-fry until golden brown.
  3. Add shrimp/chicken→ cook until just done. Push to one side.
  4. Crack in egg → scramble lightly.
  5. Add drained noodles → stir-fry 20 second. Pour in sauce. Toss until noodles absorb and become dry.
  6. Add bean sprouts and chives → stir briefly, keep them crisp.
  7. Plate → sprinkle with peanuts, chili flakes served with lime wedge.

Garnish

  • Extra bean sprouts
  • Garlic chives
  • Lime wedge
  • Crushed peanuts
  • Chili flakes (optional)