Pad Thai: An Authentic Recipe Featuring Rice Noodles and Shrimp

Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish known for its vibrant flavours and delightful mix of ingredients. This recipe offers a delicious version that can be made at home. It combines rice noodles, a choice of protein, and a variety of vegetables. The dish is seasoned with a tangy sauce made from fish sauce, vinegar, tamarind juice, and palm sugar. It is then garnished with peanuts and fresh herbs.

• ½ pound (225 g) rice noodles
• ¼ cup (60 ml) fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons (50 ml) white vinegar or rice vinegar
• ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon (75 ml) tamarind juice
• ¼ cup and 1 tablespoon (75 ml) palm sugar or granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) dried red chili pepper flakes (or to taste)
• ½ pound (225 g) shrimp, tofu, chicken, squid, or beef (or a combination)
• Assorted vegetables: shredded carrots, white onions, red or green bell peppers
• 2 eggs
• 4 chopped green onions
• ¾ pound (340 g) bean sprouts
• ¾ cup (175 ml) chopped unroasted peanuts
• Optional: Wedge of lime for garnish
• Optional: Cilantro leaves for garnish

• Wok or large frying pan
• Bowl for mixing sauce
• Spoon for stirring

Procedure

1. Soak the noodles in warm water for about 20 minutes and strain. Alternatively, pour boiling water over the noodles and let them sit for 7 minutes.
2. Mix the fish sauce with vinegar, sugar, and tamarind juice in a small bowl.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok on high heat. Brown the chopped garlic and chili peppers for one minute.
4. Add the chosen protein to the oil and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Add assorted vegetables and cook until tender.
6. Add noodles to the wok. Crack the eggs over the noodles, allow them to cook, then mix them up.
7. Add the fish sauce mixture into the wok. Mix everything well and reduce heat to medium.
8. Add chopped green onions and bean sprouts. Stir fry for an additional two minutes.
9. Serve on a large plate or bowl. Garnish with chopped peanuts and optionally cilantro leaves and a wedge of lime.

Nutritional Values

This Pad Thai recipe is versatile. You can adjust it to your taste by varying the amount of chili or trying different proteins. For a quick variation, use ketchup instead of tamarind juice. Remember not to overcook cilantro if you choose to add it as it can become slimy. Enjoy this classic Thai dish at home with family or friends!