Authentic Pad Thai

Pad Thai is one of the most beloved dishes in Thai cuisine, a flavorful stir-fried noodle dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, sour, and spicy notes. Popular in Thailand’s bustling street food scene as well as in restaurants around the world, Pad Thai has become an international favorite thanks to its vibrant flavors and comforting texture.

At its core, Pad Thai is made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu or shrimp, and a tangy-sweet sauce crafted from tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, and lime juice. These simple ingredients come together in a sizzling wok, creating a dish that is both satisfying and layered with complexity. The noodles soak up the sauce, the egg adds richness, and the protein of choice provides substance, while bean sprouts and scallions bring freshness to every bite.

What truly sets Pad Thai apart is the harmony of flavors and textures. Tamarind gives it a signature tang, palm sugar balances with gentle sweetness, and fish sauce contributes savory depth. A final squeeze of lime brightens the dish, while crushed peanuts sprinkled on top add crunch and nuttiness. Chili flakes or fresh chilies can be added for those who prefer an extra kick of spice, making it customizable to different palates.

Pad Thai is as versatile as it is delicious. While shrimp pad thai is a popular option, chicken, pork, or even a fully vegetarian version with tofu and extra vegetables are just as satisfying. It is naturally gluten-free when made with rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce, making it a great choice for those with dietary preferences.

More than just a meal, Pad Thai reflects the essence of Thai cuisine: balance. Every forkful delivers a mix of flavors that feel bold yet comforting, exotic yet familiar. Whether enjoyed from a Bangkok street vendor, in a cozy Thai restaurant, or cooked at home, Pad Thai is a dish that always brings people together.

With its irresistible flavor profile and global appeal, Pad Thai continues to be a go-to choice for anyone craving authentic Thai food with a perfect mix of taste and tradition.

Authentic Pad Thai

3.67 from 36 votes

A popular Thai street food dish, Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish commonly made with rice noodles, chicken or tofu, peanuts, a scrambled egg, and beansprouts, among other vegetables.

Servings 2 people

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 100 g rice noodles Soaked in warm water for 20 minutes and drained
• 200 g chicken breast Cut into thin slices
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic Minced
• 1 egg Lightly beaten
• 50 g bean sprouts
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 30 g roasted peanuts Chopped
• 1 lime Cut into wedges for serving

Instructions

 

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sliced chicken breast, stir-frying until the chicken is cooked through.
• Push the chicken to the side of the pan and pour the lightly beaten egg into the center. Cook until the egg is set, then mix with the chicken.
• Add the soaked rice noodles, bean sprouts, fish sauce, tamarind paste, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir-fry until the noodles are tender and well coated with the sauce.
• Serve hot, garnished with chopped roasted peanuts and lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 405kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 24gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 890mgPotassium: 370mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Calories: 405kcal

Meal Type: Lunch

Cuisine: Thai

Keyword: noodles, street food, Thai cuisine

Cooking Method: Baked

Diet: Meatlovers

Time: <30 Min

Level: Easy

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