How to Make Pad Thai | Master the Art of Homemade Pad Thai

Discover how to make Pad Thai at home with this easy step-by-step guide. Pad Thai is a classic and flavorful Thai dish featuring stir-fried rice noodles, tofu or shrimp, eggs, and a tangy-sweet sauce. In this recipe, you’ll learn the secrets to achieving the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

Follow along to soak the noodles, prepare the sauce, stir-fry the ingredients, and garnish with fresh toppings like bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges. With this recipe, you’ll master the art of creating restaurant-quality Pad Thai in your own kitchen. Enjoy this delicious Thai favorite with family and friends!

Ingredients

• 200g dried rice noodles
• 200g tofu, firm, cut into cubes
• 150g shrimp (optional)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 3-4 spring onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Fresh coriander (cilantro), for garnish

For the Pad Thai Sauce

• 3 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian option)
• 2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon water

How to Make Pad Thai

Prepare the Noodles

Soak the dried rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes until they are pliable but still firm. Drain and set aside.

Make the Pad Thai Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together tamarind paste, fish sauce (or soy sauce), palm sugar, Sriracha sauce, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Adjust the flavors to your liking by adding more sweetness or heat.

Cook the Tofu and Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu cubes and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside. If using shrimp, add them to the pan and cook until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Stir-Fry

Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Sauté garlic and shallot until fragrant. Push the garlic and shallot to one side of the pan and crack the eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until just set.

Combine Everything

Add the soaked noodles to the pan along with the prepared Pad Thai sauce. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.

Add Vegetables

Stir in bean sprouts, cooked tofu, and shrimp (if using). Mix well until everything is heated through.

Serve

Transfer the Pad Thai to serving plates. Sprinkle with sliced spring onions, crushed peanuts, and garnish with lime wedges and fresh coriander.

Pro Tips:

• Use high heat when stir-frying to achieve that characteristic smoky flavor.
• Don’t overcook the noodles; they should be tender but still slightly chewy.
• Customize your Pad Thai with additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli.
• For extra freshness, serve with a side of raw bean sprouts and lime wedges.

Conclusion

Enjoy this homemade Pad Thai with its wonderful medley of flavors—from the tangy tamarind to the crunch of peanuts and the umami richness of fish sauce. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire!