Pad Thai is a beloved dish known for its perfect harmony of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, making it one of the most popular Thai dishes worldwide. This recipe, from 101 Thai Dishes You Need to Try Before You Die by Jet Tila, delivers all the vibrant flavors you crave, with shrimp (or your protein of choice), tamarind, and fish sauce at its core.
2tbspshredded sweetened radishoptional, available in ethnic groceries
1tspdried shrimp
½cupsavory baked tofucut into slices
2eggs
½cupchicken breast or thigh, cut into thin strips
10mediumshrimppeeled and deveined
1tbsppaprikafor color
3scallionscut into 3-inch (8-cm)julienne
¼cuppeanutschopped dry-roasted unsalted, divided
1cupbean sprouts
Instructions
If you’re using dry noodles, soak them in a large bowl of warm water for about an hour. The water should be about 90°F (32°C). The noodles will start to absorb water and loosen up. Drain them well, reserving some of the soaking water to adjust the texture later if needed, and set aside. If you're using fresh noodles, you can just open the package and add them to the pan at the appropriate time.
To make the sauce, combine the fish sauce, tamarind concentrate, lime juice, vinegar and sugar in a small bowl. Make sure to stir well until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
Heat a wok or skillet over high heat for about 1 minute, until hot. Add the oil and swirl it to coat the pan completely. When you see wisps of whitesmoke, add the garlic and stir-fry for about 5 seconds. Add the radish, dried shrimp and tofu and stir-fry until they begin to get fragrant, about 1 minute.
Push the ingredients in the wok to one side and let the oil settle in the center of the pan. Crack the eggs into the pan and add the chicken. As the eggs start to fry, just pierce the yolks to let them ooze. Fold the chicken and eggs over, scrape any bits that are starting to stick and cook for about 30 seconds or until the eggs begin to set. Now stir everything together to combine it all in the pan.
Add the fresh shrimp and cook for about 30 seconds, until they just start to turn color and become opaque. Add the soaked (and drained) rice noodles and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the noodles become soft. Add the reserved sauce mixture and the paprika and fold together until the paprika evenly colors the noodles and all the liquid is absorbed, about 2 minutes.
Place the scallions in the center of the noodles, and then spoon some of the noodles over the scallions to cover and let steam for 30 seconds. Stir in 3 tablespoons (24 g) of the peanuts. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with the bean sprouts and remaining peanuts.
Notes
Fish Sauce: Fish sauce is a fundamental ingredient in Pad Thai, providing that signature umami depth. If you're sensitive to its flavor, start with a little less and adjust to taste, but don’t skip it entirely for authenticity.Rice Noodles: When using dried rice noodles, always soak them in warm water rather than boiling them. This helps to soften them without making them too sticky or mushy when frying.Spice Level: The paprika used in the recipe gives the noodles a beautiful color but does not add heat. For a spicier dish, add Thai sriracha or chili flakes to taste, adjusting the heat to your liking.Tamarind Substitute: If you don’t have tamarind concentrate, you can use tamarind paste mixed with a bit of water or substitute with a combination of lime juice and a touch of brown sugar. However, tamarind concentrate is the best way to get the authentic, tangy flavor.Customizing Ingredients: Feel free to swap the shrimp for chicken, tofu, or even pork if you prefer. Each protein brings its own flavor, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s fully cooked.Leftovers: Pad Thai is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat to avoid overcooking the noodles.