Pad Thai

Name: Pad Thai
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 oz flat rice noodles; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 oz firm tofu, cubed; 2 large eggs; 1 cup bean sprouts; 3 green onions, sliced; 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons tamarind paste; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 lime, cut into wedges

ByLina August 24, 2025

Hey y’all! If you’re craving a mouthwatering dish that’s sweet, sour, savory, and just a little bit spicy, this Pad Thai recipe is the answer. It’s loaded with tender rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, fresh veggies, and that irresistible tamarind sauce. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or hosting a fun get-together, Pad Thai is always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Pad Thai

Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes for fast, flavorful meals.
Customizable: Easily adjust the protein, spice level, or veggies to your liking.
Authentic flavor: Classic tangy, sweet, and umami-packed Pad Thai sauce.
Perfect for leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day.
Great for gatherings: Impressive yet simple enough for any home cook.

Pad Thai Ingredients

8 oz (225g) dried flat rice noodles
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 eggs, lightly beaten
8 oz (225g) chicken breast or shrimp, sliced (optional for protein)
1 cup bean sprouts
1/2 cup firm tofu, cubed
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
2 green onions, sliced
1 lime, cut into wedges
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
For Pad Thai Sauce:

3 tbsp fish sauce
1 1/2 tbsp tamarind paste (what is tamarind paste?)
2 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)

How to Make Pad Thai: Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep the Rice Noodles

Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 25-30 minutes or until just tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Pad Thai Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and chili flakes until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Protein

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken or shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Tofu

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic and shallot for 1 minute until fragrant. Add tofu cubes and cook, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Scramble the Eggs

Push the aromatics and tofu to one side of the pan. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until just set.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the drained noodles, cooked protein, and Pad Thai sauce. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Turn off the heat and fold in bean sprouts and half of the green onions. Serve immediately, garnished with peanuts, cilantro, remaining green onions, and lime wedges.

Pad Thai Notes & Tips

Don’t over-soak rice noodles—al dente texture is key for authentic Pad Thai. Learn more about cooking rice noodles here.
Use tamarind concentrate for a tangier flavor if you can’t find tamarind paste.
If you prefer a vegetarian Pad Thai, swap fish sauce for soy sauce and skip the shrimp or chicken.

Pad Thai Variations

Vegetarian Pad Thai: Use extra tofu and substitute soy sauce for fish sauce.
Prawn Pad Thai: Use only shrimp as your protein and increase chili flakes for more heat.
Gluten-Free Pad Thai: Ensure all sauces are gluten-free (check labels!) and use certified gluten-free noodles.

Equipment Needed for Pad Thai

Large nonstick skillet or wok
Mixing bowls
Colander or strainer
Wooden spoon or spatula
Sharp knife

Pad Thai Storage & Shelf Life

Store leftover Pad Thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the noodles. Freezing is not recommended, as the noodles may become mushy.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Pad Thai

Serve with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Pair with a crunchy Thai cucumber salad or a bowl of hot and sour soup.
Enjoy with Thai iced tea for the ultimate authentic meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Pad Thai

Prep all ingredients before cooking—Pad Thai comes together quickly! See more tips for prepping Pad Thai here.
Use high heat for stir-frying to achieve that signature smoky wok flavor, known as “wok hei.”
Adjust sauce sweetness and tang to your personal taste before adding to noodles.

Pad Thai FAQ

Can I use pre-cooked noodles? Yes, but rinse them under hot water and reduce soaking time to avoid mushy noodles.
Is Pad Thai very spicy? Traditionally, it’s mildly spicy, but you can add more chili flakes if you like extra heat.
What can I use instead of tamarind paste? Try 2 tbsp lime juice mixed with 1 tbsp brown sugar for a quick substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.

Lina

Pad Thai

Why You’ll Love This Pad Thai

Pad Thai Ingredients