What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade Pad Thai recipe is quick, delicious, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends. You’ll love how easy it is to customize with your favorite ingredients!
- Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples like rice noodles, eggs, and peanuts, so you won’t need fancy groceries.
- Ready in Minutes – Faster than takeout, with a cooking time under 30 minutes for a fresh, hot meal.
- Bold, Balanced Flavors – Sweet, tangy, and savory all in one bite, just like your favorite Thai restaurant.
Recipe
Pad Thai is a popular Thai street food dish that combines sweet, sour, and savory flavors. This recipe for homemade Pad Thai is simple to make and uses authentic ingredients for a delicious result.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz flat rice noodles
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup firm tofu, cubed
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions:
- Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar until combined. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and tofu, and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Push the tofu to one side of the wok and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked, then mix them with the tofu.
- Add the soaked noodles and the sauce to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are well-coated and heated through.
- Add bean sprouts and stir-fry for another minute.
- Transfer to a serving plate and top with crushed peanuts and green onions. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes:
- Tamarind paste can be found in Asian grocery stores or substituted with lime juice and brown sugar.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and fish sauce to suit your taste.
Equipment:
- Wok or large skillet
- Mixing bowls
Time:
Prep time: 35 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cuisine:
Thai
Serving:
2-3 people
Nutrition
This Pad Thai recipe is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a balanced meal option. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing Pad Thai with light, crunchy sides like fresh spring rolls or a zesty cucumber salad to balance its rich flavors. A cold, tangy tamarind cooler or a crisp Singha beer can really make the meal feel complete. These combos always hit the spot and keep the meal invigorating.
Complementary Side Dishes
When I’m serving up pad Thai, I like to keep the sides simple so they don’t steal the spotlight, but still add a bit of variety. A fresh cucumber salad with a tangy lime dressing is my go-to—it’s light and invigorating, balancing the dish’s richness. I’ll also steam some crispy, slightly charred green beans or toss together a quick Thai-inspired slaw with shredded cabbage and carrots. Sometimes, I’ll add a small plate of spring rolls or shrimp crackers for crunch. These sides enhance the meal without overwhelming the bold, savory-sweet flavors of the pad Thai. It’s all about harmony.
Refreshing Beverage Pairings
Just as the right sides complement pad Thai, a good drink can make the meal even more enjoyable. I always reach for something cool and invigorating, like iced jasmine tea or a glass of lemongrass-infused water—they balance the dish’s rich, tangy flavors perfectly. If I’m feeling fancy, a crisp white wine or a light beer works wonders too. For non-alcoholic options, coconut water or a fresh lime soda add a tropical twist. Personally, I love pairing pad Thai with a citrusy drink—it enhances the lime in the dish. Trust me, the right beverage can turn a great meal into an unforgettable one.
