Authentic Thai Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy an authentic-style Pad Thai shrimp dish bursting with flavors from tamarind sauce, rice noodles, chicken, eggs, and fresh vegetables. This vibrant Thai favorite is ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 125 g Pad Thai rice noodles
• 1.5 tablespoons tamarind puree
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 0.5 whole onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 150 g chicken breast, sliced
• 2 large eggs
• 1.5 cups bean sprouts
• 0.5 cup firm tofu, sliced
• 0.25 cup garlic chives
• 0.25 cup chopped peanuts

Instructions

1. Step 1: Soak the rice noodles in warm water until they are softened, about 10-15 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine tamarind puree, brown sugar, fish sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved to create the Pad Thai sauce.
3. Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, stirring quickly until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced chicken breast and cook until no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Step 5: Push the chicken to one side, crack in the eggs, and scramble until just set.
6. Step 6: Add the soaked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss everything together quickly over high heat to coat the noodles evenly, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Step 7: Stir in the bean sprouts, tofu, and garlic chives. Toss to combine and cook for another minute until vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with chopped peanuts.

Tips & Variations

• Use tamarind puree rather than concentrate to achieve a balanced sour flavor.
• Cook over high heat and toss quickly to prevent the noodles from breaking and to maintain a great texture.
• Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Add a squeeze of lime and extra chili flakes for more tang and heat.

Storage

Store leftover Pad Thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out the noodles. Avoid microwaving directly to preserve texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular noodles instead of Pad Thai rice noodles?

Pad Thai rice noodles are essential for authentic texture and flavor. Using other noodles might change the dish’s characteristic chewiness and taste, but in a pinch, thin rice vermicelli can work as a substitute.

What if I can’t find tamarind puree?

Tamarind puree gives Pad Thai its distinctive tangy flavor. If you can’t find it, try mixing lime juice with a little brown sugar and fish sauce as a last resort, but the authentic taste will be slightly different.

Authentic Thai Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 564 reviews

Authentic-style Pad Thai featuring tamarind sauce, rice noodles, succulent chicken breast, eggs, and fresh vegetables. This delightful Thai dish comes together quickly in 30 minutes, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a satisfying texture.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Noodles and Sauce

• 125 g Pad Thai rice noodles
• 1.5 tablespoons tamarind puree
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons oyster sauce

Main Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 0.5 whole onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 150 g chicken breast, sliced
• 2 large eggs
• 1.5 cups bean sprouts
• 0.5 cup firm tofu, sliced
• 0.25 cup garlic chives
• 0.25 cup chopped peanuts

Instructions

1. Soak Noodles and Prepare Sauce: Begin by soaking the Pad Thai rice noodles in warm water until they are softened but still firm to the bite. While the noodles soak, combine tamarind puree, brown sugar, fish sauce, and oyster sauce in a bowl, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
2. Stir-fry Ingredients: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, sautéing briefly until fragrant and translucent.
3. Cook Chicken: Add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet, stir-frying quickly until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Scramble Eggs: Push the chicken and vegetables to the side of the pan, crack in the eggs, and scramble them until just set.
5. Add Noodles and Sauce: Drain the soaked noodles and add them to the skillet along with the prepared sauce. Toss everything vigorously over high heat to combine, ensuring the noodles absorb the sauce evenly without breaking apart.
6. Add Vegetables and Tofu: Mix in the bean sprouts, sliced tofu, and garlic chives, continuing to stir-fry for a minute or two until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
7. Serve: Transfer the Pad Thai to serving plates and garnish with chopped peanuts for added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

Notes

• Use tamarind puree instead of tamarind concentrate for authentic flavor.
• Maintain high heat and toss quickly to prevent noodles from breaking and to achieve the ideal texture.
• Ensure chicken is sliced thinly for quick cooking and even flavor distribution.
• Adjust sugar and fish sauce to taste if you prefer more sweetness or saltiness.

Keywords: authentic pad thai, easy pad thai recipe, pad thai, thai noodles