Pad Thai is a beloved Thai street food that is flavorful and customizable. Here's a simple recipe, along with some tips and tricks for making the perfect Pad Thai.
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Dish name: Traditional Pad Thai with Shrimp
Cuisine: Thai
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:
8 oz flat rice noodles
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 shrimp, peeled and deveined (optional)
1 block firm tofu, diced (optional)
1 egg
1 handful bean sprouts, plus more for garnish
2 scallions, chopped
1/2 cup crushed peanuts
1 lime, cut into wedges
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Lime wedges for garnish (optional)
For the sauce:
2 tablespoons tamarind paste
2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian option)
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon chili powder or to taste
Instructions:
Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 15-20 minutes until they are limp but still firm to the touch.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients and set aside.
Heat oil in a wok or a large pan over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp and tofu, and fry until they start to turn golden, then push to the side.
Crack the egg into the pan and scramble until just set.
Add noodles to the pan, pour over the prepared sauce, and toss everything to combine.
Stir-fry for a few minutes until noodles are tender.
Fold in the bean sprouts and scallions and cook for an additional minute.
Plate the Pad Thai, and garnish with extra bean sprouts, crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
Tips and Tricks:
Noodle Preparation: Do not over-soak the noodles or they will become mushy after stir-frying. Aim for al dente as they will continue to cook in the sauce.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the protein in Pad Thai to your preference. Classic options include shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
Tamarind Paste: Use authentic tamarind paste if possible, as it provides the classic tangy flavor that's essential in Pad Thai.
Balanced Flavors: Achieve the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty with the sauce. Taste and adjust accordingly before adding to the noodles.
Cook in Batches: If making large quantities, cook in batches to ensure the wok stays hot and ingredients don't steam.
Use a Wok: If you have a wok, use it - it's the best tool to distribute heat evenly and cook the ingredients rapidly.
Garnishes: Don’t skip on the garnishes like peanuts and lime, as they add essential texture and brightness to the dish.
Quick Cooking: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go—Pad Thai comes together very quickly once you start cooking.
Enjoy preparing this classic Thai dish at home, playing with the ingredients until you find the perfect combination for your taste buds!
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