Pad Thai is a beloved Thai street food dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many around the world. Its irresistible combination of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors, along with the delightful textures of chewy noodles, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs, make it a perfect go-to meal for any occasion. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the magic of a bustling Thai street market in your own kitchen, this Authentic Pad Thai Recipe is just what you need. Let’s dive into the vibrant world of Thai cuisine and prepare a delicious Pad Thai that will transport you to the bustling streets of Bangkok.
**Authentic Pad Thai Recipe**
**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz rice noodles
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small shallot, finely chopped
– 8-10 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tbsp tamarind paste
– 3 tbsp fish sauce
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Lime wedges for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Preparation of Rice Noodles:**
– Soak the rice noodles in warm water according to the package instructions until they are pliable but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together the tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and water until well combined. Set aside.
3. **Cooking the Pad Thai:**
– Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and shallot, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
– Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
– Push the shrimp to one side of the wok and crack the eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked, then combine them with the shrimp.
4. **Assembling the Dish:**
– Add the soaked rice noodles to the wok, followed by the prepared sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the sauce.
5. **Final Touches:**
– Add the bean sprouts and green onions to the wok, tossing everything together until the vegetables are slightly wilted.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more fish sauce or sugar.
– Remove from heat and serve the Pad Thai hot, garnished with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side.
Whip up this Authentic Pad Thai Recipe with confidence, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to achieve that signature balance of flavors that makes this dish a timeless favorite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this Pad Thai will impress and delight your guests with its authentic taste and vibrant colors. So, bring the flavors of Thailand into your home kitchen and let the aroma of this irresistible dish take you on a culinary journey to the bustling streets of Southeast Asia. Enjoy every bite of this delicious creation!
