Authentic Chicken Pad Thai: A Step-By-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

8 oz Thai rice noodles
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3 green onions, chopped into 1 inch pieces
1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 lime, cut into wedges
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Pad Thai sauce:
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon tamarind paste
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Steps and instructions

Soak the rice noodles in lukewarm water for about 30 minutes until they are soft. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together ingredients for the Pad Thai sauce: fish sauce, soy sauce, tamarind paste, and brown sugar.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it's no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining oil, then add the beaten eggs. Scramble the eggs until they're fully cooked.
Add the red bell pepper and green onions to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add the soaked and drained noodles to the pan, then pour the Pad Thai sauce over the noodles. Toss everything together to combine.
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, then add the bean sprouts and half of the chopped peanuts. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Serve the Chicken Pad Thai garnished with remaining peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Enjoy!

Tools for making

Large pan or wok - A large pan or wok will be used to cook the chicken and vegetables.
Small bowl - A small bowl will be used to whisk together the ingredients for the Pad Thai sauce.
Whisk - A whisk will be used to combine the ingredients for the Pad Thai sauce.
Tongs or spatula - Tongs or a spatula will be needed to toss and stir the ingredients while cooking.
Knife - A knife will be used to thinly slice the chicken and chop the peanuts, cilantro, and green onions.
Cutting board - A cutting board will be used to safely chop and prepare the ingredients.
Ladle or measuring cup - A ladle or measuring cup will be used to pour and measure the Pad Thai sauce.
Serving dish or plate - A serving dish or plate will be used to present the finished Chicken Pad Thai.
Fork or chopsticks - A fork or chopsticks will be used to enjoy the Chicken Pad Thai.

Recipe variations

Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian option.
Add different vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, or snow peas.
Include sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Experiment with different types of noodles like udon noodles or soba noodles.
For a spicy kick, add sliced red chili peppers or chili flakes.
Garnish with chopped peanuts and sesame seeds for added crunch.
Drizzle with sriracha or hot sauce for an extra heat.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice instead of lime for a different citrus flavor.
Include a spoonful of peanut butter in the Pad Thai sauce for a richer taste.
Add chopped fresh garlic or ginger for more depth of flavor.

Recipe overview

Experience a taste of Thailand in your own kitchen with this flavorful Chicken Pad Thai recipe. This dish is a classic street food meal that's packed with vibrant flavors and a delightful combination of textures. The recipe involves stir-frying rice noodles with chicken, fresh vegetables, and an authentic Pad Thai sauce made in-house. It's then garnished with crunchy peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a tangy twist. This is a simple yet satisfying dish that you can whip up in less than an hour. So give it a whirl and let your tastebuds enjoy a culinary trip to Southeast Asia.

Common questions

Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe? Yes, you can use different types of noodles such as rice stick noodles or even linguine as a substitute.
Can I omit the chicken to make it vegetarian? Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and add tofu or extra vegetables to make it vegetarian.
Is fish sauce necessary for this recipe? Fish sauce adds a distinctive flavor to Pad Thai, but if you don't have it or prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute it with soy sauce or tamari.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy Pad Thai fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and cook it quickly when you're ready to eat. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or less red pepper flakes or by serving it with extra chili sauce on the side.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pan or wok - A large pan or wok is essential for stir-frying the ingredients and tossing the noodles.
Whisk - A whisk is needed to combine the ingredients for the Pad Thai sauce.
Small bowl - A small bowl is useful for whisking together the Pad Thai sauce ingredients.
Strainer - A strainer is necessary for draining the soaked rice noodles.
Chopping board - A chopping board is helpful for chopping the red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
Sharp knife - A sharp knife is needed for slicing the chicken breasts and cutting the vegetables.
Spatula or tongs - A spatula or tongs are useful for stirring and flipping the ingredients while cooking.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are required for accurate measurements of the Pad Thai sauce ingredients.

Origin stories

Pad Thai, a stir-fried rice noodle dish, is one of the national dishes of Thailand. Although it bears the name 'Thai', the dish has a complex history of origins. Interestingly, this beloved noodle dish was promoted heavily in Thailand during World War II. The Thai Prime Minister at the time, Plaek Phibunsongkhram, launched a campaign to promote rice noodles in an effort to modernize the country and reduce domestic rice consumption. The dish quickly gained popularity due to its delicious taste and the ease of its preparation, and it eventually became synonymous with Thai cuisine. Today, Pad Thai has a strong global presence and is savored by food enthusiasts across the world.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.