Authentic Chicken Pad Thai: A Taste of Thailand at Home

Ingredients

8 oz flat rice noodles
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, julienned
1 cup bean sprouts
3 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup peanuts, chopped
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 lime, cut into wedges
For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Steps and instructions

Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes until they are soft. Then drain and set aside.
While the noodles are soaking, heat 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken to the pan and cook until it is no longer pink in the middle. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add the red bell pepper to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it is just starting to soften.
Push the garlic and pepper to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs and cook until they are set.
Return the chicken to the pan and add the soaked and drained noodles. Toss everything together.
In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce over the noodles and stir to coat everything evenly.
Add the bean sprouts and half of the chopped green onions to the pan and stir to combine.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through.
Serve the Pad Thai garnished with the remaining green onions, chopped peanuts, and lime wedges.

Tools for making

Large pan or wok - A large pan or wok will be needed to cook the chicken and vegetables.
Whisk - A whisk will be used to combine the ingredients for the sauce.
Small bowl - A small bowl will be used to mix the sauce ingredients.
Tongs - Tongs will come in handy for flipping and stirring the noodles and chicken.
Knife - A knife will be needed to chop the garlic, bell pepper, green onions, and peanuts.
Cutting board - A cutting board is necessary for chopping the ingredients.
Spatula - A spatula will be useful for flipping the scrambled eggs and tossing the noodles.
Strainer - A strainer will be needed to drain the soaked rice noodles.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons will be used to accurately measure the ingredients for the sauce.
Lime squeezer - A lime squeezer can be used to extract the juice from the lime wedges.

Recipe variations

Swap the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian version.
Add vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra color and flavor.
Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or chili paste.
Include different proteins such as beef, pork, or even duck.
Substitute the rice noodles with udon noodles or spaghetti for a different texture.
Experiment with different nuts like cashews or almonds.
Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy twist.
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for added freshness.
For a healthier option, use zucchini noodles or spiralized vegetables instead of rice noodles.
Make it gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Recipe overview

This Chicken Pad Thai recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Thailand. This dish is a stir-fried wonder, full of vibrant flavors and a delightful array of textures. With a savory, tangy sauce, tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and soft rice noodles, it's a feast for the senses. Our recipe guides you through the process of creating authentic Pad Thai at home. From properly soaking your rice noodles to ensure the perfect texture, to creating a sauce that balances the classic Thai flavors of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy. Making Pad Thai is a dynamic cooking experience, with different ingredients and flavors coming together in the pan in a matter of minutes. In the end, you'll be greeted with a harmonious dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it garnished with a sprinkling of peanuts for a bit of crunch and a squeeze of fresh lime for a burst of brightness. Enjoy the process and the delectable results!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of noodle? Yes, you can use other types of noodles like wide rice noodles or even linguine if you don't have flat rice noodles on hand. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein? Certainly! You can use shrimp, beef, or tofu as a substitute for chicken in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe? Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version by omitting the chicken and eggs, and using a vegetarian substitute for fish sauce such as soy sauce or tamari. You can also add more vegetables or tofu for added flavor and protein.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it is best to enjoy Chicken Pad Thai fresh, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it later. Just keep in mind that the noodles may absorb more sauce and become softer upon reheating.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? Absolutely! If you prefer a milder Pad Thai, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. On the other hand, if you like it spicier, you can add more red pepper flakes or even some Sriracha sauce to taste.
What are some common garnishes for Chicken Pad Thai? Traditional garnishes for Chicken Pad Thai include chopped peanuts, lime wedges, and additional chopped green onions. You can also add fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large pan or wok - A large pan or wok is essential for stir-frying the ingredients.
Whisk - A whisk is needed to combine the ingredients for the sauce.
Small bowl - A small bowl is used to mix the sauce ingredients together.
Tongs or spatula - Tongs or a spatula are useful for tossing and stirring the noodles and ingredients in the pan.
Knife - A knife is needed for slicing the chicken, chopping garlic, and cutting the lime.
Cutting board - A cutting board provides a surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are necessary for accurately measuring the sauce ingredients.
Plate or serving dish - A plate or serving dish is used to present the cooked Pad Thai.
Garnish - Optional garnishes like lime wedges, chopped peanuts, and additional green onions can be added for extra flavor and presentation.

Origin stories

Pad Thai, a beloved street food dish in Thailand, has a fascinating history. It wasn't traditionally a part of Thai cuisine, but was introduced during World War II due to a rice shortage. The Prime Minister of Thailand at the time, Plaek Phibunsongkhram, launched a campaign to promote this dish made with rice noodles instead of rice to help deal with the shortage. It was also an attempt to create a national dish and promote a sense of Thai nationalism. The result was Pad Thai, a delightful mix of stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, peanuts, lime, and chili pepper. Today, it's a staple in Thai cuisine and enjoyed by food lovers worldwide.

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.