Authentic and Delicious Beef Pad Thai Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200 grams of flat rice noodles
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 200 grams of beef, thinly sliced
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup of bean sprouts
  • 1/4 cup of crushed peanuts
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • For the sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder (adjust according to taste)

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 20-30 minutes until they are soft. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the noodles are soaking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, sugar, tamarind paste, and chili powder. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir-fry until it turns golden brown.
  4. Add the beef to the pan and cook until it is browned and cooked through.
  5. Push the beef to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked.
  6. Add the prepared sauce to the pan, stir to combine with the beef and eggs.
  7. Add the drained noodles to the pan. Toss everything together, ensuring that the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
  8. Add the bean sprouts and green onions, stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
  9. Serve the Beef Pad Thai garnished with crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
  • Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to incorporate more veggies.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of fish sauce in the sauce.
  • Experiment with different types of noodles like udon noodles or soba noodles.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce for an extra kick of heat.
  • Garnish with sliced fresh chilies or Thai basil for added flavor.
  • Include sliced mushrooms for an earthy taste and texture.
  • Use cashews or almonds instead of peanuts for a different nutty flavor.
  • Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy twist.
  • Squeeze some extra lime juice over the dish before serving for a burst of citrus flavor.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Thailand with this Beef Pad Thai recipe! This dish is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and spicy tastes that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Bangkok. With this recipe, you'll learn how to make a classic Pad Thai sauce from scratch and perfectly stir-fry beef, giving the dish a robust flavor. The recipe also includes noodles, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts, giving you a variety of textures in each mouthful. Top it off with a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of cilantro for that added freshness. This Beef Pad Thai is not only delicious, but it's also easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat on the weekend. Enjoy the process and the incredible result!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of noodles instead of rice noodles?
    Yes, you can use other types of noodles like wheat noodles or egg noodles, but the texture and taste may differ from the traditional Pad Thai.
  2. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
    Absolutely! You can substitute beef with chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even keep it vegetarian by using vegetables as the main protein source.
  3. Is it okay to omit peanuts?
    Yes, if you have a peanut allergy or simply don't enjoy peanuts, you can omit them from the recipe. It will still be delicious.
  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
    Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the meat and using tofu or adding more vegetables. To make it vegan, ensure that the fish sauce is substituted with a vegan-friendly alternative.
  5. What can I substitute for tamarind paste?
    If you don't have tamarind paste, you can use lime juice as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.
  6. Can I adjust the level of spiciness?
    Yes, you can adjust the chili powder according to your taste preferences. Add more if you like it spicy or reduce the amount if you prefer a milder flavor.
  7. How do I store leftovers?
    If you have any leftover Pad Thai, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pan or wok - A wide and deep pan or wok is ideal for stir-frying the beef and noodles.
  • Small bowl - A small bowl is needed to mix the sauce ingredients together.
  • Stirring utensil - A spatula or wooden spoon works well for stirring and tossing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is required for chopping the garlic, green onions, and cilantro.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board provides a surface for safely chopping the ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are necessary for accurately measuring the fish sauce, sugar, tamarind paste, and chili powder.
  • Serving plates or bowls - Plates or bowls are needed to serve the finished Beef Pad Thai.
  • Garnish plate - A separate plate can be used to hold the crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for garnishing.
  • Tongs - Tongs can be useful for tossing and serving the noodles and other ingredients.
  • Colander - A colander is necessary for draining the soaked rice noodles.

Origin stories

Despite its global popularity and association with Thai cuisine, Pad Thai is a relatively recent dish in Thailand's culinary history. It emerged in the mid-20th century during the regime of Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram, who sought to promote Thai nationalism. In an effort to reduce rice consumption, which was then a key export, and to modernize the country's eating habits, he launched a competition to create a new national dish. The winning recipe, which was both economical and easy to make, was Pad Thai. This simple noodle dish, stir-fried with a host of versatile ingredients, quickly gained popularity and became a staple at roadside food stalls, eventually capturing the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts 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.