how do you make chicken pad thai

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How To Make Chicken Pad Thai – A Step-By-Step Guide

Chicken pad thai is a popular Thai stir-fry noodle dish that has become beloved around the world for its delicious balance of flavors and textures. With its mix of tender noodles chicken eggs, peanuts, and vegetables, all wok-seared in a sweet, salty, and umami pad thai sauce, it’s no wonder this takeout favorite is so addictive!

It’s easy to make chicken pad thai at home, and it tastes so much better than takeout or frozen versions. In less than 30 minutes, you can make chicken pad thai that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

This step-by-step guide will teach you everything you need to know to make a tasty chicken pad thai batch, such as:

  • Key ingredients and substitutions
  • Helpful tools and equipment
  • Step-by-step cooking instructions
  • Serving suggestions and modifications

You’ll be ready to make this famous Thai dish after reading this. You’ll wow your family and friends with your homemade version of this takeout favorite! Let’s cook!

Key Chicken Pad Thai Ingredients
While the list of ingredients may seem long at first glance, most are easy to find at a well-stocked grocery store. Here’s an overview of the key components:

  • Rice noodles: The base of the dish. Look for wide, flat rice noodles, sometimes labeled “stir-fry noodles. ” Soak them in hot water before cooking.

  • Chicken: Sliced chicken breasts or thighs work well. Slice thinly for quick, even cooking.

  • Eggs: Lightly beaten eggs add protein. Scramble them into the noodles.

  • Tofu: For a vegan/vegetarian version, use tofu instead of eggs and chicken.

  • Vegetables: Onions, garlic, cabbage, carrots, and green onions are commonly used. Bean sprouts are also traditional but optional.

  • Pad thai sauce: This makes all the flavors come together. It’s a mixture of fish sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili-garlic sauce.

  • Peanuts: Chopped peanuts add crunch and flavor. Crush them slightly to release more flavor.

  • Lime wedges: Fresh lime juice and zest add brightness. Serve wedges for squeezing over the dish.

  • Condiments: Sriracha, chopped cilantro, and other condiments can be offered for customization.

Helpful Tools and Equipment
Having the right kitchen tools makes cooking pad thai much easier:

  • Large wok or non-stick skillet: A wok is ideal but a large non-stick pan works too. The high sides help toss ingredients.

  • Wooden spatula: A wooden spatula won’t scratch the wok and is heat-resistant. Use it to stir-fry.

  • Large bamboo spoon: Helpful for tossing noodles without breaking them.

  • Knives: A sharp chef’s knife aids in prep work like slicing chicken and chopping vegetables.

  • Cutting board: Aim for at least one large board dedicated just to produce/meats.

  • Mixing bowls: Useful for the sauce, beaten eggs, peanuts, etc.

  • Measuring tools: Accurate measuring makes the sauce balanced.

  • Kitchen towel: For drying soaked noodles.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to cook perfect pad thai at home:

  1. Gather all ingredients and prep vegetables, chicken, tofu, etc. Measure out sauce ingredients.

  2. Soak rice noodles in hot water for 5-15 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside.

  3. Sauté aromatics like garlic and onion in oil over medium-high heat about 1-2 minutes.

  4. Increase heat to high. Add chicken and stir fry 3-4 minutes until cooked through. For shrimp, cook just until pink.

  5. Push chicken/shrimp to the sides. Add beaten eggs to the center and scramble until set, 15-60 seconds.

  6. Add vegetables and stir fry 1-2 minutes until starting to soften. Add tofu if using.

  7. Stir in noodles and pad thai sauce. Cook 1-2 minutes, tossing constantly with spatula and spoon.

  8. Remove from heat. Add lime juice, peanuts, cilantro and green onion. Toss to combine.

  9. Serve pad thai warm, garnished with extra peanuts, lime wedges, cilantro and sriracha if desired. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions and Modifications
One of the best things about pad thai is how customizable it is. Consider these serving ideas:

  • For less spice, omit the chili-garlic sauce from the pad thai sauce. Or serve with sriracha on the side.

  • For more veggies, add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, baby corn or shredded carrots with the cabbage.

  • For extra protein, add sautéed shrimp, extra chicken, or pan-fried tofu cubes.

  • For extra flavor, top with chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil.

  • For crunch, use roughly chopped peanuts or crushed ramen noodles on top.

  • To make it vegan, use tofu instead of eggs and chicken. Cashews can replace peanuts.

  • Serve with a wedge of lime, side of stir-fried greens, fresh Thai basil, and jasmine rice.

The flexibility of chicken pad thai means you can customize it to suit any taste or dietary needs. Make it mild or spicy, meaty or veggie packed. The template above can be adapted endlessly for fast dinners everyone will love.

how do you make chicken pad thai

product used in the recipe

  • 1. In a small bowl, mix tamarind pulp and water to break up the pulp. If too thick, add 1-2 tbsp more hot water. Put the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer and throw away the solids. This should make about ¼ cup of tamarind puree.
  • 2: Mix tamarind paste that has been watered down with brown sugar, fish sauce, and oyster sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.
  • 3: Follow the directions on the package to cook the noodles until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • 4. Dry the chicken, cut it into thin strips, and mix it with water, light soy sauce, fish sauce, and cornstarch.
  • 5. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet. Add the chicken and sear it for about 2 to 3 minutes, until it turns golden and is almost cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  • 6 Heat 1 tbsp oil in the same pan. Sauté the shallots until they become clear. Then add the garlic and keep cooking until the garlic is lightly browned. Add tofu and dried shrimp. Sauté slowly for two to three minutes. Then add the noodles and sauce and toss them gently until the sauce is mixed in.
  • 7 Push everything to one side of pan. Fill in the empty spot with a little more oil and pour in the beaten eggs. Fry the eggs quickly for about 30 seconds, then toss them with the noodles to mix them in.
  • 8. Turn off the heat and add the chicken, bean sprouts, garlic chives that have been chopped, and half of the crushed peanuts. Carefully toss everything together.
  • 9. Serve right away with more bean sprouts, lime wedges, the rest of the chopped peanuts, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Chicken Pad Thai

FAQ

What is chicken pad thai made of?

Pad Thai is a Thai noodle stir fry with a sweet-savoury-sour sauce scattered with crushed peanuts. It’s made with thin, flat rice noodles, and almost always has bean sprouts, garlic chives, scrambled egg, firm tofu and a protein – the most popular being chicken or prawns/shrimp.

What is the secret ingredient in pad thai?

Traditional pad thai sauce includes fish sauce, vinegar, sugar and tamarind paste. Tamarind paste is not easily found at a regular grocery stores so I substituted rice vinegar. You can use about 2 tablespoons of tamarind paste instead of the rice vinegar in this recipe if you’d like to.

What are the main ingredients in pad Thai sauce?

Saltted plums (plums, salt), tomato paste, salt, rice vinegar, salted chili peppers (chili peppers, salt), dried garlic, caramel color, soybean oil, modified corn starch, and paprika oleoresin are some of the things that go into this sauce.

What is the secret to a good pad thai?

Pad Thai can get too soft, so it’s important to soak the noodles until they are bendy but not soft. The wok will do the rest of the cooking for you. Also, it’s best to make the dish in two separate batches. This way, the wok’s high heat can bring the two together without too many noodles getting in the way.

How do you make chicken Pad Thai?

Homemade chicken pad Thai comes together quickly and easily. Here’s an overview of how the recipe is made: Boil one pound of flat rice noodles. Because they’re made from rice and don’t have gluten, they cook very quickly, in about 5 minutes, so make sure not to overcook them or you’ll have mush.

What is chicken Pad Thai?

Chicken pad Thai is a classic Thai noodle dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, chicken, and bean sprouts, all tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce. This street food staple is often served with crushed peanuts, granulated sugar, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor. This is an authentic recipe!

How long does it take to make pad Thai?

This easy Pad Thai recipe has rice noodles, chicken, shrimp, tofu, peanuts, scrambled eggs, and fresh vegetables all tossed together in a delicious homemade sauce. It’s packed with flavor and can be made in under 30 minutes! Cook noodles according to package instructions, just until tender. Rinse under cold water.

How long does chicken Pad Thai take to cook?

This quick and easy chicken pad thai is ready in 30 minutes! It’s authentic, restaurant quality and great for the family! Chicken Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish made of flat thin rice noodles stir fried in a tangy, savory sauce with tender chicken, eggs, bean sprouts, garlic chives and aromatics.

How do you cook pad Thai?

Pad Thai cooks up very fast one you get the heat going. Be sure to have all your ingredients cut and measured out and your sauce mixed before you start cooking. Tamarind paste is a puree of the fruit without the seeds and fibers. You may also find tamarind concentrate, in which case you’ll want to dissolve it in 1 tablespoon of hot water first.

What is pad Thai?

Pad Thai: Authentic Thai Recipe! – The Woks of Life Pad Thai is like a warm blanket. It’s a comfort food of our age, with those chewy noodles, crunchy peanuts, the sweet and tangy sauce, and plenty of chives, bean sprouts, and chicken to make it a full meal.

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