Easy Pad Thai – Quick & Delicious Recipe

Pad Thai is a quintessential Thai dish, loved for its vibrant flavors and perfect balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy. With its delightful combination of rice noodles, protein, crunchy peanuts, and fresh veggies, it’s no wonder Pad Thai has become a global favorite. 

This Easy Pad Thai recipe is a simplified version of the classic, ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something both delicious and quick. Authentic yet approachable, this dish will have you coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pad Thai Recipe

• Quick and Convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: Use your favorite protein or keep it vegetarian.
• Bursting with Flavor: The sauce is perfectly balanced, delivering that authentic Pad Thai taste.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required.
• Healthy and Satisfying: A well-rounded dish with carbs, protein, and veggies.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons tamarind paste (or substitute lime juice for a milder tang)
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian/vegan)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

For the Pad Thai:

• 8 ounces rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• ½ cup tofu, chicken, shrimp, or your preferred protein, cooked
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving

How To Make Easy Pad Thai

1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and chili flakes until well combined. Set aside.
   
3. Cook the Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
   
4. Scramble the Eggs: Push the garlic to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Let them set for a few seconds, then scramble gently until just cooked. Combine with the garlic.
   
5. Stir-Fry the Ingredients: Add the cooked protein, carrot, and half of the green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes to heat through.
   
6. Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan, followed by the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated and heated through.
   
7. Finish with Bean Sprouts and Peanuts: Turn off the heat and fold in the bean sprouts and half of the chopped peanuts.
   
8. Serve: Divide the Pad Thai among plates. Garnish with the remaining green onions, chopped peanuts, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips

• Perfect Noodles: Don’t overcook the rice noodles; they’ll continue to soften when stir-fried.
• Make It Spicier: Add more chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha for extra heat.
• Protein Options: Use shrimp, chicken, tofu, or a combination for variety.
• Tamarind Substitute: Lime juice works in a pinch but won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

How To Serve

• Classic Style: Serve with lime wedges for a fresh burst of citrus.
• Side Pairings: Pair with Thai spring rolls or a light cucumber salad.
• Beverage Match: Enjoy with Thai iced tea or a crisp, cold beer.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Adjustments: Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and fish sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the noodles and sauce may lose their texture.

Conclusion

This Easy Pad Thai recipe brings the bold flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen. With its simple steps and authentic taste, it’s a dish you’ll want to make on repeat. Perfect for both weeknights and special occasions, it’s sure to impress anyone at the table. Try it tonight and share your experience—we’d love to hear how it turned out! For more Asian-inspired recipes, check out our collection of quick and flavorful dishes.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time? A: You can prepare the sauce and chop the ingredients in advance, but cook the noodles and assemble the dish just before serving for the best texture.

Q: What if I don’t have tamarind paste? A: Lime juice or a mix of lime juice and a bit of ketchup can mimic the tangy-sweet flavor.

Enjoy this delicious and easy Pad Thai recipe!