Craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than Chicken Pad Thai! This classic Thai noodle dish is a delicious blend of sweet, sour, and savory notes, perfectly balanced with the satisfying chewiness of rice noodles and the tender juiciness of chicken. Imagine the aromatic symphony of fragrant garlic, ginger, and lemongrass mingling with the rich sweetness of tamarind paste and the subtle spice of chili flakes – all brought together in a symphony of textures and tastes. This recipe offers a simplified approach to this beloved cuisine, perfect for weeknight dinners or a fun weekend cooking project.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy ingredient lists! Our Chicken Pad Thai recipe breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps, ensuring a delicious result every time. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we guide you through each stage of creating this authentic-tasting Pad Thai. Ready to transform your kitchen into a Thai street food stall? Let's get started!
Tools Needed
- Large pan or wok
- Tongs
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- Chang's Pad Thai Rice Noodles: 250g (half for this recipe)
- Garlic cloves: 2
- Lemon wedges: 2, sliced
- Brown sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Crushed peanuts: for garnish
- Bean sprouts: 1 cup
- Sliced spring onions: 1/4 cup
- Eggs: 2
- Sliced chicken breast: 150g
- Sliced/diced firm tofu: 100g (optional)
- Tamarind puree: 2 tablespoons
- Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Peanut oil: 2-3 tablespoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Noodles
- Soak 125g of noodles in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Step 2. Cook Chicken and Vegetables
- Heat peanut oil in a pan. Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add another tablespoon of oil and scramble the eggs in a figure-eight motion until mostly cooked.
- Add bean sprouts and tofu to the pan, stir-fry.
Step 3. Combine and Season
- In a bowl, mix fish sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and tamarind paste.
- Add garlic and the prepared sauce to the pan. Stir.
- Add crushed peanuts and spring onions, then stir in the noodles.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Cook for 1.5-2 minutes, until everything is heated through and the noodles are coated in sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges, peanuts, and coriander (optional).
Read more: Vegan Pad Thai: Easy Restaurant-Quality Recipe at Home
Tips
- Use a wok if you have one, but a large pan works well too.
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, vegetables, or tofu.
- Adjust the amount of tamarind paste to your preferred level of sweetness and sourness.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different protein in this recipe?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or even beef work well as substitutes for chicken. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. What if I don't have all the listed ingredients?
Don't worry! Feel free to omit ingredients you don't have on hand. The flavor will still be delicious, though some elements might be slightly less pronounced.
3. How can I make this Pad Thai spicier?
Add more chili flakes or a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to taste. You can also use a spicier chili paste if preferred.
So there you have it – a delicious and easy Chicken Pad Thai recipe that's sure to impress. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of this classic Thai dish, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend cooking project. Now go forth and create your own culinary masterpiece!