Craving a fiery, flavorful dish that bursts with the freshness of the sea? Look no further than Pad Cha Seafood, a vibrant Thai stir-fry that will tantalize your taste buds. This isn't your average seafood stir-fry; Pad Cha boasts a unique blend of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes, all expertly balanced to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. The intense aroma of lemongrass, galangal, and chilies mingles with the succulent sweetness of seafood, making this dish a perfect centerpiece for any meal. It's surprisingly easy to make, too, even for home cooks.
Forget bland, boring seafood dishes! Pad Cha delivers a powerful punch of flavor that will leave you wanting more. We'll guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you create a delicious Pad Cha Seafood that rivals even the best Thai restaurants. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's dive into the recipe!
Tools Needed
- mortar and pestle
- wok or large frying pan
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chili Paste
- Pound peppercorns and coriander root together to prevent splattering.
- Add chili and garlic to the mortar and pound until finely ground.
Step 2. Stir-fry the Seafood and Aromatics
- Heat basil oil in a wok or large frying pan.
- Add the pounded chili paste and stir-fry until fragrant and slightly yellow.
- Add shrimp and squid to the wok and stir-fry briefly.
- Add galangal leaves.
- Add lime leaves and sliced chili peppers. Stir-fry until fragrant.
- Continue stir-frying until shrimp and squid are cooked through.
Step 3. Season and Finish
- Add seasoning powder, green-capped soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar to taste.
- Add a little water (from rinsing the mortar) and black vinegar for color and flavor.
- Add basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted.
Step 4. Serve
- Turn off the heat and serve immediately.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Adjust the amount of chili to your preferred spice level.
- The cooking water can be used to cook rice.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the seafood?
Absolutely! Shrimp, squid, mussels, and scallops all work well. Just adjust cooking time based on the seafood's thickness.
2. What if I don't have all the Thai ingredients?
Don't worry! You can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce (add a touch of sugar to balance), and use regular chilies if you don't have Thai chilies. Lemongrass and galangal are important for flavor, but you can omit them if needed.
3. How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chilies, or remove the seeds before adding them. You can also add a splash more fish sauce or soy sauce to balance the flavors.
So there you have it – a delicious and surprisingly simple Pad Cha Seafood recipe that's sure to impress. This vibrant Thai stir-fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a fantastic balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy the fiery deliciousness!