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Pad Thai

A vibrant, stir-fried noodle dish featuring shrimp, eggs, and a savory sauce, perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Noodles and Base
  • 8 oz flat rice noodles These slender noodles serve as the base for this dish.
  • 2 large eggs, beaten Adds richness and creaminess.
  • ¼ cup water Helps to balance the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons water
Sauce
  • 2½ tablespoons fish sauce Offers a savory depth.
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce Adds umami flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar Brings a subtle tang.
  • 1½ tablespoons ketchup Adds sweetness and acidity.
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed Enhances the sweetness.
  • heaping ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Adjust based on heat preference.
Protein and Veggies
  • ¾ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined Provides a succulent protein.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the dish with flavor.
  • 3 scallions Light parts sliced, dark green parts in 1-inch pieces.
  • 1 cup bean sprouts For freshness and crunch.
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) Offers a vibrant, herbal note.
  • lime wedges (optional) Adds a zesty brightness.
Cooking Oil
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided Essential for frying.
Seasoning
  • Salt for seasoning

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Off the heat, add the flat rice noodles and let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes until soft but still chewy. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a small bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together ¼ cup water, fish sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Cooking
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt. Cook for about 2 minutes until pink.
  2. Add minced garlic and light parts of the scallions, cooking until fragrant, about another minute. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Add 1 teaspoon of oil to the pan, pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble for 1 to 2 minutes. Add to the shrimp plate.
  4. Add another 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. Add the drained noodles and prepared sauce, tossing gently to coat and cook until heated through.
  5. Combine everything back into the pan, tossing gently until warmed throughout. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serving
  1. Transfer your Pad Thai to a serving platter. Top with chopped peanuts, bean sprouts, fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Soak noodles until just tender. Prep ingredients ahead for smooth cooking. Adjust heat with crushed red pepper flakes.