Forget takeout! Imagine yourself in your own kitchen, the air filled with the irresistible, complex aroma of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, as you effortlessly toss together a vibrant bowl of Chicken Pad Thai. This recipe breaks down the beloved Thai street food classic into simple, achievable steps, bringing those authentic, tantalizing flavors right to your stovetop. We’re focusing on a perfectly balanced sauce and fresh ingredients to create a dish that’s both wonderfully easy for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests. Get ready to discover how simple it can be to create a truly delicious Pad Thai that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand!
Time & Serving:
Noodle Soaking Time: 20-30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 2-3
Ingredients:
For the Authentic Pad Thai Sauce:
▢ 3 tbsp tamarind paste/concentrate (see notes)
▢ 3 tbsp fish sauce
▢ 3 tbsp palm sugar
▢ 1 tbsp water
▢ 1-2 tsp Sriracha
▢ Optional: 1 tsp soy sauce for deeper color and umami
For the Stir-Fry:
▢ 5-6 oz dried flat rice noodles
▢ 1 tbsp vegetable oil
▢ 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast
▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
▢ Optional: 1/4 block firm or extra-firm tofu
▢ Optional: 1 tbsp sweet preserved radish
▢ 2 large eggs
▢ 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
▢ 1/4 cup Chinese chives
▢ 1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
▢ Lime wedges
▢ Extra bean sprouts, chili flakes, and chopped peanuts for serving
Instructions:
- Soak the Noodles: Place the rice noodles in a large bowl and cover them with hot tap water (not boiling). Let them soak for 20-30 minutes, or according to package directions, until they are pliable but still firm (al dente). Over-soaking will make them mushy when stir-fried. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Pad Thai Sauce: While the noodles are soaking, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, water, Sriracha (if using), and soy sauce (if using). Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust for sweetness, sourness, or spiciness. The sauce should be boldly flavored: sweet, sour, and savory. Set aside.
- Prep Remaining Ingredients (Mise en Place): Ensure your chicken is thinly sliced, garlic and shallots are minced/sliced, tofu is cubed (if using), preserved radish is chopped (if using), bean sprouts are rinsed, and chives/green onions are cut. Having everything ready makes the stir-frying process smooth and quick.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced chicken and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics & Optional Tofu/Radish: Add a little more oil to the wok if needed. Add the minced garlic and sliced shallots (and preserved radish, if using). Stir-fry for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. If using tofu, add it now and cook for 2-3 minutes, until lightly golden on the sides.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push the aromatics (and tofu) to one side of the wok. Crack the eggs into the empty space. Let them set for a moment, then scramble them lightly until just cooked. Gently mix them with the other ingredients in the wok.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the drained rice noodles and the prepared Pad Thai sauce to the wok. Toss everything together continuously using tongs or spatulas for 2-3 minutes, until the noodles have absorbed the sauce and are tender. If the noodles seem dry, add a tablespoon or two of water. Add the cooked chicken back into the wok.
- Add Vegetables & Finish: Add half of the bean sprouts and half of the Chinese chives (or green onions) to the wok. Toss for another 30-60 seconds until the sprouts are slightly wilted but still crisp. You want to retain their crunch.
- Serve Immediately: Divide the Chicken Pad Thai among serving plates. Garnish generously with the remaining fresh bean sprouts, Chinese chives, chopped roasted peanuts, and a wedge of lime on the side for squeezing. Offer extra chili flakes for those who like more heat.
Recipe Notes:
- Tamarind Paste: This is crucial for authentic Pad Thai flavor, providing the signature tang. Look for “tamarind concentrate” or “tamarind pulp” in Asian markets or international aisles. If using pulp, you’ll need to soak it in hot water, strain it to remove seeds/fibers, and then measure. Concentrates are ready to use.
- Fish Sauce: Don’t skip it! This provides essential umami and saltiness. Brands like Red Boat, Three Crabs, or Tiparos are good choices.
- Rice Noodles: Use flat rice noodles specifically labeled for Pad Thai or “Chantaboon.” Soaking them correctly is key – they should be pliable but not mushy before stir-frying.
- Sweetness & Tang: The balance of sweet (palm sugar) and sour (tamarind) is personal. Taste your sauce before adding it to the noodles and adjust if needed.
- Protein Power: This recipe uses chicken, but feel free to substitute with shrimp (add it later in the cooking process as it cooks quickly) or make it vegetarian by using more tofu and omitting the chicken.
- Optional Authentic Touches: Sweet preserved radish (chai poh) and a tablespoon of dried shrimp (rehydrated and roughly chopped, added with garlic) can elevate the authenticity even further.
- Wok Heat: If you have a powerful burner and a good wok, use high heat. For standard stovetops, medium-high is usually sufficient to prevent steaming rather than stir-frying. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Customizable Heat: Control the spice by adjusting the amount of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce. You can also serve with fresh Thai chilies or chili flakes on the side.
This Easy & Authentic Chicken Pad Thai is a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures that you’ll be proud to have made from scratch. The balance of sweet, sour, salty, and savory, combined with tender chicken, chewy noodles, and crunchy peanuts, makes every bite an adventure. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying Thai classic in the comfort of your home!
