Craving a taste of Thailand? This chicken pad thai recipe is your ticket to a vibrant and flavorful meal that can be whipped up in no time. With tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy, this dish is sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s a delightful way to enjoy homemade Asian cuisine.
Ingredients
– 200g rice noodles
– 200g chicken breast, sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
– 3 tablespoons fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
– Lime wedges, for serving
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 2 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 plate) of chicken pad thai contains approximately:
– Calories: 600
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 75g
– Fat: 20g
– Fiber: 2g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 15 minutes until softened.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
5. Push chicken to one side of the skillet and pour in beaten eggs, scrambling until cooked.
6. Drain the noodles and add them to the skillet.
7. Stir in fish sauce, sugar, and tamarind paste, mixing well to coat the noodles.
8. Add bean sprouts and green onions, tossing everything together for 2-3 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and serve immediately with lime wedges and cilantro.
10. Enjoy your delicious chicken pad thai!
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Additionally, use soy sauce instead of fish sauce for a vegan alternative. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition.
Serving and Pairings
Chicken pad thai pairs beautifully with a side of fresh spring rolls or a light cucumber salad. Consider serving it with Thai iced tea for a refreshing beverage that complements the flavors.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid freezing, as the noodles may become mushy when thawed.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t over-soak the noodles; they should be slightly firm.
– Avoid crowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
– Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding chicken.
– Don’t skip the tamarind paste; it’s key for authentic flavor.
– Keep stirring to prevent sticking and burning.
– Adjust seasoning to your taste; add more fish sauce if needed.
– Always serve with lime for a fresh finish.
Helpful Tips
– Use wide rice noodles for the best texture.
– Fresh ingredients yield the best flavor; use fresh lime and herbs.
– Prepare all ingredients before cooking for a smooth process.
– Taste as you go to adjust flavors.
– Garnish generously for a beautiful presentation.
FAQs
Can I make chicken pad thai ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the dish fresh to maintain the texture of the noodles and vegetables.
Is pad thai gluten-free?
Pad thai can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring your rice noodles do not contain gluten.
How spicy is chicken pad thai?
The spiciness can be adjusted by adding chili flakes or using a spicy sauce. Traditionally, it’s not overly spicy but rather a balance of flavors.
Can I use other proteins in pad thai?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or beef can be used as alternatives to chicken, allowing you to customize the dish to your liking.
What is tamarind paste used for?
Tamarind paste adds a unique sweet and tangy flavor to pad thai, essential for its authentic taste. It can be found in most grocery stores.
Conclusion
This chicken pad thai recipe is not only easy to follow but also delivers a burst of flavors that will transport you to Thailand. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delicious creation with family and friends!
Chicken Pad Thai
Ingredients
- 200 g rice noodles
- 200 g chicken breast sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- Lime wedges for serving
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 15 minutes until softened.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Push chicken to one side of the skillet and pour in beaten eggs, scrambling until cooked.
- Drain the noodles and add them to the skillet.
- Stir in fish sauce, sugar, and tamarind paste, mixing well to coat the noodles.
- Add bean sprouts and green onions, tossing everything together for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately with lime wedges and cilantro.