Craving a dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors? Look no further than this chicken pad thai recipe! This beloved Thai street food features tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and rice noodles, all tossed together in a rich sauce that’s sure to please your taste buds. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 2 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, while cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 plate) contains approximately 400 calories, 30g of protein, 50g of carbohydrates, 10g of fat, and 4g of fiber. These values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Gather all ingredients: chicken, rice noodles, bean sprouts, and vegetables.
2. Soak rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes until soft.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Push chicken to the side and add garlic and onions, sautéing for 2 minutes.
6. Add soaked noodles to the pan and stir well.
7. Pour in the pad thai sauce and mix until noodles are coated.
8. Fold in bean sprouts, carrots, and green onions.
9. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
10. Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges and chopped peanuts.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken, and use tamarind paste for a more authentic flavor. You can also try gluten-free noodles for a dietary option.
Serving and Pairings
Chicken pad thai pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh spring rolls or a crisp green salad. A cold Thai iced tea or a light beer can complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. It’s not recommended to freeze, as the noodles may become mushy.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the noodles can lead to a mushy texture.
- Using too much sauce can overpower the dish.
- Not prepping ingredients in advance can delay cooking.
- Skipping the garnishes will lessen the flavor profile.
- Using low-quality fish sauce can negatively impact taste.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust spice levels by adding chili flakes to taste.
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with tofu.
- Make sure to stir-fry quickly at high heat for best results.
FAQs
Can I make chicken pad thai ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance. However, it’s best to cook the noodles fresh to prevent sogginess.
What type of noodles should I use?
Traditionally, flat rice noodles are used in pad thai. You can find them at most grocery stores or Asian markets.
Is pad thai gluten-free?
Standard pad thai is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce. However, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute.
How can I make pad thai spicier?
To add heat, incorporate chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies into the cooking process, or serve with a spicy chili sauce on the side.
Can I use other proteins in pad thai?
Absolutely! You can use shrimp, tofu, or even a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Conclusion
This chicken pad thai recipe is not only delicious but also easy to customize. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy making this delightful dish and impress your family and friends!
Chicken Pad Thai
Ingredients
- 200 g rice noodles
- 200 g chicken diced
- 100 g bean sprouts
- 1 carrot julienned
- 2 green onions chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 4 tablespoons pad thai sauce
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Chopped peanuts for garnish
Instructions
- Soak rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes until soft.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Push chicken to the side and add garlic and onions, sautéing for 2 minutes.
- Add soaked noodles to the pan and stir well.
- Pour in the pad thai sauce and mix until noodles are coated.
- Fold in bean sprouts, carrots, and green onions.
- Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges and chopped peanuts.
Nutrition
