Authentic Pad Thai

Overview

Authentic Pad Thai is a classic Thai street food dish that features stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, and a tangy tamarind sauce. It's a favorite for its combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup firm tofu, cubed
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tamarind paste
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g

Instructions

1. Prepare Noodles: Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix tamarind paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
3. Cook Shrimp and Tofu: In a large wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and tofu, cooking until shrimp is pink and tofu is golden.
4. Add Garlic and Eggs: Stir in the minced garlic, then push shrimp and tofu to one side of the wok. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked.
5. Combine and Stir-Fry: Add cooked noodles, sauce mixture, and bean sprouts to the wok. Toss everything together and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
6. Serve: Transfer Pad Thai to plates. Garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Kitchen Tools Required

• Large wok
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula

Interesting Background

Pad Thai, originally called "kway teow pad Thai," was introduced to Thailand in the 1930s as a part of the government's campaign to promote Thai nationalism. It quickly became a national dish due to its delicious flavor and balanced nutrition.