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Authentic Pad Thai Noodles

Pad Thai is a classic and beloved street food in Thailand, known for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Authentic Pad Thai noodles are a staple of Thai cuisine, and are renowned for their fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. This iconic dish is a combination of stir-fried rice noodles, tofu, shrimp, or chicken, and a medley of vegetables, all coated in a luscious, tangy tamarind sauce and topped with crushed peanuts, fresh lime, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Additional Time:

1 hr 10 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs

Servings:

Yield:

4 servings

Ingredients

⅔ cup dried rice vermicelli

¼ cup peanut oil

⅔ cup thinly sliced firm tofu

1 large egg, beaten

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

¼ cup vegetable broth

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon white sugar

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon dried red chili flakes

3 tablespoons chopped peanuts

1 pound bean sprouts, divided

3 green onions, whites cut thinly across and greens sliced into thin lengths - divided

3 tablespoons chopped peanuts

2 limes, cut into wedges for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Soak rice vermicelli noodles in a bowl filled with hot water until softened, 30 minutes to 1 hour. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat peanut oil over medium heat in a large wok.

Step 3

Cook and stir tofu in the wok, turning the pieces until they are golden on all sides.

Step 4

Remove tofu with a slotted spoon and drain on plate lined with paper towels.

Step 5

Pour all but 1 tablespoon of used oil from the wok into a small bowl; it will be used again in a later step.

Step 6

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the wok over medium heat until it starts to sizzle.

Step 7

Pour in beaten egg and lightly toss in the hot oil to scramble the egg.

Step 8

Remove egg from the wok and set aside.

Step 9

Pour reserved peanut oil in the small bowl back into the wok.

Step 10

Toss garlic and drained noodles in wok until they are coated with oil.

Step 11

Stir in vegetable broth, lime juice, soy sauce, and sugar. Toss and gently push noodles around the pan to coat with sauce.

Step 12

Gently mix in tofu, scrambled egg, salt, chili flakes, and 3 tablespoons peanuts; toss to mix all ingredients.

Step 13

Mix in bean sprouts and green onions, reserving about 1 tablespoon of each for garnish. Cook and stir until bean sprouts have softened slightly, 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 14

Arrange noodles on a warm serving platter and garnish with 3 tablespoons peanuts and reserved bean sprouts and green onions. Place lime wedges around the edges of the platter.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

397

Calories

23g

Fat

40g

Carbs

13g

Protein

Complement

What sets authentic Pad Thai noodles apart is the use of traditional ingredients like tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, and dried shrimp, which give the dish its unmistakable and complex flavor profile. The dish is often garnished with fresh bean sprouts, cilantro, and green onions, adding a refreshing and crunchy element to each bite. Whether enjoyed from a bustling street vendor in Bangkok or at a cozy Thai restaurant, Pad Thai noodles are a unique and unforgettable culinary experience that encapsulates the essence of Thai cuisine.