Pad Thai(Stir-Fry Thai Noodles)
A vibrant Thai stir-fry with rice noodles, shrimp, eggs, and fresh vegetables, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, ideal for quick, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak noodles in warm water for 30 minutes or until softened.
- Drain and discard water.
- Set noodles aside.
- Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add garlic and stir-fry for 20 seconds.
- Add shrimp and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Add eggs to the pan, stirring constantly and breaking into small pieces.
- Push eggs aside in the pan.
- Add drained noodles, vinegar, fish sauce, sugar, and paprika to the pan.
- Toss gently over medium heat for about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add scallions, bean sprouts, and cooked shrimp to the pan.
- Mix all ingredients together and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Transfer noodles onto a large platter.
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts over the noodles.
- Garnish with coriander sprigs and bean sprouts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with tofu or tempeh and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more crunch. If you like it spicy, consider adding Thai chilies or a dash of sriracha to enhance the flavor. Remember to soak the noodles just until tender to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pad Thai with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick, and consider pairing it with a light cucumber salad for a refreshing complement. This dish also pairs beautifully with Tuna Slaw for a wonderful contrast in flavors and textures. For an authentic touch, sprinkle extra crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent sticking. Stir-fry for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the noodles rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pad Thai(Stir-Fry Thai Noodles) contains roughly 661 calories, with 18g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (135% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1299mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of noodles for Pad Thai?
While traditional Pad Thai uses rice noodles, you can experiment with other types like egg noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Just keep in mind that cooking times and flavors may vary, so adjust your cooking method accordingly.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
If you’re looking for a substitute for fish sauce, soy sauce mixed with a bit of lime juice can provide a similar umami flavor. Alternatively, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian version.
How can I make Pad Thai spicier?
To make your Pad Thai spicier, you can add chopped Thai bird chilies or a spoonful of chili paste during cooking. Additionally, serve with a side of sriracha or chili flakes for those who enjoy an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your personal preference!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).