Description
Chicken Pad Thai is a vibrant and satisfying Thai-inspired dish combining tender chicken, soft rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers bold flavors and delightful textures in every bite, customizable to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g rice noodles
- 300g chicken breast or thigh, sliced
- 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (plant-based)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste (natural)
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
Garnishes (optional)
- Fresh lime wedges
- Cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 20 minutes until soft but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a splash of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken pieces and stir-fry until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Scramble the Eggs: In the same pan, crack in the eggs and scramble quickly until softly cooked. Set aside with the chicken.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), brown sugar (natural), apple cider vinegar, and red chili flakes. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add garlic and green onions to the pan and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add soaked noodles and pour in the sauce, cooking gently to combine while noodles absorb the flavors. Return chicken and eggs to the pan, stirring everything evenly.
- Final Touches: Stir in fresh bean sprouts and remove the pan from heat. Serve immediately topped with crushed peanuts (plant-based) and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Soak rice noodles just until pliable to avoid mushiness.
- Use high heat when stir-frying chicken for quick caramelization without drying.
- Taste and adjust the balance of tangy, sweet, and savory in the sauce as needed.
- Prepare and measure all ingredients before cooking for smooth workflow.
- Add fresh toppings such as bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime just before serving for authentic crunch and freshness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: Chicken Pad Thai, Thai stir-fry, rice noodle recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free Thai food
