Pad Thai Recipe (ผัดไทย) – Authentic Thai Stir-Fried Noodles at Home

What is Pad Thai?

If there’s one dish that represents Thai cuisine worldwide, it’s Pad Thai (ผัดไทย). This iconic stir-fried noodle dish combines rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, tofu, eggs, bean sprouts, and peanuts in a sweet, tangy, and savory tamarind-based sauce.

Unlike Pad See Ew (savory soy sauce noodles) or Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) (spicy and garlicky), Pad Thai balances sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors perfectly.

It’s a must-try when visiting Thailand — and with this recipe, you can easily make it at home.

🛒 Ingredients for Pad Thai (2 servings)

Noodles & Protein

• 200g dried rice noodles (medium width)

• 150g shrimp (or chicken, pork, or tofu)

• 100g firm tofu, cubed

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup bean sprouts

• ½ cup garlic chives or spring onions, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pad Thai Sauce (mix in a bowl)

• 2 tbsp tamarind paste

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• 1½ tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

Garnishes

• 2 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts

• 1 lime, cut into wedges

• Fresh chili flakes (optional)

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Noodles

Soak rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Pad Thai Sauce

Mix tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and soy sauce until sugar dissolves. Adjust balance to taste (Pad Thai should be sweet, sour, and salty).

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Protein

Heat oil in a wok. Add shrimp or chicken, stir-fry until cooked, then push aside.

Step 4: Cook Garlic & Tofu

Add garlic and tofu, stir-fry until golden.

Step 5: Add Egg & Noodles

Crack in eggs, scramble lightly, then add softened noodles. Pour in Pad Thai sauce, stir quickly to coat.

Step 6: Add Veggies & Serve

Toss in bean sprouts and garlic chives. Mix well, then plate. Garnish with peanuts, lime, and chili flakes.

📌 Pad Thai Recipe Card (Quick Reference)

Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 10 mins
Total time: 30 mins
Servings: 2

Ingredients: Rice noodles, shrimp, tofu, eggs, bean sprouts, tamarind sauce.

Instructions:

1. Soak noodles & mix sauce.

2. Stir-fry shrimp/chicken & tofu.

3. Add garlic, egg, and noodles.

4. Pour sauce, toss well.

5. Add veggies, garnish, and serve hot.

💡 Tips for the Best Pad Thai

• Use tamarind paste — it’s the key to authentic flavor.

• Cook over high heat for that street food taste.

• Don’t over-soak noodles — they should be slightly firm before stir-frying.

• Garnish with lime & peanuts for the full Thai experience.

• Vegetarian version → replace fish sauce with soy sauce and use tofu only.

🥢 Pad Thai vs Other Thai Noodles

• Pad See Ew → Savory soy sauce–based, smoky noodles.

• Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) → Spicy stir-fry with basil & chili.

• Pad Thai → Sweet, tangy, nutty, with tamarind & peanuts.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (SEO FAQ for Google)

Q1: What makes Pad Thai authentic?
Authentic Pad Thai uses tamarind paste for sourness, palm sugar for sweetness, and fish sauce for salty umami.

Q2: Can I use ketchup instead of tamarind paste?
Some Western versions use ketchup, but it changes the flavor. Tamarind paste is essential for true Pad Thai taste.

Q3: Is Pad Thai spicy?
Not necessarily. Pad Thai is usually mild, but you can add chili flakes to adjust heat.

Q4: What protein works best in Pad Thai?
Shrimp and chicken are most common, but tofu or pork can also be used.

Q5: Can Pad Thai be made vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap fish sauce with soy sauce and omit egg for a vegan-friendly version.

🏆 Why You’ll Love This Pad Thai Recipe

✔ Authentic flavor with simple ingredients
✔ Quick & easy — ready in under 30 minutes
✔ Customizable with different proteins
✔ A classic Thai dish perfect for home cooking