Description
Chicken Pad Thai is a beloved Thai street food dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, chicken, eggs, bean sprouts, and a mix of sweet, salty, and sour flavors. Topped with crushed peanuts and lime, it’s a perfectly balanced meal that combines textures and bold seasonings. Making it at home gives you control over the ingredients, allowing you to create a healthier, customized version of this global favorite.
Ingredients
For the Pad Thai:
200g rice noodles (medium width, flat)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
2–3 eggs, scrambled
1 cup bean sprouts
2 green onions, sliced (both white and green parts)
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup roasted peanuts, crushed
Lime wedges, for serving
For the Pad Thai Sauce:
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp tamarind paste
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp peanut butter (optional for creaminess)
1 tsp lime juice (optional for extra tartness)
1 tsp red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional for heat)
Instructions
Prepare the Noodles: Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken and set aside.
Scramble the Eggs: Add a bit more oil to the pan. Crack in the eggs and cook, stirring gently to break them into small pieces. Set them aside once scrambled.
Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken back to the pan, along with the soaked noodles and Pad Thai sauce. Stir everything together, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of water if the noodles seem dry.
Add Fresh Veggies: Toss in the bean sprouts and green onions. Cook for another 30 seconds, just to warm them through.
Finish the Dish: Spoon the Pad Thai onto plates. Top with crushed peanuts and lime wedges. Optionally, add chili flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
Notes
Be sure to soak the noodles in warm water—not hot—so they don’t get too soft.
The sauce is key. Adjust the balance of sweet, sour, and salty based on your taste preferences.
You can swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Thai Cuisine
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Thai