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Embark on a culinary voyage to Thailand with our Pad Thai recipe! Pad Thai, a beloved Thai street food, is a delightful combination of stir-fried rice noodles, succulent shrimp, and an array of vibrant flavors. In this recipe, we'll guide you through creating this iconic dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine. Immerse yourself in the aromatic spices, tangy tamarind, and crunchy peanuts of Pad Thai, a dish that's both satisfying and truly unforgettable.
Ingredients:
8 ounces rice noodles, soaked and drained
10-12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup bean sprouts
1/2 cup firm tofu, cubed
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup crushed peanuts
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup tamarind paste
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 20-30 minutes until they soften. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, palm sugar or brown sugar, and chili flakes to create the Pad Thai sauce.
Step 3: Stir-Fry Shrimp and Tofu
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and tofu, and stir-fry until the shrimp turns pink and the tofu is lightly browned. Remove from the wok and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Noodles
In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant. Push the garlic to the side and add the beaten eggs to the wok. Scramble until just set.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the drained rice noodles to the wok and pour the Pad Thai sauce over them. Toss and stir-fry to coat the noodles with the sauce.
Step 6: Add Vegetables and Protein
Add the cooked shrimp, tofu, and half of the bean sprouts to the wok. Toss to combine and heat through.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the Pad Thai to serving plates. Garnish with chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, and the remaining bean sprouts. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of tangy flavor.
Congratulations! You've successfully created Pad Thai, a dish that embodies the flavors of Thailand with its aromatic spices and irresistible blend of textures. With its combination of stir-fried noodles, succulent shrimp, and zesty tamarind, Pad Thai offers a harmonious symphony of tastes that's a true delight for the senses. Share the joy of Pad Thai with friends and family, and let them experience the magic of Thai street food in the comfort of their own home. Enjoy the savory journey through Pad Thai, a dish that captures the heart and soul of Thai cuisine!
