Easiest Pad Thai

If you’re in the mood for a quick and delicious meal that can transport you right to the streets of Thailand, look no further than this Easiest Pad Thai recipe! This vibrant dish is packed with flavors, featuring tender chicken or tofu, fresh veggies, and a tangy sauce that will leave you craving more. Best of all, it comes together in no time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to whip up this delightful meal!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Easiest Pad Thai stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it utilizes flat rice noodles, which have a wonderful texture and soak up the sauce beautifully, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Secondly, the combination of fresh ingredients like bean sprouts, bell peppers, and green onions adds a crispness that elevates the dish. Lastly, the balance of sweet, salty, and spicy from the fish sauce, brown sugar, and sriracha ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. This is truly a dish you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredient List

• 8 oz flat rice noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 8 oz chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (or extra firm tofu cut into small cubes)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, chopped
• ½ cup crushed peanuts
• 2 limes, cut into wedges
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (optional)

Recommended Tools

• Large Skillet or Wok: A wide surface allows for even cooking and easy tossing of ingredients.
• Cooking Utensils: A spatula or tongs will help in mixing and serving.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements to ensure perfect flavor balance.
• Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for chopping your vegetables and proteins.

How to Prepare Easiest Pad Thai

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the flat rice noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 5-7 minutes, until they are tender but still firm. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the bite-sized chicken pieces (or tofu) and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked, then mix them with the chicken.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet along with the bean sprouts, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions. Toss everything together, ensuring the noodles are well mixed with the chicken and vegetables.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, light soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sriracha sauce. Pour this sauce over the noodle mixture in the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is heated through, remove it from the heat. Serve your Easiest Pad Thai hot, garnished with crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Allergy-Friendly Swaps

• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of light soy sauce.
• If you’re avoiding peanuts, you can substitute with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
• Replace chicken with shrimp or keep it vegetarian by using only tofu and additional vegetables.
• For a lower-sugar option, reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.

Cook’s Commentary

This Easiest Pad Thai is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand, such as carrots, zucchini, or snap peas. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken for tofu and adjust the sauce ingredients accordingly. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability, so feel free to make it your own!

Freezer-Friendly Notes

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked Pad Thai. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the noodles.

Common Questions

Can I make Pad Thai without fish sauce?

Yes! You can replace fish sauce with coconut aminos or a homemade mixture of soy sauce and a touch of vinegar for a similar flavor profile.

What can I use instead of rice noodles?

If you can’t find flat rice noodles, you can use other types of noodles like linguine or even spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option.

How spicy is this Pad Thai?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of sriracha sauce you add. Start with a small amount and taste as you go!

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas would all be delicious additions.

Wrap-Up

The Easiest Pad Thai is not only a quick and satisfying meal but also a fantastic introduction to the bold flavors of Thai cuisine. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll have a delightful dish that rivals your favorite Thai restaurant right at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get started on this delicious culinary adventure!