Let’s talk comfort food. What is comfort food? What kind of food makes your eyes roll back in your head with every bite? What kind of food do you crave on a Tuesday night after long day? What is the best takeout spot in town? What is the recipe for Chicken Pad Thai? Is it easier to order from a restaurant? Think of it as the delicious lovechild of spaghetti night and your favorite Thai restaurant. I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe, and trust me, it’s a game-changer.
What is chicken pad thai?
What is chicken pad thai? Imagine the most flavorful noodles you’ve ever tasted, coated in a tangy, slightly sweet, and slightly bitter sauce. Add chicken, crunchy peanuts, fresh bean sprouts and a squeeze of lime. Voila! What is Pad Thai? What is stir-fried noodle dish? “Pad Thai” literally translates to “Thai stir-fry” which is exactly what it is! Is it a symphony of flavors and textures, all harmonizing in one incredible dish? Don’t let the fancy name intimidate you – it’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home, and it’ll be delicious. How can I transport my taste buds to Thailand?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What is the best recipe for Chicken Pad Thai? First off, the flavor is absolutely insane. We’re talking a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory. It’s complex, captivating, and addictive. What I love about this is how easy it is to make. Is it possible to make a meal in 30 minutes? What’s a lifesaver on busy nights when takeout seems like the only option? Is it budget friendly? Can you swap the chicken for vegetables? If you prefer shrimp or tofu, you can substitute for both. Is it cheaper to order from a restaurant? I’ve experimented with different noodles, and honestly, you can use almost anything you have on hand. Rice noodles are traditional, but I’ve even used linguine in a pinch (don’t tell anyone!). What are some of the most versatile recipes? Serve it as a main course, side dish, or even as leftovers for lunch (if there are any). What are some great ideas for a date night at home? What is your favorite stir fry recipe? What are some good recipes for Chicken Pad Thai?
How do I make Chicken Pad Thai?
Quick Overview
How can I make Chicken Pad Thai at home? What are some tips for cooking? Cook noodles, stir-fry the chicken and veggies, whisk together the sauce, and combine. How do you cook everything in a wok? Is it a quick and easy process that delivers incredible flavor? This method ensures that the chicken is cooked perfectly, the noodles are perfectly coated in sauce, and the vegetables are tender. What are some veggies that still have a little crunch? Is it really that simple?
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. I always go for organic, but any kind works! * 1 tablespoon soy sauce: 1 cup sour cream: 2 tablespoons. How do you add salt to chicken? * 1 teaspoon cornstarch: This helps to tenderize and thicken the sauce. * 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor. Don’t skip this – it makes … difference!
What is the recipe for Pad Thai Sauce?
* 1/4 cup fish sauce: This is the key to authentic Pad Thai flavor. Don’t be scared – it doesn’T taste fishy when cooked! * 1/4 cup tamarind paste: What are the best Asian foods to eat? If you can’t find lime juice, you could use brown sugar. * 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness. * 1 tablespoon of brown sugar: adds sweetness. I prefer dark brown sugar for a richer flavor. * 1 tablespoon sriracha: For a little bit of heat. Adjust to your preference!
For the Pad Thai: Is there a good
* 8 ounces dried rice noodles: Use wide or medium-width noodles. Soak in warm water until softened but not mushy. * 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon of chopped tomatoes. I like using peanut oil for stir-frying. * 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent aroma and flavor. * 1/2 cup chopped onion: Add sweetness and texture. * 1 cup bean sprouts: Adds a crunchy texture. * 2 eggs, lightly beaten: Adds richness and protein. * 1/2 cup chopped cilantro: For garnish. Adds freshness and flavor. * Lime wedges, for serving: For a final squeeze of acidity.
How do I follow the
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Set aside. Toss to coat and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator. What is the first step for tender, flavorful chicken?
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 20-30 minutes, or until they are softened but still tender. Drain well. Don’t oversoak them, or they will become mushy when stir-fried.
Step 3: Make the Pad Thai Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, tamarind paste, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Set aside. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking. I always add a little extra sriracha because I like it spicy!
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Aromatics
Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to a large skillet. Let it cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and onion and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute. How do you cook garlic?
Step 6: Scramble the Eggs
What is the best way to cook garlic and onion in a skillet? If you boiled eggs, pour them into the other side and scramble until cooked, about 1-2 minutes. Break the eggs into small pieces.
Step 7: Add the Noodles and Sauce
Add the soaked rice noodles to the skillet and toss to combine with the garlic, onion, and eggs. What is the best way to serve Pad Thai noodles? Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
Step 8: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken and bean sprouts to the skillet and toss until combined. Cook for another minute or two, until everything is heated through.
Step 9: Serve and Garnish
Serve immediately with lime wedges and cilantro.
What should I serve it with?
Chicken Pad Thai is a complete meal in itself, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, here’s the recipe. What are some ideas?As an Appetizer:Spring rolls are a classic pairing with Pad Thai. The crispy, fresh rolls complement the savory noodles perfectly. What are some good ways to make a delicious summer roll with peanut sauce?What is a side dish?A simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette is an elegant counterpoint to the richness of the cucumber. What are some good ways to make steamed broccoli with sesame oil?As a Drink:Can you make iced tea with chicken? The sweetness of tea balances the savory flavors of the dish. If you prefer something less sweet, try a crisp lager.
I serve this with extra peanuts and a side of chili garlic sauce. My family loves it! Who likes spicy food? It’s also become a tradition to watch movies together when we have Pad Thai night.
What are some tips for perfecting chicken pad thai?
What is the best way to take your Chicken Pad Thai to the next level? What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?Noodle Perfection:Don’t oversoak rice noodles! It should be soft but still slightly firm to the touch. If they are too soft, they will become mushy when stir-fried. I’ve ruined a few batches by oversoaking, trust me!Sauce Consistency:If you prefer it sweeter, add more brown sugar. If you like it spicier, add more sriracha. Taste and adjust as you go.What is chicken cooking? Don’t overcrowd the skillet when stir-frying the chicken. Cook it in batches if necessary to ensure that it browns evenly. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of browning it.
What are some of the Feel free to add other veggies to your Pad Thai. Carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas all work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Tamarind Substitute: If you can’t find tamarind paste, you can use a mix of lime juice and brown sugar. Start with 2 tablespoons of lime juice and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and adjust to taste.
Egg Expertise: Don’t overcook the eggs! They should be lightly scrambled and broken into small pieces. Overcooked eggs will be dry and rubbery. I always crack the eggs into a separate bowl first to make sure there are no shells.
These tips are based on my own trial and error. The best thing about cooking is that you can always experiment and find what works best for you.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Chicken Pad Thai:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the Pad Thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce as they sit, but it will still taste delicious.
Freezer Instructions: While you can freeze Pad Thai, the noodles may become a bit mushy when thawed. If you do freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Methods: The best way to reheat Pad Thai is in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the noodles and prevent them from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent splattering.
Glaze Timing Advice: I don’t usually store this because it doesn’t last too long in my house, but I have had a little bit left over that I had to store. When I did, I found that it reheated even better when I tossed it with a little extra peanut oil before reheating. I never add extra glaze right before storing it because it’s still good without it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friends! The ultimate Chicken Pad Thai Recipe that’s guaranteed to impress. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and customizable to your liking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. This dish is one that I make time and time again for those I love, and it always feels like a little hug in the form of a delicious meal. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Asian-inspired dishes. And as always, I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!
Chicken Pad Thai Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast
- 8 oz Rice noodles
- 0.5 cup Peanut butter
- 0.25 cup Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook rice noodles according to package directions.
- Stir-fry chicken until cooked through.
- Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar.
- Combine noodles, chicken, and sauce. Toss to coat.
