Chicken Pad Thai
Classic stir-fried rice noodles with tender chicken, crunchy peanuts, and a signature sweet and tangy sauce. This beloved street food classic is surprisingly easy to make at home for a quick weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Noodles and Sauce
- b.Place the rice noodles in a large bowl. Cover with hot tap water (not boiling) and let them soak for 10-15 minutes, or until they are pliable but still firm (al dente). Drain thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
- c.While the noodles soak, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the tamarind concentrate, fish sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, and fresh lime juice until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook Chicken and Aromatics
- b.Heat a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.
- c.Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the wok and set it on a plate.
- d.Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok. Add the sliced shallots and minced garlic and stir-fry for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Scramble Eggs
- b.Push the shallots and garlic to one side of the wok. Pour the lightly beaten eggs into the empty side.
- c.Let the eggs cook for about 30 seconds without stirring, then gently scramble them until they are just set. Once cooked, mix them with the shallots and garlic.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Stir-fry
- b.Add the drained noodles to the wok with the eggs and aromatics. Pour the prepared Pad Thai sauce over the noodles.
- c.Using tongs, toss everything together continuously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and absorb most of it.
- d.Add the cooked chicken back to the wok, along with the fresh bean sprouts and chopped green onions. Continue to toss for another 1-2 minutes until the bean sprouts are slightly wilted but still retain a crunch.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Remove the wok from the heat. Divide the Pad Thai evenly among four serving plates.
- c.Garnish each plate generously with chopped roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to taste.
- d.Serve immediately with a lime wedge on the side for squeezing over the noodles.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, do not oversoak the rice noodles. They should be pliable but still have a firm bite before stir-frying.
- 2Pad Thai cooks very quickly. Prepare all your ingredients (mise en place) before you start heating the wok.
- 3Use a wok or a large, heavy-bottomed skillet. This provides even heat and enough space to toss ingredients without steaming them.
- 4Don't crowd the pan. If your wok isn't large enough, cook the dish in two separate batches to ensure a proper stir-fry.
- 5Tamarind concentrate varies in strength. Taste your sauce before adding it to the noodles and adjust sweetness, saltiness, or sourness as needed.
- 6Pad Thai is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored, but the noodles may become slightly sticky upon reheating.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace the chicken with 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp (cook for 2-3 minutes until pink) or 14 oz of firm, pressed tofu (cubed and pan-fried until golden).
Vegetable BoostVegetable Boost
Add 1 cup of julienned carrots or thinly sliced red bell peppers along with the shallots and garlic for extra color, crunch, and nutrients.
Authentic SweetenerAuthentic Sweetener
For a more traditional flavor, substitute the brown sugar with an equal amount of shaved palm sugar. Dissolve it completely in the sauce.
Nut Free OptionNut-Free Option
For a nut allergy-friendly version, omit the roasted peanuts or replace them with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Chicken breast provides high-quality protein essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and keeping you full and satisfied.
Source of Energizing Carbohydrates
The rice noodles offer a good source of complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary fuel source, providing sustained energy for your daily activities.
Contains Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Ingredients like garlic, shallots, lime juice, and cilantro contribute a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune function and overall health.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Chicken Pad Thai contains approximately 580-650 calories. The exact number can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and the amount of oil.