Print

Quick Pad Thai Recipe 20-Minute Easy Authentic Dinner Guide

quick pad thai recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A fast and authentic Pad Thai recipe that delivers the classic tangy-sweet flavors of Thailand in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) flat rice noodles, about ¼ inch wide
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil for nuttier flavor)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 7 oz (200 g) firm tofu, diced (or shrimp/chicken as alternatives)
  • 3 stalks green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup (100 g) bean sprouts
  • ½ cup (60 g) roasted and chopped peanuts, preferably salted
  • Fresh lime wedges, for serving
  • 3 tbsp tamarind paste
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian version)
  • 2 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar as substitute)
  • 1 tsp chili powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place 8 oz (225 g) of dry rice noodles in a medium bowl and cover with warm water. Soak for 10-12 minutes until soft but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 3 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp palm sugar, and 1 tsp chili powder (optional). Stir until sugar dissolves and set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Add diced tofu (or chosen protein) and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until golden on all sides.
  5. Push tofu to one side of the wok. Pour in beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set, then mix with tofu.
  6. Add drained noodles and pour the sauce over. Toss everything together carefully but quickly, lifting and folding noodles so they soak in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Splash a tablespoon of water if noodles stick.
  7. Stir in chopped green onions and bean sprouts. Toss to combine and cook for another minute.
  8. Transfer to plates or bowls. Sprinkle with roasted chopped peanuts and serve with fresh lime wedges. Squeeze lime just before eating.

Notes

Soak noodles until pliable but still firm to avoid mushiness. Use fresh tamarind paste for authentic tang. Toast peanuts lightly before chopping for enhanced flavor. Scramble eggs gently to avoid rubbery texture. Squeeze lime just before serving for best flavor. Adjust chili powder to taste for desired spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pad Thai, quick Pad Thai, authentic Thai recipe, easy dinner, stir-fry noodles, tamarind sauce, vegetarian Pad Thai, gluten-free Pad Thai

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/quick-pad-thai-recipe-20-minute-easy-authentic-dinner-guide/