Thai-Style Stir-Fried Noodles (Pad Thai): ผัดไทย
Pad Thai, originally known as Pad Thai Noodle, gained popularity during World War II due to economic downturns, which made rice expensive. Field Marshal P. Pibulsongkram promoted the consumption of noodles as a more affordable alternative. To distinguish it from Chinese fried noodles, the Thais created Pad Thai, a unique dish featuring thin rice noodles stir-fried with eggs, chopped Chinese chives, bean sprouts, yellow tofu, roasted peanuts, and dried shrimp. The dish is seasoned with chili, fish sauce, and sugar.
Initially, Pad Thai did not include meat, especially pork, to avoid similarities with fried noodles. Instead, tofu was the primary protein source. Depending on the region, variations were introduced, such as including fresh shrimp or chicken. Today, Pad Thai is one of Thailand's most recognized dishes, found in countless shops and restaurants. It is also popular among foreigners, making it a staple of Thai cuisine.
At Parawan’s Thai Home Cooking Class, we will show you how to prepare a delicious Pad Thai in a simple way. Some ingredients may be challenging to find at home, so we will slightly adapt the traditional recipe to suit vegetarian and vegan diets by excluding meat and prawns.
Ingredients for Pad Thai Sauce:
- Tamarind sauce or tamarind paste
- Palm sugar
- Salt
- 1 cup red onions, chopped
- 1 cup of water
- Cooking oil
Instructions for Pad Thai Sauce:
- Prepare the Tamarind: Soak the tamarind in water for at least 10 minutes to soften it and make it easier to extract the flesh. If using tamarind paste, there’s no need to mix it with water.
- Cook the Onions: Heat cooking oil in a pot and fry the chopped red onions until they turn golden brown. Add the tamarind, palm sugar, and salt, stirring until the sugar melts.
- Add Water: Pour in some water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat.
Note: The Pad Thai sauce should be sweet, sour, and salty, with a runny consistency. If it becomes too thick, add more water.
Ingredients for Pad Thai:
- Rice noodles
- Prawns or meat (chicken, pork) or tofu
- Prepared Pad Thai sauce
- Eggs
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- Bean sprouts
- Chives (cut into 1-inch lengths)
- Extra vegetables (carrots, cabbage, or any of your choice), cut into desired sizes
- Soy sauce
- Cooking oil
Instructions for Pad Thai:
- Cook the Garlic and Eggs: Heat oil in a pan and add the chopped garlic until fragrant. Then add the eggs and scramble them until cooked; cut them into large pieces.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the prepared Pad Thai sauce to the pan and then add the rice noodles. Ensure that the sauce fully covers the noodles. Bring to a boil and let simmer until the noodles are cooked. Add your choice of vegetables and mix well.
- Add Protein: If using prawns, place them on top of the cooked noodles and add bean sprouts and chives. Stir everything gently to combine without overcooking the prawns. Finish with a drizzle of soy sauce.
- Serve: Your Pad Thai is ready to serve! Enjoy this flavorful dish that embodies the essence of Thai cuisine.
Note for Meat or Tofu Version:
If using meat or tofu instead of prawns:
- Heat cooking oil in a pan and fry the meat until almost cooked before adding garlic.
- Follow the same steps afterward by adding eggs and continuing with the Pad Thai preparation.
Enjoy this classic dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors in every bite!