A pad thai worth making –Are you looking for a quick and delicious meal that brings the authentic flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen? Look no further! This Best Pad Thai Recipe will guide you through the process of creating a mouth-watering dish in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe is both easy to follow and packed with flavor.
Authentic Pad Thai
Below is an image of the final dish, showcasing the vibrant colors and inviting presentation that Pad Thai is known for.

Ingredients
To create the perfect Pad Thai, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup firm tofu, cubed (or shrimp, for a non-vegetarian option)
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your Pad Thai:
- Begin by soaking the rice noodles in hot water for about 20-30 minutes until softened, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- If using tofu, add the cubed tofu now and fry until golden brown. If you’re using shrimp, add them at this stage and cook until pink and opaque.
- Push the tofu or shrimp to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble until just set.
- Add the softened rice noodles to the pan along with the fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar. Toss everything together gently.
- Stir in the bean sprouts and green onions, cooking for an additional minute until everything is heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Pad Thai, a dish that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors in every bite. This quick and easy recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.