If you’re looking for a convenient, delicious, and easy way to make zesty street-style chicken pad thai, here’s a simple recipe for the ultimate homemade noodle stir-fry.
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Zesty Street-Style Chicken Pad Thai : The Ultimate Homemade Noodle Stir-Fry
When you’re craving authentic Thai street food with bold, bright, and memorable flavors, chicken pad thai is sure to be at the top of your list.
This iconic Thai noodle dish delivers a favorite balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and savory, paired with tender chicken, rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, and fresh lemon.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make chicken pad thai at home. Simply put, you can make it easy, convenient, and incredibly delicious, using all the ingredients commonly found in American grocery stores, better than takeout.
Why do you love chicken pad thai?
- This recipe is a great weeknight meal and can be ready in less than 30 minutes.
- It creates a great balance of flavors.
- A restaurant-style approach, easy to make at home.
- Uses all the ingredients readily available in USA groceries.
- It’s very easy to customize—you can change the spices,
- add vegetables,
- you can substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken.
- It’s perfect for novice cooks and perfect for a family meal.
All ingredients needed:
Ingredients for Pad Thai Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste, optional
- 1 teaspoon chili sauce or Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
Ingredients for Noodles and Chicken:
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 small carrot, grated, optional
- 1 pound boneless, thinly sliced chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 3 finely chopped garlic cloves
- 8 oz flat or medium rice noodles
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup crushed roasted peanuts
- Lime wedges – for serving
- Fresh cilantro – for garnish
Learn the detailed instructions for making zesty street-style chicken pad Thai:
1. Preparing the Rice Noodles
- Use a large pot of water, bring to a boil, then turn off the heat. Do this.
- Place the rice noodles in hot water and soak them for 7 to 9 minutes, so they become soft and chewy.
- Drain the noodles, apply a few drops of oil to prevent sticking, and toss lightly.
- Important Tip: Remember, rice noodles are never fully boiled; soaking them gives the Pad Thai a rich, perfect texture.
2. Making the Pad Thai Sauce
- Use a small bowl and add the ingredients in the quantities indicated:
- rice vinegar, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, tamarind paste, Sriracha, and lemon juice.
- Whisk them all together thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust the flavor:
- Add vinegar for spiciness,
- Add sugar for sweetness, and
- Add fish sauce for saltiness. Set aside.
3. Cooking the Chicken
- Use a large wok or pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a tablespoon of oil and heat.
- Add the shredded chicken and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, until lightly golden and thoroughly cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Sauté the Aromatics
- Now, in this wok,
- add a tablespoon of oil and add the finely chopped garlic. Stir-fry vigorously for 25 to 30 minutes, until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Beat the Eggs
- Push the garlic aside in the wok,
- crack two eggs and beat until combined.
6. Add the Noodles
- Put the soaked rice noodles into the wok. Then,
- pour all of the Pad Thai sauce over the noodles.
- And,
- mix gently, so that the sauce coats all the noodles.
7. Adding Chicken and Vegetables
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Add the grated carrots, bean sprouts, and green onions, and mix well.
- Simmering everything together for 2 to 3 minutes creates a truly delicious and delicious zesty street-style chicken pad Thai.
8. Adding Peanuts and Serving:
Turn off the heat and add the ingredients mentioned:
- lemon juice and chopped peanuts.
- You can garnish with fresh cilantro and peanuts. Then, your zesty street-style chicken pad Thai is ready to serve.
Some great tips for the perfect chicken pad Thai:
- Using the right noodles:
- Flat rice noodles work best; vermicelli should be avoided as it becomes soggy.
- Fish sauce is essential because:
- It provides the authentic Thai flavor. If you omit it, you can add extra soy sauce, but it will have a different flavor.
Don’t overcook the noodles –
For an authentic and delicious texture, they should have a slightly chewy texture.
High heat is essential –
Quick stir-frying is essential to bring out the true flavor of Pad Thai.
Some tips for customizing Chicken Pad Thai –
- To make it spicier, add the following ingredients:
- Red chili flakes
- Thai red chili
- Extra Sriracha
To make it healthier, add:
- Use less sugar
- Use whole-grain rice noodles
- Add more vegetables – bell peppers, zucchini, cabbage.
- To make it vegetarian, you can substitute chicken with:
- Mushrooms, edamame, or tofu.
- Note: Use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
- To make it gluten-free:
- Use rice vinegar instead of malt vinegar.
- Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce.
Storage:
Refrigerate: This recipe can be stored in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer:
Do not freeze, as the rice noodles will become mushy.
Reheat:
- Great for reheating in a pan.
- Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water and stir gently over medium heat until heated through.
FAQ
Answers to some key questions about Zesty Street Style Chicken Pad Thai, allowing you to correct mistakes and gain new insights.
Q. What can I use instead of fish sauce?
I can use tamari or soy sauce. Add a little Worcestershire for more flavor.
Q. Can I use spaghetti instead of rice noodles?
Yes! But the taste changes. Rice noodles are more authentic and have a better texture.
Q. How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mild, but add Thai chili or Sriracha for spiciness.
Q. Why do the noodles get soggy?
When you soak them too long or add them too quickly.
Rinse them quickly and add them to the oil to prevent sticking.
Q. Can I make Chicken Pad Thai without tamarind?
Yes! Add rice vinegar and lemon juice for tang.
Q. Can I add peanut butter to Chicken Pad Thai?
You can make it creamier by adding a little, say 1 teaspoon, but be careful not to overdo it, or it will become a peanut noodle dish.
Q. How can I achieve a restaurant-like smoky flavor?
Cook on high heat and don’t add too much cheese to the wok.
Q. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! A rotary chicken works great; use it in step 7.
Final Thoughts:
Zesty Street Style Chicken Pad Thai is the perfect combination of authentic Thai flavor and a super easy American home cook. With its spicy sauce, chewy rice, noodles, and tender chicken, along with crispy peanuts, this Thai comfort food delivers everything you love, straight from your kitchen.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, this article will help you make Zesty Street Style Chicken Pad Thai at home and enjoy it with your family.