Name: Pad Thai Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 ounces flat rice noodles; 8 ounces uncooked shrimp, chicken, or extra-firm tofu, cut into small pieces; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 eggs; 1 cup fresh bean sprouts; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3 green onions, chopped; 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts; 2 limes; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 3 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 5 tablespoons light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or Tamarind Paste); 1 tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce (or more to taste); 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (optional); 3 tablespoons oil (for cooking)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 5 reviews

If you have ever craved a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, contrasting textures, and a melody of sweet, tangy, and savory notes, you are in for a treat with this Pad Thai Recipe. This beloved Thai street food classic is surprisingly simple to prepare at home and brings a restaurant-quality experience right to your kitchen table. Every ingredient—from the chewy rice noodles to the crunchy peanuts and fresh bean sprouts—plays a vital role in delivering that iconic, irresistible combination that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black wok pan filled with cooked shrimp and strips of chicken, slightly browned and sizzling. The shrimp are a pale pinkish-white color with orange tails, arranged mostly in a circle inside the wok. The chicken strips are light brown with some darker sear marks, scattered among the shrimp. The wok sits on a white marbled surface, and the pan handle with a wooden grip is partially visible on the right side. The lighting highlights the shiny, moist texture of the cooked seafood and chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this Pad Thai Recipe come alive, you only need a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one adds something special, whether it’s texture, depth of flavor, or a pop of freshness. Preparing these carefully will set the stage for the perfect balance this dish is known for.

8 ounces flat rice noodles: These noodles provide the chewy, tender base that soaks up all the amazing sauce flavors.

3 Tablespoons oil: Use a neutral oil that can handle high heat for stir-frying your proteins and vegetables.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds an aromatic punch that flavors the entire dish.
8 ounces uncooked shrimp, chicken, or extra-firm tofu, cut into small pieces: Your protein choice adds heartiness and rounds out the meal.

2 eggs: Scrambled in, they bring richness and an extra layer of texture.
1 cup fresh bean sprouts: These deliver a fresh crispness that brightens the dish.
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds color, sweetness, and crunch.

3 green onions, chopped: Provide a mild onion flavor along with freshness for garnish.
1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts: Essential for adding that unmistakable nutty crunch.
2 limes: Their juice is squeezed over the finished dish for tangy brightness.

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Offers an herbal note that brightens and freshens each bite.
3 Tablespoons fish sauce: The salty umami backbone that makes the dish authentically savory.
1 Tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness without overpowering other flavors.

5 Tablespoons light brown sugar: Adds a caramelized sweetness that rivals any street vendor’s recipe.
2 Tablespoons rice vinegar or tamarind paste: Brings that essential tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
1 Tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce, or more to taste: Adds a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your preference.

2 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter (optional): Gives an extra layer of richness and depth, making the sauce luscious.

How to Make Pad Thai Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the noodles

Begin by cooking the flat rice noodles according to the package directions until they are just tender. Overcooked noodles become mushy, so keep a close eye on them. Once cooked, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. This simple prep ensures your noodles are perfectly chewy and ready to soak up all those fantastic flavors.

Step 2: Make the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, light brown sugar, rice vinegar or tamarind paste, Sriracha, and peanut butter if using. This sauce is where the magic happens—balancing salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that define the heart of this Pad Thai Recipe. Setting this aside allows the flavors to meld while you cook the other components.

Step 3: Cook the protein and vegetables

Heat 1½ tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, the protein of your choice (shrimp, chicken, or tofu), and the red bell pepper. Stir-fry quickly—shrimp will take about 2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through; chicken should cook for 3-4 minutes, and tofu until golden brown on edges. Cooking these separately ensures everything is tender and perfectly cooked.

Step 4: Scramble the eggs

Push the protein and veggies to one side of the pan, add a touch more oil if needed, and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them gently with a spatula, breaking them into small pieces as they cook. This step adds a creamy, tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchier ingredients.

Step 5: Combine noodles, sauce, and add-ins

Add the drained noodles, sauce, fresh bean sprouts, and roasted peanuts (reserve some peanuts for garnish) to the wok. Toss everything thoroughly so the noodles are evenly coated with the luscious sauce and the ingredients are well combined. This step brings all the flavors together, infusing the noodles with that unmistakable Pad Thai taste.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Transfer your masterpiece to serving plates, then sprinkle with chopped green onions, extra peanuts, fresh cilantro, and wedges of lime. The garnishes add brightness, crunch, and a final burst of freshness that elevates this dish from great to unforgettable.

How to Serve Pad Thai Recipe

A black wok filled with a colorful shrimp noodle dish, showing layers of light brown noodles mixed with whole cooked shrimp that have an orange-pink color and a slightly shiny texture. Scattered through the noodles are bright red strips of pepper, pale yellow scrambled egg pieces, and light green sliced scallions. Small white bean sprouts and chopped green herbs add contrast and freshness on top. Two silver cooking tongs rest inside the wok, ready to serve. The wok is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes are key to this Pad Thai Recipe’s authentic flair. Scatter bright green onions for a mild bite, sprinkle chopped cilantro for herbaceous notes, and add roasted peanuts for satisfying crunch. Don’t forget the lime wedges—squeezing fresh lime juice over the top adds a zesty lift that balances all the rich layers perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish is surprisingly complete on its own, but if you want to turn dinner into a feast, consider light and fresh sides like a crisp cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, or a simple papaya salad. These lighten the palate and complement the complex flavors of the Pad Thai without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve your Pad Thai Recipe in banana leaf-lined bowls or on large, vibrant plates. Garnish with edible flowers or a few thin slices of fresh chili for a pop of color and gentle heat. Letting guests build their own bowls with additional peanuts, lime, or Sriracha at the table adds a fun, interactive element too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pad Thai Recipe leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Keep the garnishes separate if possible so they stay fresh and crunchy. When you’re ready to enjoy the next day, simply reheat gently for best results.

Freezing

While you can freeze Pad Thai, the texture of the noodles and fresh ingredients like bean sprouts may change slightly after thawing. If you plan to freeze, store in a freezer-safe container and use within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating carefully on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your Pad Thai gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to evenly warm the noodles and sauce. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the best texture, but it works in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I make Pad Thai Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out the shrimp or chicken for extra-firm tofu and omit the fish sauce or replace it with a vegetarian soy sauce alternative to keep the dish plant-based but equally delicious.

What’s the best noodle to use for Pad Thai Recipe?

Flat rice noodles around 1/4 inch wide are ideal because they hold the sauce well and have the perfect tender-chewy texture classic to Pad Thai.

Is tamarind paste necessary?

Tamarind paste adds a unique tangy flavor traditional to Pad Thai, but you can substitute it with rice vinegar for a similar acidic note if needed.

How spicy is this Pad Thai Recipe?

It’s moderately spicy thanks to the Sriracha, but you can easily adjust the heat level up or down to suit your tastes by adding more, less, or none at all.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be mixed and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making your stir-frying process quick and easy when it’s time to cook.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a Pad Thai Recipe that captures all the vibrant flavors and textures you love, this one is sure to become a staple. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable to your preferences. Invite friends and family over and watch this dish disappear in no time—it’s that good!