Pad Thai Noodles* Recipe
chicken, rice noodles, egg, bean sprouts, peanuts, cilantro; sub: shrimp (shellfish) | add: shrimp (shellfish) | sub: tofu | add: tofu
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Noodles & Protein
Sauce
Aromatics & Veggies
Garnish & Finish
Seasoning & Misc
Method
Noodles & Sauce Prep
Soak noodles
Place dried rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with warm (not boiling) water. Soak 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pliable but still slightly firm (they will finish cooking in the wok). Drain and set aside.
Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind concentrate, fish sauce, palm sugar, rice vinegar, lime juice and chili paste. Add 2–4 tablespoons warm water to adjust consistency so sauce is pourable but not watery. Taste and balance: it should be tangy-salty-sweet; adjust sugar or fish sauce as needed.
Protein & Aromatics
Prepare proteins
If using chicken: season slices lightly with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. If using tofu: press, pat dry, and toss cubes with a pinch of salt. If using shrimp: pat dry and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook chicken or shrimp or tofu
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon oil. For chicken: add in a single layer and stir-fry 3–4 minutes until browned and just cooked through; remove to a plate. For shrimp: stir-fry 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove. For tofu: add cubes and pan-fry turning occasionally 4–6 minutes until golden on multiple sides; remove. Wipe wok clean if there is excessive browned residue, leaving a thin film of oil.
Cook aromatics
Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the hot wok. Add shallot and white parts of scallions and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook 15–20 seconds until aromatic but not browned.
Assembly & Finish
Add the drained rice noodles to the wok, spreading them into an even layer. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the noodles. Using tongs or two spatulas, toss and stir-fry briskly to coat the noodles, 1–2 minutes. If noodles stick, add 1–2 tablespoons warm water to help loosen and finish cooking.
Return cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu) to the wok. Toss to combine and heat through, 1 minute.
Add bean sprouts and green parts of scallions. Toss for 20–30 seconds — you want the sprouts slightly wilted but still crunchy. Taste and adjust seasoning: add a splash more fish sauce for salt, lime for brightness, or a pinch of sugar if needed.
Plating & Garnish
Divide Pad Thai among 3–4 plates (see servings). Sprinkle each portion with chopped peanuts and cilantro leaves. Serve with lime wedges and optional crushed red pepper on the side.
Final notes: If substituting proteins, use either chicken (default), shrimp (shellfish), or tofu; cooking times differ as noted. Leftovers keep refrigerated up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of water in a skillet.