Thai Pad Thai noodles is one of the most emblematic dishes of Thai cuisine, known for its balanced mix of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Originating from the center of the country, pad thai gained popularity during World War II as part of a campaign to promote national cuisine and reduce rice consumption. Today, it is a common dish both on the streets of Bangkok and in restaurants around the world.
In Latin America, although there is no specific different name, it is usually referred to simply as "pad thai" or "Thai noodles," and it is appreciated in several countries for its exotic flavor and versatility. The traditional recipe consists of rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp or chicken, egg, bean sprouts, green onions, and roasted peanuts, all seasoned with a special sauce.
In addition to Thailand, this dish is popular in neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam, although with local variations in ingredients and seasonings. In each place, pad thai retains its essence: soft stir-fried rice noodles that combine crunchy textures and intense flavors.
How to prepare Thai Pad Thai noodles
Ingredients: Thai-style rice noodles, fish sauce, white vinegar, tomato paste, sugar, green onions, unsalted dry-roasted peanuts, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, skinless chicken breasts, egg, bean sprouts, crushed red chili flakes, limes.
Step 1: Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 20 - 25 minutes; they should be soft but not mushy. They will soften further when cooked in the liquid.
Step 2: Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails intact. Cut the chicken and/or pork into 1/8-inch by 1-inch pieces.
Step 3: Mix fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, and tomato puree until the sugar dissolves, set aside.
Step 4: Cut the green onions diagonally into 1/4-inch thick pieces, set aside.
Step 5: Heat a wok and add the oil. Then, stir-fry the meat and garlic. When the meat is cooked, add the drained noodles and stir quickly to coat them with the oil. Quickly add the sauce and stir carefully to prevent the noodles from breaking.
Step 6: Push the noodles to one side and add the eggs. Let them set a little, then scramble them and continue stir-frying. Add more oil if necessary to prevent the noodles from sticking. Continue mixing until the eggs are well distributed.
Step 7: Add 3/4 cup of peanuts, bean sprouts, and green onions, mix well.
Step 8: Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with 1/4 cup of ground peanuts, sprinkle with chili flakes, and serve with lime wedges to squeeze on top.
