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Classic Street-Style Pad Thai

Classic Street-Style Pad Thai

If you're craving real Thai flavor, this classic street-style pad thai recipe delivers it without unnecessary fuss. Here's everything you need to make it right at home.

Pad Thai is Thailand's most famous noodle dish, combining stir-fried rice noodles, shrimp, egg, and bean sprouts in a sweet, tangy, and savory tamarind-based sauce, topped with crushed peanuts.

Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish, this intermediate-friendly recipe makes 4 servings and comes together with 12 everyday ingredients. It's the kind of Thai dish worth putting into regular rotation.

Why this recipe works:

  • A real tamarind-based sauce gives the sweet-tangy-savory balance that sets authentic pad Thai apart from ketchup-based versions.
  • Soaking the noodles just until pliable keeps them from turning mushy once they hit the hot wok.
  • Juggling noodles, protein, and sauce at high heat is what makes this intermediate, ready in about 35 minutes.
  • Makes 4 servings, best served immediately while the noodles are still hot and glossy.

✅ Quick Tip: Soak the rice noodles until just pliable but not fully soft — they'll finish cooking in the wok and can turn mushy if oversoaked. Have every ingredient prepped and within reach before you start — stir-fries move fast and there's no time to chop mid-cook.

Serving Suggestions: Serve immediately with extra lime, crushed peanuts, and chili flakes on the side.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Rest Time 20 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: 12
Calories: 430
Best Season: Available
Description
Pad Thai is Thailand's most famous noodle dish, combining stir-fried rice noodles, shrimp, egg, and bean sprouts in a sweet, tangy, and savory tamarind-based sauce, topped with crushed peanuts. Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish, this intermediate-friendly recipe makes 4 servings and comes together with 12 everyday ingredients. It's the kind of Thai dish worth putting into regular rotation.
Ingredients:
  • 8 oz flat rice noodles soaked
  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 3 green onions cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 3 tbsp tamarind paste
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
  • Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
  1. 1
    Before you start, gather and prep all 12 ingredients listed above - wash, chop, measure, and have everything within reach.
  2. 2
    Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 20-30 minutes until pliable.
  3. 3
    Drain.
  4. 4
    Whisk together fish sauce, tamarind paste, and brown sugar to make the sauce.
  5. 5
    Heat oil in a wok over high heat.
  6. 6
    Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes until pink.
  7. 7
    Push to one side.
  8. 8
    Crack the eggs into the empty space and scramble briefly.
  9. 9
    Mix with the shrimp.
  10. 10
    Add garlic and the drained noodles, tossing well.
  11. 11
    Pour in the sauce and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the noodles are tender and coated.
  12. 12
    Add bean sprouts and green onions, tossing for another minute.
  13. 13
    Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, acid, or spice as needed before serving.
  14. 14
    Serve topped with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.
  15. 15
    Garnish as desired and serve promptly for the best texture and flavor from your Classic Street-Style Pad Thai.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 430kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Cholesterol 220mg74%
Sodium 890mg38%
Total Carbohydrate 48g16%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 12g
Protein 26g52%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
Soak the rice noodles until just pliable but not fully soft - they'll finish cooking in the wok and can turn mushy if oversoaked. Have every ingredient prepped and within reach before you start - stir-fries move fast and there's no time to chop mid-cook.
Keywords: pad thai recipe, authentic pad thai, thai noodles, homemade pad thai
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