Picture a steaming bowl of Peanut Pad Thai, where the aroma of garlic and roasted peanuts invites you in.
This comforting Thai classic is delightfully easy to whip up, making it a go-to for cozy nights at home.
As you sauté the noodles and blend in the tangy, nutty sauce, watch simple ingredients transform into a fragrant masterpiece.
Ready to create your own deliciously satisfying dish? Let’s bring this Peanut Pad Thai to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large skillet
- 1 pot
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 spatula
- 1 set of measuring cups
- 1 set of measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Peanut Pad Thai, you can follow this timeline:
- Preparation (20 minutes total)
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes): Spend the first 5 minutes reading through the recipe thoroughly and gathering all the ingredients and equipment you need.
- Ingredient Prep (15 minutes):
- Mince the garlic.
- Beat the eggs.
- Chop the peanuts.
- Slice the green onions.
- Chop the cilantro.
- Measure out lime juice, soy sauce, peanut butter, brown sugar, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes.
- Cooking (10 minutes)
- Cook Noodles (5 minutes): Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Heat Oil and Sauté Garlic (1 minute): Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Scramble Eggs (1 minute): Push the garlic to the side and add the beaten eggs, stirring until scrambled.
- Combine Ingredients (3 minutes): Add the cooked noodles, bean sprouts, and half of the peanuts to the skillet. In a separate bowl, whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, peanut butter, brown sugar, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture and toss to combine.
- Heat Through (2-3 minutes): Cook everything together until heated through.
- Resting and Serving (5 minutes)
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnishing and Final Touches (1 minute)
- Garnish with remaining peanuts, green onions, and cilantro before serving.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions then drain and set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Push the garlic to the side and pour the beaten eggs into the skillet, stirring until scrambled.
Add the cooked noodles, bean sprouts, and half of the peanuts to the skillet.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, peanut butter, brown sugar, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes.
Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture and toss to combine.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with remaining peanuts, green onions, and cilantro before serving.
Serving Tips
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor that enhances the dish.
- Chili Flakes: Offer extra chili flakes on the side for those who prefer a spicier kick.
- Thai Iced Tea: Pair with a revitalizing Thai iced tea to balance the savory and spicy notes of the Pad Thai.
- Fresh Vegetables: Add a side of fresh cucumber or carrot sticks for a crunchy contrast.
- Spring Rolls: Complement the meal with vegetable or shrimp spring rolls for a complete Thai dining experience.
Storage
Store leftover Peanut Pad Thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Freezing
To freeze Peanut Pad Thai, guarantee it cools completely.
Portion into airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.
Label with date.
It keeps well for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Peanut Pad Thai, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil.
Stir frequently to prevent drying or uneven heating.
Avoid microwaving for best texture.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Pad Thai is a delicious and quick dish that can be prepared in under half an hour.
With its combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, it captures the essence of Thai cuisine.
The use of rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and a rich peanut sauce makes it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Before you begin cooking, verify all your ingredients are prepped and ready for a seamless cooking experience.
Adjust the spice level to your liking by altering the amount of red pepper flakes. Taste and tweak the sauce to suit your preference.
Enjoy this flavorful dish with your family and friends for a delightful dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken or Tofu in the Peanut Pad Thai?
Absolutely, you can incorporate chicken or tofu. Sear sliced chicken for a savory depth, or crisp tofu for a delightful texture contrast. Both absorb the sauce beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your dish. Enjoy experimenting!
What Are Some Alternatives to Fish Sauce?
You’re seeking fish sauce alternatives? Try soy sauce for a salty, umami kick. Tamari offers a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos add sweetness, while miso paste provides depth. Experiment until you find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
Is There a Gluten-Free Version of This Recipe?
You can create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of soy sauce and ensuring your rice noodles are certified gluten-free. The nutty aroma of peanuts and the zesty lime will still tantalize your taste buds.
How Can I Make It Vegan-Friendly?
To make it vegan-friendly, swap eggs with silken tofu for a creamy texture. Replace fish sauce with tamari or soy sauce. Infuse aromatic garlic with sizzle, and let the vibrant, nutty sauce envelop your dish.
Can I Prepare the Sauce in Advance?
Absolutely, you can prepare the sauce in advance! Whisk the tangy lime juice, savory soy sauce, creamy peanut butter, and aromatic spices together. Store it in an airtight container for a burst of flavor anytime you’re ready.
Peanut Pad Thai
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 pot
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Set of measuring cups
- 1 set of measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions then drain and set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Push the garlic to the side and pour the beaten eggs into the skillet, stirring until scrambled.
- Add the cooked noodles, bean sprouts, and half of the peanuts to the skillet.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, soy sauce, peanut butter, brown sugar, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture and toss to combine.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with remaining peanuts, green onions, and cilantro before serving.
Notes
