🇹🇭 Authentic Pad Thai Recipe (Sweet, Savory & Better Than Takeout)
This authentic Pad Thai recipe brings bold Thai flavor with tamarind, rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, and peanuts. A quick, homemade takeout favorite in just 30 minutes!
Introduction:
Craving a plate of hot, flavorful Thai noodles with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, salty, and spicy? This authentic Pad Thai recipe delivers exactly that — using real ingredients and traditional Thai cooking methods for rich, bold flavor.
With stir-fried rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, crunchy peanuts, eggs, and fresh lime, this dish is easy to make at home and even better than your favorite takeout spot.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Pad Thai
- 🍜 Authentic Thai flavor with balanced sweet-sour-salty notes
- ⏱️ Ready in 30 minutes or less
- 🍤 Customizable with shrimp, chicken, or tofu
- 🌱 Includes vegetarian & gluten-free options
- 🥢 A perfect dish for weeknight dinners or weekend cooking
🛒 Ingredients
For the Pad Thai Sauce:
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste (or tamarind concentrate)
- 3 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
- 1 ½ tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
For the Noodles:
- 7 oz (200g) flat rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 8 oz (225g) shrimp or chicken, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup crushed peanuts
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional garnish: fresh cilantro, extra chili flakes
👩🍳 How to Make Authentic Pad Thai
✅ Step 1: Soak the Noodles
Soak rice noodles in warm water for 20–30 minutes until softened but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
✅ Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes until sugar is dissolved. Adjust to taste: add more tamarind for tang or sugar for sweetness.
✅ Step 3: Stir-Fry
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add shrimp or chicken and stir-fry until cooked through.
Push ingredients to one side of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until just set, then mix with the meat.
✅ Step 4: Add Noodles & Sauce
Add drained noodles and pour the sauce over them. Toss everything together for 2–3 minutes until the noodles are well coated and sauce thickens slightly.
✅ Step 5: Add Veggies & Garnish
Stir in bean sprouts and green onions. Serve hot topped with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and optional fresh cilantro or chili flakes.
🍽️ Tips for Perfect Pad Thai
- Don’t overcook the noodles — they’ll cook more in the pan
- Use tamarind paste for real Thai flavor — it's the heart of the dish
- Balance is key: adjust the sauce to suit your taste preferences
- Stir-fry quickly over high heat for the best texture
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: In a skillet with a splash of water or oil for best results
- Freezing not recommended due to texture changes in noodles
🔍 FAQ – Pad Thai Recipe
Q: Can I make Pad Thai vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Use tofu instead of shrimp/chicken, soy sauce instead of fish sauce, and skip the eggs or use a vegan substitute.
Q: Where can I find tamarind paste?
It’s available at most Asian grocery stores or online. Look for a dark, thick concentrate.
Q: What noodles should I use?
Flat rice noodles, about ¼ inch wide (sometimes labeled “Pad Thai noodles”), work best.
⭐ Similar Recipes to Authentic Pad Thai Recipe
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Great internal link because people who search Pad Thai also look for other Thai noodle dishes.
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Perfect alternative for readers who want something hotter than Pad Thai.
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Ideal for readers who love Pad Thai’s sweet-savory flavor profile.
📌 Save & Share This Recipe
Obsessed with Thai food? Save this authentic Pad Thai recipe to your Pinterest dinner board or tag your noodle creation on Instagram with #PadThaiNights 🍜🇹🇭✨

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