Thai Fried Noodle

Thai fried noodles, also known as Pad Thai, is a popular Thai dish made with rice noodles, shrimp, chicken, or tofu, and a variety of vegetables, such as bean sprouts, carrots, and peanuts. The noodles are stir-fried in a sweet and savory sauce made with tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and chili peppers.

Pad Thai is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is also a popular street food in Thailand and can be found at many restaurants around the world.

History of Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a relatively new dish, having been invented in the early 20th century. It was created by Plaek Phibunsongkhram, the prime minister of Thailand at the time, as part of his campaign to promote Thai nationalism. Phibunsongkhram wanted to create a dish that was both delicious and nutritious, and that would also promote the use of Thai ingredients.

Pad Thai quickly became popular throughout Thailand, and is now one of the country’s most iconic dishes. It is also a popular dish among tourists, and is often served in Thai restaurants around the world.

Ingredients for Pad Thai

The following are the basic ingredients for Pad Thai:

Rice noodles
Shrimp, chicken, or tofu
Bean sprouts
Carrots
Peanuts
Eggs
Garlic
Shallots
Radish
Thai chili peppers
Tamarind paste
Fish sauce
Sugar
Palm sugar
Lime juice

How to Make Pad Thai

Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 10-15 minutes, or until softened. Drain and set aside.
Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil to the pan and swirl to coat.
Add the shrimp, chicken, or tofu to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through.
Add the bean sprouts, carrots, and peanuts to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and make a well in the center. Add the eggs to the well and scramble until cooked through.
Add the noodles to the pan and toss to combine.
Add the garlic, shallots, radish, Thai chili peppers, tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, palm sugar, and lime juice to the pan. Toss to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Serve immediately with additional peanuts, lime wedges, and Thai chili peppers on the side.

Tips for Making Pad Thai

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Do not overcook the noodles, or they will become mushy.
If you are using shrimp, make sure to devein and peel them before cooking.
If you are using tofu, press it out to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Adjust the amount of chili peppers to taste.
Serve Pad Thai immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Variations on Pad Thai

There are many different variations on Pad Thai, such as:

Pad Kee Mao: This variation is made with wide rice noodles and a sauce that includes chili paste, holy basil, and oyster sauce.
Pad Woon Sen: This variation is made with glass noodles and a sauce that includes shrimp paste, soy sauce, and Chinese broccoli.
Pad See Ew: This variation is made with wide rice noodles and a sauce that includes soy sauce, oyster sauce, and bok choy.

Conclusion

Pad Thai is a delicious and versatile Thai dish that can be enjoyed for any meal. It is easy to make at home and can be customized to your liking. Experiment with different variations of Pad Thai to find your favorite.