Chicken Pad Thai Stir Fry (Printable Version)

Vibrant Thai noodles with chicken, tamarind sauce, peanuts, and fresh herbs ready in 40 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Proteins

01 - 14 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
02 - 2 large eggs

→ Noodles & Sauce

03 - 9 oz dried flat rice noodles (about ¼ inch wide)
04 - 3 tbsp fish sauce
05 - 2 tbsp tamarind paste
06 - 2 tbsp palm sugar or light brown sugar
07 - 1 tbsp soy sauce

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

08 - 3 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
09 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
10 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
11 - 3.5 oz bean sprouts
12 - 2 spring onions, sliced (green and white parts separated)
13 - 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)

→ Garnishes

14 - 2 oz roasted unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped
15 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
16 - Fresh cilantro leaves
17 - Chili flakes (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 20–30 minutes until pliable but not fully soft. Drain and set aside.
02 - In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, and soy sauce. Stir until sugar completely dissolves.
03 - Heat 1½ tbsp oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
04 - Add remaining oil to the wok. Add garlic and shallot, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Push aromatics to the side, crack in eggs, and scramble until just set.
06 - Add drained noodles and sauce to the wok. Toss vigorously to coat noodles evenly with the sauce.
07 - Return chicken to the wok. Add bean sprouts, spring onion whites, and carrot. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until noodles are tender and everything is heated through.
08 - Remove from heat. Top with peanuts, spring onion greens, cilantro, lime wedges, and chili flakes as desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The balance of tangy tamarind and savory fish sauce creates that addictive restaurant quality flavor you crave
  • Everything comes together in one pan in under 30 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights
02 -
  • Over soaking noodles is the number one mistake people make and they will turn to mush in the pan
  • Have everything prepped and measured before you start cooking because once you hit heat the dish moves fast
03 -
  • Heat your wok until it is literally smoking before adding oil for that restaurant quality sear on the noodles
  • Use your highest heat setting and do not be afraid of slight smoke in your kitchen it is building flavor