Introduction
Pad Thai is a beloved dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of Thailand in a quick and satisfying meal. This recipe features succulent chicken, fresh vegetables, and rice noodles, all enveloped in a delicious homemade Pad Thai sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced
8 oz brown rice noodles
2 eggs
1 red bell pepper, julienned or cubed
2 green onions, chopped
Lime wedges, for garnish
Pad Thai Sauce
1/4 cup coconut aminos
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
To create a delightful Pad Thai dish, start by preparing the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then set them aside. While the noodles are cooking, whisk together the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, peanut butter, sriracha sauce, and dark brown sugar to form the sauce.
In a large pan over medium heat, cook the diced chicken until no longer pink, then add the red bell pepper and cook until tender. Scramble the eggs on one side of the pan and combine them with the chicken and peppers. Add the cooked noodles and pour over the Pad Thai sauce, tossing everything to ensure even coating. Finish by garnishing with chopped green onions and lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor before serving. Enjoy this tasty and wholesome dish with your loved ones!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Rice Noodles
Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the brown rice noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside in a colander.
Make the Pad Thai Sauce
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of coconut aminos, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce, and 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar. Whisk the mixture together until smooth and set it aside.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a small amount of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast or thighs to the pan. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink in the center, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Bell Pepper
Once the chicken is cooked, add the julienned or cubed red bell pepper to the pan. Continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the pepper is fork-tender.
Scramble the Eggs
Push the cooked chicken and bell pepper to one side of the pan, creating space on the other side. Crack 2 eggs into the empty side of the pan. Scramble the eggs, stirring until they are fully cooked.
Combine Ingredients
Mix the scrambled eggs back into the chicken and bell pepper. Add the drained rice noodles to the pan and pour the prepared pad Thai sauce over all the ingredients. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and all ingredients are well combined.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and lime wedges. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have coconut aminos, you can substitute with soy sauce or tamari for a similar flavor. Use a different type of nut butter, such as almond butter, if peanut butter is not available.
Vegetarian Option
To make the recipe vegetarian or vegan, replace chicken with tofu, and ensure that the eggs are substituted with a plant-based alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with extra lime wedges and additional sriracha on the side for those who prefer more heat. Adding crushed peanuts on top can also enhance the dish’s texture and flavor.
Cook techniques
Preparing Rice Noodles
To prepare brown rice noodles, follow the instructions on the package, typically involving boiling them in water until they are tender, then draining and rinsing under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Making Pad Thai Sauce
Combine coconut aminos, rice vinegar, peanut butter, sriracha sauce, and dark brown sugar in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
Cooking Chicken
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Once hot, add diced chicken and cook until it is no longer pink, ensuring even cooking.
Sautéing Vegetables
After the chicken is cooked, add julienned or cubed red bell pepper to the pan. Sauté until the pepper is fork-tender, which usually takes a few minutes.
Scrambling Eggs
Push the cooked chicken and peppers to one side of the pan. Crack the eggs into the empty side and scramble them until fully cooked. Combine with the other ingredients.
Combining Ingredients
Add the prepared rice noodles to the pan along with the pad Thai sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring that the noodles are evenly coated and all ingredients are well integrated.
Garnishing for Serving
Remove the pan from heat and garnish the dish with chopped green onions and lime wedges before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.
FAQ
Can I use different proteins instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or any other protein of your choice.
What can I use instead of coconut aminos?
If coconut aminos is not available, you can use soy sauce as an alternative, keeping in mind it will alter the flavor slightly.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, to make it gluten-free, ensure that you use gluten-free brown rice noodles and check that your peanut butter is gluten-free as well.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or snap peas to enhance the dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Conclusion
This Pad Thai-inspired dish expertly combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and chewy rice noodles, all coated in a rich, savory sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that is not only delicious but also customizable, allowing you to incorporate a variety of ingredients based on your preferences. Enjoy this delightful stir-fry, garnished with fresh lime wedges and green onions for an added burst of flavor.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Try adding shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a seafood or vegetarian version of the dish.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Incorporate a mix of vegetables such as carrots, snap peas, or bean sprouts for added texture and nutrition.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Add crushed peanuts or sesame seeds on top before serving for an extra crunch.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Experiment with other sauces like hoisin or a touch of soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Serve the dish with additional lime wedges or fresh herbs like cilantro for enhanced freshness and flavor.
