15-Minute Pad Thai

15-Minute Pad Thai is the perfect meal for those busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. This classic Thai dish combines rice noodles with savory ingredients, all coming together in just a quarter of an hour. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this quick and delicious recipe will become a favorite in your repertoire.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 540
• Protein: 31 grams
• Carbohydrates: 62 grams
• Fat: 20 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Sugar: 4 grams
• Sodium: 850 mg

Why Make This 15-Minute Pad Thai

This 15-Minute Pad Thai captures the essence of traditional street food right in your kitchen! With its nice balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of fresh vegetables, protein, and crunchy peanuts make it not only satisfying but also incredibly nutritious. Plus, who wouldn’t love a meal that comes together in just 15 minutes? It’s perfect for busy weekdays or a last-minute dinner invite.

How to Make 15-Minute Pad Thai

Making Pad Thai at home may sound daunting, but this simplified version will show you just how easy it can be. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a bit of technique, you’ll create a delicious plate that rivals your favorite takeout.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked shrimp or chicken (optional)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. This step is crucial as it ensures that the noodles are perfectly cooked and ready to absorb all the flavorful sauces.

• Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics

  In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This releases that wonderful aroma that sets the stage for the dish.

• Step 3: Adding Protein

  If you’re using protein like shrimp or chicken, add it at this stage. Cook until it is heated through. This is also the time for adjusting flavors, so feel free to toss in a pinch of salt or pepper.

• Step 4: Scrambling Eggs

  Push the mixture to one side of the skillet, add the beaten eggs, and scramble until fully cooked. This adds a rich texture to your Pad Thai.

• Step 5: Mixing Everything Together

  Add the drained noodles, bean sprouts, chopped green onions, fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and heat through, ensuring the noodles soak up that great flavor.

• Step 6: Serving

  Serve garnished with chopped peanuts and lime wedges. The crunch of the peanuts adds a delightful texture, and a squeeze of lime brings a fresh, zesty finish to the dish.

How to Serve 15-Minute Pad Thai

Pad Thai is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Serve it straight from the skillet garnished with lime wedges and extra peanuts for that crunch. It pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh cucumber salad or spring rolls for a complete meal.

How to Store 15-Minute Pad Thai

To store leftover Pad Thai, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or lime juice to help revive the dish’s original flavors.

Expert Tips for Perfect 15-Minute Pad Thai

1. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Ensure you don’t overcook the noodles—they should be al dente before adding them to the skillet.
2. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition.
3. Homemade Sauce Alternative: If you want a deeper flavor, mix in a homemade Pad Thai sauce using tamarind paste instead of fish sauce.
4. Egg Cooking: Make sure to keep the eggs slightly runny to avoid a dry texture.
5. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer your dish milder or spicier, adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking.

Delicious Variations

• Vegetable Pad Thai: Omit the meat and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas.
• Tofu Pad Thai: Substitute shrimp or chicken with firm tofu for a vegetarian version rich in protein.
• Spicy Pad Thai: Add sliced fresh chili peppers or extra red pepper flakes if you love heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make Pad Thai ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the noodles and sauce ahead of time and then quickly fry them up with the other ingredients when ready to serve.

• What if I can’t find rice noodles?
  You can substitute the rice noodles with any thin pasta, like spaghetti, although the flavor and texture might slightly differ.

• Can I use something other than fish sauce?
  For a vegetarian option, replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of lime juice for the sour flavor.

• How do I know when my noodles are cooked?
  Follow the package instructions for timing, but taste a noodle to ensure it’s al dente, as it will cook further in the skillet.

• What are the best toppings for Pad Thai?
  Top your Pad Thai with fresh cilantro, bean sprouts, and chopped peanuts for added flavor and crunch.

Conclusion

With its vibrant flavors and quick preparation, this 15-Minute Pad Thai is sure to impress both family and guests alike. You can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home, all in a mere 15 minutes! Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Give it a try, and you might just discover your new favorite weeknight dinner!

15-Minute Pad Thai

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and flavorful Pad Thai dish that comes together in just 15 minutes, blending savory ingredients with rice noodles for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked shrimp or chicken (optional)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Red pepper flakes (to taste)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. If using shrimp or chicken, add it now and cook until heated through.
4. Push the mixture to one side of the skillet, add the beaten eggs and scramble until fully cooked.
5. Add drained noodles, bean sprouts, green onions, fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine and heat through.
6. Serve garnished with chopped peanuts and lime wedges.

Notes

Don’t overcook the noodles; they should be al dente. You can customize with your favorite vegetables for added nutrition.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 210mg