Dish

Pad Thai

Pad Thai is made by stir-frying rice noodles with vegetables such as bean sprouts, scallions, and garlic. The dish is seasoned with a combination of fish sauce, tamarind paste, and chili paste, which gives it its signature sweet and sour flavor. Other ingredients such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu can also be added to the dish for additional protein. The dish is typically served with peanuts and lime wedges on the side.

Asian cuisine› Southeast Asian cuisine› Thai cuisine

Stir-fry

Origins and history

Pad Thai is a dish that originated in Thailand in the 1930s. It was created by a local chef who wanted to create a new dish that would appeal to both locals and tourists. The dish has since become a popular dish throughout Southeast Asia and around the world.

Dietary considerations

Pad Thai is a dish that is suitable for vegetarians and can be made vegan by omitting the shrimp or chicken. It is a high-carbohydrate dish due to the use of rice noodles and is not recommended for those on a low-carbohydrate or low-calorie diet.

Variations

There are many variations of Pad Thai, with some recipes calling for different vegetables or spices. Some recipes also call for the use of other meats such as beef or pork instead of shrimp or chicken. Vegetarian versions of the dish can also be made using tofu or tempeh instead of meat.

Presentation and garnishing

Pad Thai is typically served in a large bowl or platter, with the noodles and vegetables arranged on top. The dish is often garnished with chopped scallions or cilantro. The presentation should be colorful and visually appealing, with the different colors and textures of the ingredients on display.

Tips & Tricks

To make the dish even more flavorful, try adding a splash of coconut milk or palm sugar to the sauce. This will help to enhance the sweetness of the dish and make it more creamy. You can also add more vegetables to the dish to make it more nutritious and filling.

Side-dishes

Pad Thai is typically served with peanuts and lime wedges on the side. It can also be served with a variety of other side dishes such as spring rolls or fried rice.

Drink pairings

Pad Thai pairs well with a variety of drinks, including beer, white wine, and fruit juice. The sweet and sour flavors of the dish are complemented by the bitterness of beer, the acidity of white wine, and the sweetness of fruit juice.