Pad Thai: Authentic Thai basic recipe for beginners

🥢 What is Pad Thai?

Pad Thai is the national dish of Thailand – an aromatic noodle dish made with rice noodles, crisp vegetables, egg, and a sweet and sour sauce. Originally introduced in the 1930s as a symbol of Thai identity, it is now popular all over the world. What makes it special: There isn't just one Pad Thai. Instead, many variations exist – with tofu, chicken, shrimp, or entirely vegetarian.

Basic recipe for Pad Thai

This recipe is a universal basic recipe that you can customize to your own taste. Whether you are a beginner or already have experience with Thai cuisine – with just a few ingredients and clear steps, you can make an authentic Pad Thai.

🛒 Ingredients for 2–3 servings of Pad Thai

Preparation time 30 minutes

Simply follow our cooking instructions

• 200 g rice noodles (wide)
• 2 eggs
• 100 g mung bean sprouts
• 2 spring onions
• 2 tbsp peanuts (roasted, chopped)
• 2 tbsp oil for frying
• 1 lime (to serve)

Choice of protein source:

• 150 g chicken breast (in strips)
• or 150 g shrimp (peeled, deveined)
• or 150 g firm tofu (diced)

For the sauce (homemade):

• 2 tbsp tamarind paste
• 2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
• 1 tbsp palm sugar (alternatively brown sugar)
• 1 tsp chili powder (to taste)

👉 Note: The ingredients for the sauce are not easily available everywhere. You can buy our ready-made Pad Thai Sauce here – authentic, balanced, and ready to use immediately. Naturally handmade here at Yak Thai in Bavaria.

🔪 Preparation

1. Soak noodles: Soak rice noodles in warm water for approx. 30 minutes until soft.
2. Prepare protein:
   • Chicken: cut into strips
   • Shrimp: devein
   • Tofu: cut into cubes and fry until crispy if desired
3. Cut vegetables: Cut spring onions into 3–4 cm long pieces.
4. Mix sauce: Stir all sauce ingredients together in a bowl.

🍳 Cooking Pad Thai

1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok.
2. Fry your protein of choice, then push to the side.
3. Drain the noodles and add them to the pan.
4. Add the eggs to the pan, let them set, and stir roughly.
5. Add the sauce and mix everything well.
6. Fold in the spring onions and sprouts, stir-fry briefly.
7. Serve with chopped peanuts and lime wedges.

🔄 Variations & Tips

• Vegetarian: Replace fish sauce with soy sauce.
• Vegan: Additionally, omit the eggs or replace with a vegan egg alternative.
• Spicy: Refine with fresh chilies or chili oil.
• Crunch: Use fried onions or extra peanuts as a topping.

📦 Even easier: Ready-made Pad Thai Sauce

If you want to save yourself the effort of preparing the sauce or cannot find all the ingredients, try our Yak Thai Pad Thai Sauce – perfectly balanced and ready to use immediately.

Cook authentic Pad Thai with Yak Thai

Pad Thai is versatile, quick to make, and a true taste experience. With this basic recipe, you can prepare it exactly to your taste – whether with tofu, chicken, or shrimp. Ideal for beginners and anyone who wants to bring a piece of Thailand home.