Pad Thai: Authentic Thai basic recipe for beginners

🥢 What is Pad Thai?

Pad Thai is Thailand's national dish – an aromatic noodle dish with flat rice noodles, crunchy vegetables, egg, and a sweet and sour sauce. Originally introduced in the 1930s as a symbol of Thai identity, it is now popular worldwide. What's special about it: There are no the one Pad Thai. Instead, there are many variations – with tofu, chicken, shrimp, or even vegetarian.

Basic recipe for Pad Thai

This recipe is a A universal basic recipe that you can adapt to your taste. Whether you're a beginner or already experienced with Thai cuisine, with just a few ingredients and clear steps, you can create an authentic Pad Thai.

🛒 Ingredients for 2–3 servings of Pad Thai

Preparation time 30 minutes

Just 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 (for serving)

Selectable 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 vegetarians)
• 1 tbsp palm sugar (alternatively brown sugar)
• 1 tsp chili powder (to taste)

👉 A notice: The ingredients for the sauce aren't readily available everywhere. You can buy our ready-made Pad Thai sauce here—authentic, balanced, and ready to use. Naturally, it's made in-house here at Yak Thai in Bavaria.

🔪 Preparation

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

🍳 Preparation of Pad Thai

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

🔄 Variations & Tips

• Vegetarian: Replace fish sauce with soy sauce.
• Vegan: Additionally, omit eggs or replace them with a vegan egg alternative.
• Sharp: Refine with fresh chilies or chili oil.
• Crunch: Roasted onions or more peanuts as a topping.

📦 Even easier: Ready-made Pad Thai sauce

If you want to skip the preparation of the sauce or can't find all the ingredients, try our Yak Thai Pad Thai Sauce – perfectly balanced and ready to use.

Cooking authentic Pad Thai with Yak Thai

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