History of Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a traditional Thai dish made with stir-fried rice noodles, vegetables, and a savory sauce. It is a popular street food in Thailand and has become a well-known dish around the world.
The exact origins of pad Thai are somewhat disputed, but it is generally believed to have been developed in the mid-20th century. According to one theory, pad Thai was created as a way to promote national pride and boost morale during World War II. The government of Thailand at the time encouraged citizens to eat pad Thai as a way to reduce dependence on rice, which was in short supply due to the war.
Another theory suggests that pad Thai was developed as a way to promote Thai cuisine and culture to the rest of the world. In the 1950s and 60s, Thailand began to open up to tourism and foreign investment, and pad Thai was seen as a way to showcase the country’s unique flavors and culinary traditions.
Regardless of its exact origins, pad Thai has become a beloved dish in Thailand and around the world, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. It is a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of Thai cuisine, and it continues to be a popular choice for people looking for a tasty and satisfying meal.
Regionality of Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a popular dish in Thailand and is enjoyed throughout the country. However, like any traditional dish, there may be variations in the way it is prepared from region to region.
In general, pad Thai consists of stir-fried rice noodles, vegetables, and a savory sauce. The specific ingredients used and the proportions of those ingredients may vary depending on the region. For example, some versions of pad Thai may include more vegetables or a different type of protein, such as chicken or tofu, in addition to or in place of shrimp.
In addition, the sauce used in pad Thai may vary from region to region. Some versions may use a sweeter sauce, while others may be more savory or spicy. The level of heat in the dish may also vary depending on the region, as different parts of Thailand tend to have different preferences when it comes to spicy food.
Overall, while the basic components of pad Thai are generally the same, there may be variations in the specific ingredients and flavors used depending on the region.
Pad Thai noodles
Pad Thai is typically made with thin, dried rice noodles that are stir-fried with vegetables and a savory sauce. These noodles are usually soaked in warm water for a few minutes before being added to the stir-fry.
That being said, it is possible to use other types of noodles in pad Thai. Some variations of the dish use fresh rice noodles, which are softer and more delicate than dried noodles. Other variations may use different types of noodles altogether, such as egg noodles or glass noodles (also known as cellophane or bean thread noodles).
It is important to note that the type of noodles used may affect the overall texture and flavor of the dish. For example, fresh rice noodles may be softer and more delicate, while egg noodles or glass noodles may have a slightly different flavor and mouthfeel. If you are using a different type of noodles, you may need to adjust the cooking time and technique accordingly.
In general, it is best to use the type of noodles that are traditionally used in pad Thai, as these are the ones that are most commonly available and have been tested and refined over time. However, if you are feeling adventurous, there is no harm in experimenting with different types of noodles to see what works best for your taste preferences.
Make authentic traditional Pad Thai at home!
Equipment
- Wok or large frying pan (A wok is traditional for stir-frying, but a large frying pan will also work. Make sure the pan is large enough to hold all of the ingredients.)
- Cutting board and knife (You will need a cutting board and knife to chop and mince the garlic, shallot, peanuts, and cilantro.)
- Small bowl (You will need a small bowl to mix together the sauce for the pad Thai.)
- Whisk (A whisk is helpful for mixing together the sauce ingredients.)
- Colander or strainer (You will need a colander or strainer to drain the soaked rice noodles.)
- Measuring cups and spoons (You will need measuring cups and spoons to measure out the ingredients for the sauce and other ingredients.)
- Spatula (A spatula will be helpful for stirring and tossing the ingredients as they cook.)
- Tongs (Tongs are helpful for tossing and turning the ingredients as they cook.)
Ingredients
Pad Thai
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
- 8 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 medium eggs, beaten
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp palm sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped peanuts
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 20-30 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable.
- Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Add the garlic and shallot and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and starting to brown.
- Add the shrimp and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until they are pink and cooked through.
- Push the shrimp and vegetables to the side of the pan and add the beaten eggs to the center. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked.
- Add the drained noodles to the pan and toss everything together.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, tamarind paste, palm sugar, soy sauce, and chili flakes (if using). Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss until the noodles are fully coated.
- Add the bean sprouts and continue to stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped peanuts and cilantro.
- Serve the pad Thai hot, garnished with additional chopped peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
Ingredients
- Rice noodles: Thin, dried noodles made from rice flour. They are usually soaked in warm water before being used in stir-fries and other dishes.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral-tasting oil used for cooking. Canola oil, peanut oil, and grapeseed oil are all good choices for stir-frying.
- Garlic: A pungent, aromatic herb used for seasoning in many different types of dishes. It is often minced or chopped before being added to recipes.
- Shallot: A type of onion with a milder, sweeter flavor than regular onions. It is often used in Asian cooking and is typically sliced or minced before being used in recipes.
- Shrimp: A type of seafood that is popular in many different types of dishes. It is typically sold frozen and should be thawed before being used in recipes.
- Bean sprouts: Sprouts that are made from mung beans. They are often used in Asian cooking and have a crunchy, refreshing texture.
- Eggs: A common ingredient used in cooking and baking. They can be beaten and used as an ingredient in dishes, or they can be cooked on their own.
- Fish sauce: A pungent, salty condiment made from fermented fish. It is a common ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes and is used to add flavor and depth to sauces and marinades.
- Tamarind paste: A sweet and sour condiment made from the pulp of the tamarind fruit. It is often used as a souring agent in Asian cooking and adds a unique depth of flavor to sauces and marinades.
- Palm sugar: A type of sugar made from the sap of the coconut palm. It has a caramel-like flavor and is often used in Asian cooking to sweeten sauces and marinades.
- Soy sauce: A salty condiment made from fermented soybeans. It is often used in Asian cooking to add flavor and depth to sauces and marinades.
- Chili flakes: Dried chili peppers that have been ground into flakes. They are often used to add heat and flavor to dishes.
- Peanuts: A type of nut that is often used in cooking and baking. They can be chopped and used as a topping or ingredient in dishes, or they can be ground into a paste.
- Cilantro: An herb with a refreshing, citrus-like flavor. It is often used in Asian cooking and is typically chopped and used as a garnish.
- Lime wedges: Wedges of lime that are often used to add a burst of citrus flavor to dishes. They can be squeezed over the top of dishes or used to make a lime juice dressing.
