Easy Pad Thai Recipe

By Amy Dong
Updated Oct. 14, 2024

This Easy Pad Thai Recipe is loaded with flavor and ready in just over 30 minutes, it’s a healthy, protein-packed, homemade version of everyone’s favorite restaurant dish!

a bowl of pad thai with shrimp, chicken, and eggs topped with lime wedges and green onions — This easy pad Thai recipe boasts authentic flavors, and can be readily made at home.

Why I Created This Recipe

Our family LOVES pad thai, and we have traveled the world eating and tasting various renditions of this succulent dish. It’s my pleasure to bring you this recipe, after testing and re-testing. My goal is to bring you an authentic tasting pad thai dish that you can easily make at home using ingredients that can be found in America. I hope you love it!

What Is Pad Thai?

Literally translated, pad thai means “Thai stir-fry.” A popular dish from Thailand, it is a type of stir-fry recipe that utilizes techniques and elements commonly found in Chinese cuisine. The dish first emerged in the 20th century, and although there are many variations, it always consists of a combination of rice noodles, eggs, tofu, and meat tossed with a unique pad Thai sauce and is topped with peanuts, fresh vegetables, and cilantro. Declared a Thai national dish around the time of WWII, pad thai has continually grown in popularity throughout the years and can now be found in restaurants across the globe.

pad thai in a bowl topped with limes surrounded by bean sprouts, chili paste, lime wedges, and peanuts — Chicken and Shrimp Pad Thai is full of protein and happens to be gluten-free.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Pad Thai Recipe

It’s high-protein, full of nutrients, and super filling.
One batch makes 6 servings, meaning it’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
From start to finish, this entire pad thai recipe is ready in just 35 minutes.
Made with authentic ingredients, it’s just as delicious, if not better than anything version you’ll find in a restaurant.
Sweet, spicy, salty, and hearty, this easy pad thai recipe is immensely flavorful and guaranteed to satisfy all your tastebuds.

Key Ingredients

For this easy pad thai recipe, we focused on utilizing authentic ingredients for a truly irresistible dish. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Sauce

Tamarind paste – Found in the ethnic aisle of grocery stores, this is made from the sour, sticky fruit that grows from tamarind trees. If preferred, you could also use tamarind pulp. Just be sure to soak it in hot water and strain out any solid portions if you do.
Brown sugar – Used to balance out the savory, umami flavors.
Fish sauce and oyster sauce – Both these sauces are essential, as they combine to form the base of the sauce, creating a bold, savory taste.
Chili garlic sauce – This garlicky chili sauce gives the perfect kick of heat – growing up, our fridge was always home to a bottle of this delicious sauce.
Preserved radish – Use store-bought or homemade versions to create the deeply aromatic, sweet, and salty flavor of a traditional pad thai recipe.
Dry shrimp – This can be found at Asian grocery stores and adds a concentrated, briny succulent element to the sauce.
Lime juice – The acidity cuts through the heaviness of the rest of the ingredients, adding a refreshing lightness that balances out the dish.

For the Pad Thai

Protein – Chicken, shrimp, and eggs are used for the ultimate high-protein meal.
Tamari sauce – Similar to soy sauce, this adds a salty element. It’s also gluten-free.
Cornstarch – Used to thicken the tamari and coat the chicken, making it extra crisp.
Pad Thai noodles – These are simply long rice noodles that can be found in the ethnic section of most grocery stores.
Oil – Olive oil or canola oil works best to prevent the noodles from sticking together and to help stir-fry the rest of the ingredients.
Aromatics – White or yellow onions, garlic, and green onions create a delicious savory flavor, adding depth to this easy pad thai recipe.
Beansprouts – Included for nutrients and a bit of crunch.
Peanuts – A staple in any pad thai recipe, peanuts add extra texture and a bold, nutty flavor.

You can find dry shrimp and preserved radishes at Asian grocery stores or online.

How to Make Pad Thai

Although it may seem intimidating, learning how to make pad thai is easy to do. Once you’ve tried this at home, you may never go back to mediocre restaurant versions again, as nothing beats fresh-off-the-stove authentic tasting pad thai from your own kitchen. Just follow the steps below.

Create the sauce. Add all of the ingredients for the sauce to a bowl, whisk to combine, and set it aside. This can be done 2 days in advance.

sliced chicken in a bowl — Combine cut chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch

Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken dry using clean paper towels and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Place the pieces in a bowl along with the tamari and cornstarch, tossing to coat, and set it aside.

Assemble the noodles. Soak the noodles according to the package instructions. Then, drain and rinse them, and toss them lightly with oil.

chicken and shrimp being cooked in a skillet for pad thai

Cook the protein. While the noodles are cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet or wok, and cook the onions and garlic until fragrant and soft. Cook the chicken just until the center is no longer pink. Place the shrimp in the skillet, continuing to cook until they are almost opaque.

eggs being cracked in the well of a pan surrounded by pad thai ingredients

Crack the eggs. Create an open well in the center of the skillet, moving the ingredients to the side. Add the eggs, scrambling them in the center.

chicken and shrimp pad thai in a skillet

Combine and cook. Add the remaining ingredients, stirring to coat them all with the sauce. Continue to cook, stirring frequently until everything is well combined and the noodles are soft. Sprinkle your favorite garnishes on top, and serve warm!

Common Questions

Can I make this pad thai recipe ahead of time?

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh while it’s hot off the pan. However, if you happen to have leftovers, they can be transferred to an airtight container once they’re completely cooled and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

What’s the secret to making restaurant quality pad thai?

The secret to the best pad thai you’ll ever taste is to use a large, deep pan with plenty of space, or a large wok and to avoid overcooking the noodles. You want to work quickly and have plenty of room for the ingredients to spread out. This will allow the flavors to combine well and prevent the protein from becoming tough.

What kind of noodles should I use?

Use dry rice noodles, typically found in Asian grocery stores, online, or the ethnic sections of major grocery stores.

How can I ensure the noodles don’t become mushy?

It’s important to follow the package instructions for your brand of noodles; some require soaking in hot water and other instruct you to boil the noodles first. The main key is not to over-soak nor over-cook. Keep it on the al dente side, as the noodles will continue to cook a bit once you add it to the wok.

What to serve with pad thai?

Pad thai pairs well with sides and appetizers like this crunchy Thai salad or potstickers. We love Easy Homemade Almond Jello for dessert afterwards.

Also Try 20-Minute Vietnamese Spring Roll Bowl

Did you make this?

Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!