Pad Thai is a popular and iconic Thai stir-fried noodle dish that has gained international acclaim for its delicious and harmonious blend of flavors. It typically features rice noodles, a combination of proteins (such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu), and a medley of vegetables. The dish is seasoned with a flavorful sauce and garnished with lime, peanuts, and fresh herbs. Here's a basic recipe for making Pad Thai:

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (about 225g) rice noodles
• 1/2 pound (about 225g) shrimp, chicken, or tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 1 cup sliced tofu (if not using tofu as the main protein)
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup Pad Thai sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: Red chili flakes for added heat
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

For the Pad Thai Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 1-2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pad Thai Sauce:

• In a bowl, mix together fish sauce (or soy sauce), tamarind paste, sugar, and chili powder to create the Pad Thai sauce. Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking.

Soak the Rice Noodles:

• Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes or according to package instructions until they are soft and pliable. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Protein:

• In a wok or a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, chicken, or tofu, and cook until the protein is cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Cook the Eggs:

• In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble them until just set.

Stir-Fry with Noodles:

• Add the soaked and drained rice noodles to the pan. Pour the Pad Thai sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until well coated.

Add Vegetables and Protein:

• Add the bean sprouts, sliced tofu (if using), green onions, and the cooked protein (shrimp, chicken, or tofu) back into the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until everything is heated through.

Adjust Seasoning:

• Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more Pad Thai sauce, fish sauce, or sugar if needed. Optional: Add red chili flakes for extra heat.

Serve:

• Transfer the Pad Thai to serving plates. Garnish with chopped peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro.