Easy Pad Thai is a quick and flavorful noodle dish featuring tender rice noodles tossed in a sweet, tangy, and savory sauce with protein, eggs, vegetables, and crunchy peanuts. This homemade version delivers takeout-style flavor in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients.
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
8 ounces rice noodles
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 pound chicken, shrimp, tofu, or your preferred protein
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup bean sprouts
3 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Lime wedges, for serving
3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until just tender.
Drain and rinse with cool water, then set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the protein and cook until fully cooked through.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Push the protein to one side of the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs.
Scramble the eggs until just set.
Add the cooked noodles and sauce to the skillet.
Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
Stir in the bean sprouts and green onions.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Remove from the heat.
Sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
Use shrimp, chicken, tofu, beef, or pork as the protein.
Add carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra vegetables.
For a vegetarian version, replace fish sauce with a vegetarian alternative.
Pad Thai is best served fresh but reheats well for up to 3 days.
