Name: Authentic Pad Thai Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 ounces flat rice noodles; 8 ounces uncooked shrimp, chicken, or extra-firm tofu, cut into small pieces; 2 eggs; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup fresh bean sprouts; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3 green onions, chopped; 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts (plus extra for topping); 2 limes, cut into wedges; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 3 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 5 tablespoons light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or tamarind paste; 1 tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce (or more, to taste); 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (optional); 3 tablespoons oil (divided for stir-frying)

If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the vibrant flavors and irresistible textures of Thai street food in your own kitchen, this Authentic Pad Thai Recipe will blow you away. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy notes wrapped around chewy rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, fresh sprouts, and your choice of protein—whether shrimp, chicken, or tofu. This dish delivers an explosion of flavor with every bite, making it an absolute favorite for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Trust me, once you try this Authentic Pad Thai Recipe, it’ll become a staple you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a dark black pan with a shiny surface, there are several shrimp and pieces of light golden brown chicken cooking. The shrimp are curved with pinkish tails and a slightly translucent white and light pink body. The chicken pieces are small and irregular shaped with a seared outer layer that is golden brown. The pan handle is visible on the right side with a light brown grip. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Authentic Pad Thai Recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in layering flavor, adding texture, or bringing that vibrant color to the plate. From savory fish sauce to zesty lime, every item is easy to find but creates magic together.

8 ounces flat rice noodles: The chewy, silky base that soaks up all the saucy goodness perfectly.
3 tablespoons oil: For stir-frying and infusing that slight golden crispness to proteins and veggies.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds bright, pungent aroma and essential depth to the dish.
8 ounces uncooked shrimp, chicken, or extra-firm tofu: Your protein choice, each lending its own texture and heartiness.
2 eggs: Scrambled into the mix, they bring richness and a little fluffiness.
1 cup fresh bean sprouts: For freshness and just the right amount of crunch.
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: A sweet burst of color and subtle crunch to brighten every bite.
3 green onions, chopped: Their mild onion flavor is perfect for finishing and garnishing.
1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts: Crunchy texture and savory nuttiness stand out beautifully when sprinkled on top.
2 limes: The zesty tang you squeeze over before eating, awakening all flavors.
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Fresh herbal brightness to balance richness and spice.
3 tablespoons fish sauce: The soul of authentic Thai cooking, delivering salty umami depth.
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Adds mellow saltiness and helps round out the sauce texture.
5 tablespoons light brown sugar: Sweetness with a hint of molasses that balances the tang and spice perfectly.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or Tamarind Paste*): Brings the signature tangy sour note authentic to Pad Thai.
1 tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce (or more to taste): Adds a gentle heat kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter* (optional): For an extra layer of creamy nuttiness if you want to experiment with richness.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Authentic Pad Thai Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Start by cooking the flat rice noodles just until tender according to the package instructions. This step is key because overcooked noodles turn mushy and undercooked ones are too stiff. After cooking, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside and get ready for the exciting stir-fry.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

While the noodles cool, whisk together the fish sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, light brown sugar, rice vinegar (or tamarind paste for a more authentic tang), Sriracha, and optional creamy peanut butter in a bowl. This sauce is the heart of your Authentic Pad Thai Recipe, perfectly balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that soak into the noodles and ingredients.

Step 3: Cook the Protein and Vegetables

Heat 1½ tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chopped shrimp, chicken, or tofu, garlic, and the sliced red bell pepper. If using shrimp, cook quickly for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl up. Chicken needs around 3-4 minutes until cooked through. The garlic and bell pepper add aromatic and sweet crunch while cooking your protein to tender perfection.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Push the cooked ingredients to one side of the pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them gently, breaking them into small pieces as they cook. That little bit of egg adds a wonderful richness and texture contrast that helps hold the dish together beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Time to bring it all together. Toss in the cooked noodles, sauce, bean sprouts, and most of the roasted peanuts (reserve some for garnish). Stir vigorously to combine, letting the noodles soak up the sauce and the bean sprouts add that fresh crunch. This is where the magic of this Authentic Pad Thai Recipe happens — all elements blend into one harmonious, mouthwatering dish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Transfer your Pad Thai to plates or a large serving dish. Top it off with chopped green onions, extra peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. The garnishes add pops of color, crunch, and brightness that elevate every forkful. Serve it while it’s piping hot for the best taste experience.

How to Serve Authentic Pad Thai Recipe

A black wok filled with a stir-fried noodle dish, showing two metal tongs lifting some noodles and ingredients. The noodles are mostly light beige, mixed with bright red strips of bell pepper, cooked shrimp with orange-pink shell on one side, and bean sprouts that are white with green tips. There are scattered pieces of scrambled egg with a yellow color, small green chopped onion slices, and sprinkled chopped green herbs all over. Some crushed peanuts add texture, and the wok sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The final flourish truly makes this dish shine. I love sprinkling extra dry roasted peanuts for crunch, fresh cilantro for herbal brightness, sliced green onions for mild sharpness, and generous lime wedges to squeeze over the top just before eating. Each garnish enhances the complexity and enjoyment of the dish.

Side Dishes

Authentic Pad Thai Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments that don’t compete but complement. Think a fresh cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice to stretch the meal, or even lightly sauteed bok choy or snap peas. These sides add freshness, balance, and a cooling contrast to the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your dinner guests? Serve your Pad Thai in individual banana leaf-lined bowls or on colorful plates for an eye-catching presentation. You can also create mini portions as tapas with additional toppings like crushed chili flakes or pickled vegetables to add variety. The vibrant colors and textures make every serving picture perfect and exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Authentic Pad Thai Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Keep garnishes like lime wedges and fresh herbs separate to preserve their brightness and add them fresh each time you reheat.

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can affect the texture of the noodles and vegetables. If needed, freeze the cooked protein and sauce separately but avoid freezing the entire prepared dish for optimal results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your Pad Thai in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep the noodles moist. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the dish’s texture and prevent sogginess. Add fresh garnishes after warming for the best flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this Authentic Pad Thai Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap out the shrimp or chicken for extra-firm tofu and use vegetarian fish sauce alternatives or soy sauce to keep it flavorful and meat-free.

What if I can’t find tamarind paste for the sauce?

Rice vinegar adds a nice tang if tamarind paste is unavailable. You can also mix lime juice with a bit of brown sugar to approximate the sweet-sour flavor tamarind provides.

How spicy is this Pad Thai, and can I adjust the heat?

The Sriracha adds a gentle heat, but you can easily adjust it by adding more or less according to your taste. Feel free to omit or increase the hot sauce to match your preferred spice level.

What type of noodles should I use?

Flat rice noodles, typically 1/4 inch wide, are traditional for Pad Thai. If you can’t find those, wide rice vermicelli noodles are a reasonable substitute but avoid skinnier noodles as they won’t hold the sauce well.

Is it necessary to use fish sauce?

Fish sauce is essential to authentic flavor because of its umami punch. However, for dietary restrictions, you can use soy sauce or tamari for a milder but still tasty alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Authentic Pad Thai Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it brings the true taste of Thailand right to your home kitchen with approachable ingredients and straightforward steps. It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks looking to impress with a comforting, vibrant meal. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll fall in love with every sizzling, tangy, and sweet bite. Happy cooking!