# Pad Thai Recipe
Canonical URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/recipes/pad-thai
Publication state: published
Updated: 2026-08-02
Primary keyword: pad thai recipe
A practical, source-aware recipe for pad thai, with the history kept close to the method.
## Timing and Yield
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2  Servings
## Ingredients
- 5 ounces pad Thai rice noodles
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 6 medium shrimp, peeled, deveined (optional)
- 2 tablespoons 1x½x⅛-inch slices pressed tofu (bean curd)
- 1 tablespoon sweet preserved shredded radish, rinsed, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 5 tablespoons tamarind water, or 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon tamarind paste mixed with 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon water
- 1½ tablespoons (or more) Thai fish sauce (nam pla)
- 1½ tablespoons simple syrup, preferably made with palm sugar
- 4 garlic chives, 2 cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon ground dried Thai chiles, divided
- 2 tablespoons crushed roasted, unsalted peanuts, divided
- 2 lime wedges
## Method
1. Step 1: Place noodles in a large bowl; pour hot water over to cover. Let soak until tender but not mushy, 5–10 minutes. Drain; set aside.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/pad-thai-step-1.webp
   Image description: Step 1: Step 1 for Pad Thai.
2. Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add egg; stir until barely set, about 30 seconds. Add shrimp, if using. Cook, stirring, until shrimp and egg are almost cooked through, 2–3 minutes. Add tofu and radish; cook for 30 seconds. Add noodles and cook for 1 minute. Stir in sprouts. Add tamarind water, fish sauce, and simple syrup and stir-fry until sauce is absorbed by noodles and noodles are well coated, about 1 minute. Stir in chopped garlic chives. Add 1/4 tsp. ground chiles and 1 Tbsp. peanuts and toss well. Transfer to serving plates.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/pad-thai-step-2.webp
   Image description: Step 2: Step 2 for Pad Thai.
3. Step 3: Garnish with remaining 1/4 tsp. ground chiles, 1 Tbsp. peanuts, and lime wedges.
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/pad-thai-step-3.webp
   Image description: Step 3: Step 3 for Pad Thai.
## Storage
Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat only when the texture benefits from it.
## History Context
This dinner recipe connects to the broader history of noodles in global food culture.
## Primary Image
- URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/variants/pad-thai/pad-thai-og.webp
- Description: Pad Thai. Photo: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0).
- Status: editorial-placeholder
## Sources
1. Original Pad Thai recipe. Bon Appétit. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/pad-thai