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Have you ever craved a spicy, savory and satisfying dinner that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes? Look no further than this delicious Spicy Chicken Pad Thai recipe!
Imagine coming home after a long day at work to the smell of sautéed vegetables, perfectly cooked chicken strips and rice noodles tossed with a fiery sauce. This dish is packed with flavor and will surely satisfy your cravings.
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Pad Thai is a classic Thai dish that has become widely popular across the world. It typically consists of stir-fried rice noodles, vegetables, eggs and meat or shrimp all tossed together in a tangy sweet and sour sauce.
In this recipe, we’re taking it up a notch by adding some heat to the mix with red pepper flakes and Sriracha sauce. Not only is it delicious but it’s also easy to customize by swapping out protein or veggies depending on what you have on hand.
So let’s get started on making this spicy chicken pad thai!
Gather Your Ingredients
You’ll need to gather all your ingredients before you can start cooking, so make sure you’ve got everything on hand and ready to go!
For this spicy chicken pad thai recipe, you’ll need rice noodles, chicken breast, garlic, red bell pepper, green onions, bean sprouts, eggs, peanuts, cilantro and lime wedges. Don’t forget the fish sauce and chili paste for that extra kick!
If you can’t find some of these ingredients at your local grocery store, don’t worry! There are ingredient substitutions you can use. If you can’t find rice noodles specifically labeled as ‘pad thai’, any flat rice noodle will do.
If bean sprouts are hard to come by in your area or not in season, try using thinly sliced cabbage instead. And if fresh cilantro is unavailable or not your thing (we won’t judge), chopped parsley makes a great alternative.
For those who want to take their Asian market shopping game up a notch: look for brands of fish sauce that have a higher quality rating. The same goes for chili paste – opt for a brand with less additives or preservatives. You might also stumble upon more authentic ingredients like tamarind paste or palm sugar that add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients (and maybe even had an adventure at the Asian market), it’s time to prepare the rice noodles.
Prepare the Rice Noodles
First, soak the rice noodles in warm water to soften them before cooking. There are two popular methods to soak the noodles: the room temperature soaking method and the boiling method.
The room temperature soaking method is simple and easy. All you need to do is place the rice noodles in a large bowl filled with warm water for about 30 minutes until they become soft and flexible.
On the other hand, if you’re short on time, you can use the boiling method. Bring a pot of water to a boil, remove it from heat, add the rice noodles, and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes until they’re tender.
To ensure that your rice noodles are cooked perfectly, make sure not to over-soak or overcook them as this can lead to a mushy texture. Once they’re ready, drain off any excess water using a colander and rinse them under cold running water to stop cooking.
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Now that your rice noodles are prepped for cooking, it’s time to move onto cooking the chicken. Heat up your wok or skillet over medium-high heat and get ready for some delicious stir-fry action!
Cook the Chicken
Once the wok’s heated, start cooking the marinated chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. To marinate the chicken, mix soy sauce, lime juice, chili flakes, garlic powder, and honey in a bowl. Cut the chicken into small strips and coat them with the marinade mixture for at least 30 minutes. This’ll not only impart flavor but also tenderize the meat.
If you’re not fond of chicken or prefer alternative protein options, you can use shrimp or tofu instead. Shrimp’ll cook quickly, so make sure to remove them from the wok as soon as they turn pink. Tofu needs to be drained first before cutting it into small cubes and coating with marinade.
After cooking the chicken or other protein options until fully cooked through, set them aside on a plate. While you stir-fry your vegetables in the same wok, the residual flavors from cooking your protein will add depth to your dish.
Now that your protein’s ready, let’s move on to stir-frying our vegetables!
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Now it’s time to toss in the colorful veggies and watch them sizzle and pop with every stir of the wok, adding a burst of freshness and crunch to your dish. When stir-frying vegetables for pad thai, there are a few wok techniques that you’ll want to keep in mind.
First, make sure your wok is nice and hot before adding any oil or ingredients. This helps create that signature aroma and flavor that we all love about Asian cuisine.
Next, consider your vegetable options. Pad thai typically includes bean sprouts, bell peppers, carrots, scallions, and sometimes even broccoli or snow peas. You may also choose to add some heat by tossing in some sliced jalapenos or red pepper flakes. Be sure to cut your vegetables into uniform pieces so they cook evenly in the wok.
As you stir-fry the vegetables together with the chicken, take note of their colors and textures as they begin to blend together beautifully. Once everything is cooked through but still slightly crisp-tender, it’s time to move on to the next step: making the spicy sauce that’ll tie everything together.
Make the Spicy Sauce
As the vegetables dance in the wok, their vibrant colors and textures blend together beautifully, creating a symphony of flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Now it’s time to add some heat to this party! Making the spicy sauce is easy and customizable to your desired spice level. Here’s how:
Begin by mixing together 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of fish sauce, and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar in a small bowl.
Next, add your preferred chili option for that spicy kick. If you want a milder flavor, go for red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. For those who like it hot, try using Thai bird chilies or Sriracha sauce.
Give everything a good stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Taste the mixture and adjust the spice level accordingly by adding more chili or reducing it with more soy sauce.
Now that you’ve made your perfect spicy sauce, it’s time to combine all ingredients and stir-fry them together for an unforgettable Pad Thai experience!
Combine All Ingredients and Stir-Fry
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To combine all the ingredients and stir-fry, you’ll need to toss in your cooked noodles, vegetables, and protein into the wok with a drizzle of oil. Make sure everything is evenly distributed in the wok before adding the spicy sauce. Use a spatula or tongs to toss everything together until fully coated with sauce.
If you want to switch up the flavors of your pad thai, there are endless variations you can try. Instead of using chicken as your protein, try shrimp, tofu, or beef. You can also add different veggies like bell peppers or bean sprouts for added crunch and flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice levels too!
Once everything is fully cooked and coated in sauce, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Garnish your pad thai with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
This dish makes for a great dinner option that’s easy to make but packed with bold flavors.
Serve and Enjoy!
Get ready to indulge in your delicious homemade spicy chicken pad thai creation. To add some extra texture and flavor, sprinkle some chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro on top as a garnish. This will not only give it a beautiful presentation but will also complement the dish’s vibrant flavors.
When serving your spicy chicken pad thai, consider adding lime wedges on the side for an added burst of citrusy freshness that complements the spiciness of the dish. You could also experiment with different variations of the recipe by swapping out chicken for shrimp or tofu, or adjusting the level of spiciness to suit your taste buds.
With these presentation tips and flavor variations, you can enjoy your homemade spicy chicken pad thai in various ways while still maintaining its authentic Thai essence. So grab a fork and dig into this flavorful dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook the Spicy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe?
So, you’re wondering how long it takes to cook this fiery dish? Well, if you’re a pro chef with lightning-fast knife skills, maybe 20 minutes. But for us mere mortals and chicken substitutes, plan on at least 30-40 minutes of cooking time.
Can I substitute the chicken for tofu or shrimp?
If you want to substitute chicken in a dish, tofu is a good option as it’s high in protein and low in fat. However, shrimp is also a great alternative because it’s flavorful and cooks quickly. Tofu vs. Chicken: Pros and Cons, Shrimp vs. Chicken: Which is Better?
What is the nutritional value of this dish?
If you’re interested in the nutritional benefits of the Spicy Chicken Pad Thai Recipe, it’s important to consider the ingredients’ healthiness. Chicken is a good source of protein, while vegetables like carrots and peppers provide vitamins and fiber.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
Looking for gluten-free options? You’ll be pleased to know that many restaurants and recipes now offer alternatives. When cooking at home, it’s important to prevent cross contamination by using separate utensils and cookware.
What are some side dishes that pair well with Spicy Chicken Pad Thai?
Looking for Thai appetizers and refreshing salads to pair with your meal? Try crispy spring rolls, crunchy cucumber salad or tangy papaya salad. These dishes complement the flavors of any spicy chicken dish perfectly.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve successfully made a mouth-watering spicy chicken pad thai! Your taste buds will be thanking you for days to come. You can now confidently add this delicious dish to your culinary repertoire and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills.
But wait, there’s more! Not only have you created a delectable meal, but you’ve also mastered the art of stir-frying. Your vegetables are perfectly cooked, the noodles are tender yet firm, and the chicken is juicy and flavorful. You’re practically a master chef now!
So go ahead and indulge in that first bite. Let the explosion of flavors dance on your tongue as you savor every single morsel.
This spicy chicken pad thai recipe may have been challenging at first, but with practice comes perfection. Keep experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to elevate your cooking game even further.
Bon appétit!
Source: https://www.worldramens.com
Category: Blog