Pad Thai:

 

Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish that is typically made with stir-fried rice noodles, eggs, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, and a combination of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. It is often garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs.

Here is a basic recipe for Pad Thai:

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup firm tofu, cubed (or shrimp/chicken if preferred)
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Fresh cilantro or Thai basil, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. If using tofu, add it to the pan and cook until lightly browned. If using shrimp or chicken, cook until cooked through.
5. Push the tofu or meat to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked.
6. Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan and stir-fry for a minute or two.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and chili powder. Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles and stir to combine.
8. Add the bean sprouts and chopped green onions to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for another minute or until the bean sprouts are slightly wilted.
9. Remove from heat and garnish with crushed peanuts.
10. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings according to your taste preferences. Pad Thai is a versatile dish, so you can also add other vegetables or protein of your choice to make it more personalized. Enjoy!