Pad Thai Simple Recipe, Sauce and Calories

Simple Recipe for Delicious Pad Thai

Pad Thai

Meaning and Easy Recipe of Pad Thai

 

Pad Thai is a quintessential street food of Thailand. When you travel, indulging in the local cuisine adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your experience. Thailand boasts several must-try dishes, and among them is Pad Thai. However, jetting off to Thailand every time you crave Pad Thai isn't always feasible. Luckily, the recipe for Pad Thai is surprisingly straightforward, making it perfect for whipping up a tasty batch at home.

 

Meaning and History of Pad Thai

Pad Thai translates to "Thai-style stir-fried noodles." "Pad" means "stir-fried," while "Thai" denotes "Thailand." It's credited with being popularized by Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram in the 1930s. Back then, the Thai government aimed to encourage rice noodle consumption for economic reasons.Thus, they revamped a noodle dish, previously seen as Chinese, called "guay dtiow pad," swapping out Chinese ingredients for Thai ones and rebranding it as "Pad Thai."

Recent research even suggests stir-fried noodle dishes date back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 17th century.

 

Characteristics of Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a symphony of flavors, colors, and aromas, crafted from an array of ingredients. It offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and nutty notes. Its preparation is refreshingly uncomplicated, making it an accessible dish for home cooks. This universal appeal has made it a favorite not just in Thailand but across the globe.

 

Typically featuring noodles, assorted vegetables, and protein, Pad Thai presents a wholesome and light dining option. Whether from street vendors or upscale eateries, it's a sought-after menu item for tourists exploring Thailand.

 

Ingredients for Pad Thai Recipe

To whip up a delicious Pad Thai, let's first gather the ingredients before diving into cooking.

• Rice noodles: 150g
• Shrimp: 100g
• Bean sprouts: 100g
• Egg: 1
• Onion: 1/4
• Garlic: 2 cloves
• Ground peanuts: 1 tablespoon
• Red chili powder: 1/2 tablespoon
• Cooking oil

Sauce Ingredients

• Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon

 Tips Be cautious not to soak the rice noodles for too long. Anchovy sauce can be used as a substitute for fish sauce. Feel free to add other vegetables such as garlic chives based on personal preference. Chopped peanuts can be used instead of ground peanuts.

 

Cooking Steps for Pad Thai

Let's walk through the cooking process step by step to create a mouthwatering Pad Thai.

• Soak the rice noodles in lukewarm water for about 30 minutes, then drain them using a sieve to remove excess water. Peel and devein the shrimp, rinse them thoroughly, and prepare as desired.
• Rinse the bean sprouts thoroughly and set aside.
• Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
• Mix vinegar, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar to prepare the sauce.
• Heat cooking oil in a pan, add garlic and red chili powder, and stir-fry until fragrant, then add onions and stir-fry.
• Once the onions become translucent, add the shrimp and stir-fry.
• When the shrimp are cooked, add the soaked rice noodles and stir-fry together.
• Once the rice noodles are partially cooked, add the prepared sauce and stir-fry.
• When the noodles are fully cooked, add the bean sprouts and stir-fry lightly.
• Finally, add the beaten egg and stir-fry.
• Transfer to a plate, sprinkle with ground peanuts, and it's ready to serve.

Tips

• Be cautious not to soak the rice noodles for too long.
• Anchovy sauce can be used as a substitute for fish sauce.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as garlic chives based on personal preference.
• Chopped peanuts can be used instead of ground peanuts.

 

Nutritional Information for Pad Thai (Based on 2 servings)

Rice noodles (150g)	160 calories
Shrimp (100g)	106 calories
Bean sprouts (100g)	21 calories
Egg (1)	74 calories
Onion (1/4)	12 calories
Garlic (2 cloves)	8 calories
Ground peanuts (1 tablespoon)	65 calories

Red chili powder (1/2 tablespoon)	36 calories
Vinegar (1 tablespoon)	3 calories
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon)	23 calories
Fish sauce (1 tablespoon)	7 calories
Sugar (1 tablespoon)	48 calories
Estimated total calories	563 calories

 

 

Nutritional Content and Benefits of Pad Thai

Let's delve into the nutritional content and benefits that Pad Thai offers.

 

Nutritional Content Carbohydrates

• Rice noodles, the primary ingredient, are rich in carbohydrates, serving as the body's main energy source for physical activity.
• Protein: Eggs and shrimp used in Pad Thai provide protein, crucial for tissue and muscle formation and nutrient absorption.
• Fat: Cooking oil and peanuts contribute to Pad Thai's fat content, essential for energy storage and cell membrane formation.
• Dietary Fiber: Vegetables like bean sprouts contain dietary fiber, aiding in preventing constipation and regulating blood sugar.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Pad Thai contains various vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron.

Benefits

• Fatigue Relief: The rich carbohydrates and proteins in Pad Thai help alleviate fatigue.
• Enhanced Immunity: Vitamins A and C in Pad Thai contribute to strengthening the immune system.
• Nutrient Supply: Pad Thai offers various beneficial nutrients such as iron for improved blood circulation and dietary fiber for preventing constipation, promoting overall health.
• Satiety Maintenance: Protein and dietary fiber in Pad Thai help maintain a feeling of fullness.

Healthier Ways to Enjoy Pad Thai

• Pad Thai contains allergens such as peanuts and shrimp, so individuals with allergies should exercise caution.
• Using less oil and adding more vegetables when making Pad Thai can have positive health effects.
• Individuals with high blood pressure or various medical conditions should adjust the quantity of ingredients according to their health status.