If you’ve ever dived into Thai Cuisine, chances are you have already heard about Pad Thai. It’s one of the most popular dishes out there that is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy. Pad Thai is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a nutritious meal any time of the day. But have you ever wondered about Pad Thai’s origins and what makes this dish unique? Let’s explore!
What is Pad Thai?
Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish, which is made up of rice noodles, vegetables, proteins, and peanuts, generally served with lime, chili flakes, and coriander/cilantro.
The origin of Pad Thai dates back to the 1940s and is heavily influenced by Chinese and Vietnamese Cuisine. During World War II, Thailand suffered from rice shortages, and the Prime Minister Phibun, promoted rice noodles – that were produced locally and cheaper – to boost the economy of the country. The dish’s popularity spread across the land, and it wasn’t long until it became the go-to comfort food for the Thai locals.
What makes Pad Thai unique?
Pad Thai has many flavour components that make it unique and one-of-a-kind. Here are some of the essential flavours of Pad Thai:
Sweetness
Pad Thai gets its sweetness from the usage of palm sugar, tamarind paste, and sometimes, honey or brown sugar. This sweetness is balanced out by the sourness and saltiness to create an explosion of taste in every bite.
Sourness
The sourness of Pad Thai comes from tamarind paste or rice vinegar, which adds a tangy taste to the dish. Lime is also served alongside the dish, and when squeezed over the noodles, it brings out the sour flavour even more.
Saltiness
Soy Sauce is usually used in the dish to provide the salty flavour. In addition to that, the dish might include shrimp paste or fish sauce, adding to the salty taste profile.
Spiciness
The spice level of Pad Thai comes from a variety of peppers such as chili flakes or fresh bird’s eye chilies. These peppers are added to the dish either as a condiment or fried with the other ingredients.
How to Make Pad Thai?
Making Pad Thai at home is easier than you think. Here is a basic recipe that you can follow:
Ingredients:
– 2 cloves garlic
– 200g Rice Noodles
– 2 eggs
– 2 tbsp Oil
– 100g Beansprouts
– 50g chopped Tofu
– 50g prawns or chicken (vegans can substitute it with more tofu)
– 1 tbsp. Soy sauce
– 1 tbsp. Vinegar or Lemon juice
– 1 tbsp. brown Sugar
– 2 tsp Tamarind paste
– 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
– 1 Lime
– Fresh coriander (cilantro)
Directions:
1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 15-20 minutes or until soft. Drain the water and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat and then add garlic and stir until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped tofu and protein (prawns or chicken) and stir-fry until cooked.
4. Push the ingredients aside and crack the eggs into the pan. Scramble the eggs until cooked, and then mix it with the rest of the ingredients in the pan.
5. Add the noodles and stir-fry for a minute or so.
6. Add Soy Sauce, Vinegar/Lemon Juice, Tamarind Paste, and Brown Sugar. Mix well.
7. Add bean sprouts and continue to stir-fry for another minute or so.
8. Serve the noodles in a big bowl and top with chopped peanuts, coriander, and lime wedges.
Conclusion
Pad Thai is a dish that truly represents Thai cuisine. The blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours is what sets it apart and makes it a delightful dish to have. Whether you are trying it for the first time in a restaurant or making it at home, Pad Thai is a favourite of many and is here to stay!