Pad Thai is a famous Thai street dish known for its smooth rice noodles, crunchy toppings, and tangy tamarind flavor. This classic recipe perfectly showcases the bold and balanced taste of traditional Thai cuisine.

Pad thai:
- Provides energy from rice noodles
- Good source of protein from eggs, shrimp, or chicken
- Contains healthy fats from peanuts
- Rich in flavor with balanced sweet and tangy taste
- Includes vegetables like bean sprouts for fiber
- Naturally gluten-free when made with rice noodles
- Quick-cooked, helping retain nutrients
- Customizable to suit different dietary needs

Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 200g rice noodles
- 150g shrimp or chicken
- 2 eggs
- 100g firm tofu (cubed)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1½ tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Garnish
- Crushed peanuts
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro or green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions:
Soak rice noodles in warm water until soft, then drain.

Heat oil in a wok over high heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.

Add shrimp or chicken and cook until done.

Push ingredients aside and scramble eggs in the wok.

Add noodles, tofu, and prepared sauce.

Toss quickly until noodles absorb the sauce.

Add bean sprouts and cook for 30 seconds.

Serve hot with peanuts, lime, and herbs.

Preparation and Serving:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 2–3 people