Super-Fly Pad Thai Recipe

Whip up an exotic dinner for tonight with this Super-fly Pad Thai recipe. This dish is an explosion of flavors with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. Simple to make, yet so vibrant, this Pad Thai is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Photos of Super-Fly Pad Thai Recipe

The recipe includes ingredients like rice noodles, fish sauce, and bean sprouts, which are staples in Thai cuisine but may not be readily available in every pantry. When shopping, look for wide rice noodles and high-quality fish sauce for an authentic taste. Also, fresh bean sprouts can usually be found in the produce section of most supermarkets.

Ingredients for Super-fly Pad Thai

Rice noodles: These are the heart of any Pad Thai dish, providing a substantial, chewy base.

Lime: Added for a tangy zest that balances out the flavors.

Fish sauce: Gives the dish its signature umami flavor.

Garlic powder: Used for an added layer of savory flavor.

Red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick. Adjust based on your heat preference.

Soy sauce: Contributes a salty, umami flavor.

Sugar: Helps balance out the salty and sour flavors.

Peanut oil: Used for frying, it also lends a subtle nutty flavor.

Cilantro: Sprinkled on top for a refreshing, herby touch.

Egg: Adds protein and a soft texture to the dish.

Peanuts: Gives a nice crunch and nutty flavor.

Bean sprouts: Provides a crunchy texture and subtle sweetness.

One reader, Frayda Tyree says:

This super-fly pad thai recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the recipe is easy to follow. The combination of lime, fish sauce, and peanuts creates an explosion of taste. It's now a staple in my kitchen, and my friends can't get enough of it!

Frayda Tyree

Techniques Required for Making Pad Thai

How to soak the noodles: Place the wide rice noodles in a medium mixing bowl and cover them with hot water. Allow the noodles to soak while preparing the sauce and scrambling the egg.

How to make the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, squeeze the juice from the lime, removing any seeds. Add fish sauce, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, sugar, and peanut oil to the lime juice. Use a fork to beat the ingredients together until well combined.

How to scramble the egg: Crack the egg into a heated nonstick skillet over medium heat. Use a heatproof rubber spatula to stir and break up the egg into small chunks while it cooks until solid.

How to drain the noodles: Once the noodles have softened, drain the hot water from the soaking noodles before adding them to the skillet.

How to cook the pad thai: Add the sauce, peanuts, and bean sprouts to the skillet with the scrambled egg and drained noodles. Stir everything together with tongs and cook until warmed through.

How to serve the pad thai: Turn off the stove, remove the skillet from the burner, and transfer the pad thai to serving plates using tongs. Sprinkle cilantro on top of each serving and enjoy with chopsticks.

How To Make Super-Fly Pad Thai

Savory, tangy, and a hint of spicy flavors come together in a bowl of pad thai. It’s packed with tender noodles, eggs, and beansprouts for a loaded dinner!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4ozwide rice noodles,sold with the Asian foods at the grocery store or at an Asian market
hot water
1lime
2tbspfish sauce,sold with the Asian foods at the grocery store
1tspgarlic powder
pinchred pepper flakes,optional
1½tspsoy sauce
2tbspsugar
1tbsppeanut oil
¼cupcilantro
1egg
¼cupunsalted peanuts*
1cupbean sprouts

Instructions

Soak the noodles in hot water in the medium mixing bowl while making the sauce and scramble the egg.
Squeeze the juice from the lime into a small mixing bowl. Dig out any seeds with fingers and discard the seeds.
Add the fish sauce, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, sugar, and peanut oil to the lime juice. Beat with the fork to combine.
Scramble the egg in the skillet over medium heat. Just crack the egg into the heated nonstick skillet and stir with a heatproof rubber spatula to break up the chunks while it cooks
When the eggs are solid, drain the water off of the noodles and add them to the skillet.
Add the sauce, the peanuts, and the bean sprouts to the skillet.
Stir everything together with the tongs, and cook until it’s all warm.
Turn off the stove, take the skillet off the burner, and transfer the pad thai to serving plates with tongs
Sprinkle cilantro on top of each serving and try eating with chopsticks.

Recipe Notes

Peanuts: If using salted peanuts, reduce the soy sauce to 1 teaspoon.

Nutrition

Calories: 488.30kcal
Fat: 18.31g
Saturated Fat: 3.08g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.49g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.56g
Carbohydrates: 69.73g
Fiber: 4.56g
Sugar: 16.92g
Protein: 14.13g
Cholesterol: 79.98mg
Sodium: 1774.30mg
Calcium: 68.59mg
Potassium: 385.28mg
Iron: 2.61mg
Vitamin A: 43.05µg
Vitamin C: 17.26mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting super-fly pad thai recipe

To ensure your pad thai has the perfect texture, it's crucial to properly soak your rice noodles. They should be flexible but not mushy before adding them to the skillet. If they're too hard, they won't absorb the sauce properly, and if they're too soft, they'll become mushy when cooked. So, keep a close eye on them during the soaking process.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing super-fly pad thai recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal cleanup, such as stir-fries or sheet pan meals.

Efficient tools: Use kitchen gadgets like a food processor or mandoline to speed up prep work.

Batch cooking: Make larger portions and freeze leftovers for quick and easy meals on busy days.

Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to minimize time spent searching for utensils and ingredients.

Substitute Ingredients For Super-Fly Pad Thai Recipe

wide rice noodles - Substitute with vermicelli noodles: Vermicelli noodles are a thinner alternative to wide rice noodles and will work well in the dish.
fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for fish sauce to provide a savory umami flavor.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic will provide a stronger and more aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and can be used for a similar salty and savory flavor.
peanut oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a neutral substitute for peanut oil in this recipe.
unsalted peanuts - Substitute with cashews: Cashews can provide a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture as a substitute for unsalted peanuts.
bean sprouts - Substitute with shredded cabbage: Shredded cabbage can be used as a substitute for bean sprouts to add a crunchy texture and mild flavor to the dish.

Best Way to Present This Thai Dish

Elevate the plating: When presenting the Super-Fly Pad Thai, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use fresh cilantro and bean sprouts to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Arrange the noodles and toppings thoughtfully on the plate to showcase the vibrant ingredients.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a contrast in textures to elevate the dining experience. Consider adding a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for a delightful crunch, complementing the softness of the noodles and bean sprouts.
Balance the flavors: Ensure that the flavors are harmoniously balanced. The tangy and zesty notes from the lime juice should be complemented by the subtle sweetness of the sugar in the dish. Pay attention to achieving a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and sour flavors.
Emphasize the egg: Showcase the perfectly scrambled egg as a focal point of the dish. The golden, fluffy egg should be strategically placed on top of the Pad Thai, adding a touch of richness and visual appeal.
Attention to detail: Pay attention to the finer details, such as the placement of the lime wedge on the plate. This not only serves as a garnish but also allows the diner to customize the dish according to their preference.
Utilize high-quality serving ware: Select elegant and high-quality serving ware to present the Super-Fly Pad Thai. The choice of plate and utensils should complement the dish and elevate the overall dining experience.
Garnish with edible flowers: Consider adding a touch of sophistication by garnishing the dish with delicate and edible flowers, such as orchids. This adds a touch of elegance and a subtle floral note to the presentation.
Create a visual focal point: Arrange the Pad Thai in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that the presentation creates a focal point that draws the eye and captivates the diner's attention.

Essential Tools for Making Pad Thai

Hot water: Boiling water used for soaking the rice noodles.
Lime: Citrus fruit used for its juice to add tanginess to the dish.
Fish sauce: A savory condiment made from fermented fish, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the dish without the texture of fresh garlic.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of heat and color to the dish.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty and savory flavor to the dish.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the flavors of the dish.
Peanut oil: Used for stir-frying and adds a nutty flavor to the dish.
Cilantro: Fresh herb used as a garnish, adding a pop of freshness to the dish.
Egg: Used for scrambling and adding protein to the dish.
Unsalted peanuts: Adds crunch and nuttiness to the dish.
Bean sprouts: Adds a crunchy texture and fresh flavor to the dish.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Pad Thai

Let the pad thai cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the pad thai, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
When freezing, it's best to leave out the bean sprouts and cilantro, as they tend to lose their texture and flavor when frozen. You can add fresh bean sprouts and cilantro when reheating the dish.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
Frozen pad thai can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw the frozen pad thai in the refrigerator overnight.
Place the thawed pad thai in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through.
Add fresh bean sprouts and cilantro before serving the reheated pad thai for a burst of freshness and crunch.

How To Reheat Leftover Pad Thai

Reheat the pad thai in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to help loosen the noodles and prevent them from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
For a crispy texture, reheat the pad thai in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Stir-fry the noodles until they are crispy and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave the pad thai in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to help keep the noodles moist. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the noodles from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
For a fresh twist, transform leftover pad thai into a salad. Toss the cold noodles with fresh vegetables, such as cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers. Add a zesty lime vinaigrette and top with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.
Create a pad thai omelette by whisking eggs with a splash of milk or water. Pour the mixture into a heated, greased skillet and add the leftover pad thai. Cook until the eggs are set and the noodles are heated through, then fold the omelette in half and serve.

Random Fact about Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a popular Thai street food dish that originated in the 1930s. It was created as part of a nationalistic campaign to promote Thai identity and culture.

Is Making Pad Thai at Home Cost-Effective?

This pad thai recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are relatively affordable and widely available, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of simple and common ingredients such as rice noodles, eggs, bean sprouts, and peanuts keeps the overall cost low. The addition of lime, fish sauce, and cilantro adds a burst of flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $12-$15, making it a pocket-friendly choice. Overall Verdict: 8/10

Is Pad Thai Healthy or Unhealthy?

The super-fly pad thai recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to some of its ingredients and preparation methods. Here's an analysis of the recipe's healthiness:

The rice noodles are a good source of carbohydrates, but they are refined and may cause blood sugar spikes.
Fish sauce and soy sauce are high in sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues if consumed in excess.
The recipe calls for sugar, which adds empty calories and may contribute to weight gain and other health problems if consumed frequently.
Peanut oil is high in calories and fat, although it is a healthier option compared to other oils due to its monounsaturated fat content.
The egg provides protein and nutrients, but the scrambling method may require additional oil or butter, increasing the dish's overall fat content.
Bean sprouts and cilantro add some vitamins and minerals to the dish, but the amounts used are relatively small.

To make this pad thai recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for brown rice noodles or whole grain noodles instead of refined rice noodles to increase the dish's fiber content and reduce the glycemic impact.
Reduce the amount of fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar used in the recipe to lower the sodium and sugar content. You can replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Use a minimal amount of peanut oil or replace it with a healthier cooking oil like olive oil or avocado oil.
Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish, such as adding carrots, bell peppers, or bok choy, to boost the nutrient content and fiber.
Consider using a healthier protein source, such as tofu or shrimp, instead of or in addition to the egg.
Garnish the dish with more fresh herbs like basil or mint to add flavor and nutrients without increasing the calorie content significantly.

Editor's Opinion on This Pad Thai Recipe

The recipe provided is a classic and delicious take on pad thai. The combination of flavors from the lime, fish sauce, and peanuts creates a well-balanced and savory dish. The use of bean sprouts and cilantro adds a fresh and vibrant element to the dish. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for home cooks. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to impress anyone looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Enhance Your Super-Fly Pad Thai Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Stir-Fried Broccoli with Garlic: Create a flavorful stir-fried broccoli dish with a hint of garlic to complement the super-fly pad thai.

Grilled Pineapple Skewers: Add a tropical twist to your meal with some grilled pineapple skewers, perfect for balancing the savory flavors of the pad thai.

Coconut Curry Chicken Soup: Warm up with a creamy and aromatic coconut curry chicken soup, a delightful accompaniment to the bold flavors of the pad thai.

Alternative Thai Recipes to Try

Spicy Beef Stir-Fry: This spicy beef stir-fry is a perfect combination of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. It's a quick and easy dish that's sure to satisfy your cravings for something spicy and savory.

Mango Coconut Chicken Curry: This mango coconut chicken curry is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors. The tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and juicy mango create a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for a cozy night in.

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp: These zesty lemon garlic shrimp are bursting with bright and tangy flavors. The succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic come together to create a dish that's perfect for a light and refreshing meal.

Appetizers and Desserts to Complement super-fly pad thai recipe

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with these crispy coconut shrimp. Each bite is a crunchy, succulent delight, with a hint of sweetness from the coconut coating. A perfect appetizer to set the stage for a memorable dining experience.

Desserts:

Decadent Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and intense chocolate flavor will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.

Velvety Lemon Tart: Savor the tangy and refreshing taste of a velvety lemon tart, with a buttery crust and a zesty lemon filling. Each bite is a burst of citrusy goodness that will leave you craving for more.

Why trust this Super-Fly Pad Thai Recipe:

This recipe uses authentic Thai ingredients and traditional cooking methods, ensuring an authentic and flavorful experience. The combination of fish sauce, lime juice, and peanut oil creates a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. The use of bean sprouts and unsalted peanuts adds a delightful crunch and texture. Additionally, the step-by-step instructions provide clarity and guidance, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.

Want to share your own twists on this Super-Fly Pad Thai Recipe or discuss tips and techniques with fellow foodies? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section of our forum and join the conversation!

FAQ:

What type of peanuts should I use for this recipe?

You can use unsalted peanuts for this recipe. I recommend using dry roasted peanuts for a more intense flavor.

Can I use any type of noodles for this recipe?

I recommend using wide rice noodles for an authentic Pad Thai experience. However, if you can't find rice noodles, you can use other types of noodles such as flat rice noodles or even linguine as a substitute.

Is there a substitute for fish sauce if I don't have it on hand?

If you don't have fish sauce, you can substitute it with an equal amount of soy sauce mixed with a small amount of anchovy paste or Worcestershire sauce to achieve a similar umami flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the fish sauce and use soy sauce instead to make it vegetarian. You can also add tofu or more vegetables to enhance the dish.

How can I adjust the spiciness level of the Pad Thai?

You can adjust the spiciness level by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.