A Simple And Delicious Pork Pad Thai Recipe

Name: A Simple and Delicious Pork Pad Thai Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 200 grams rice noodles; 200 grams pork loin or pork belly, thinly sliced; 2 large eggs; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 shallots, sliced; 1 cup bean sprouts; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup peanuts, roughly chopped; 1 lime, cut into wedges; 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons tamarind paste; 3 tablespoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar as a substitute); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Pad Thai is one of the most beloved and iconic dishes of Thai cuisine. Known for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors, this dish has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts around the world. While traditional Pad Thai is often made with shrimp or chicken, adding pork can elevate the dish to new heights. In this article, we will guide you through a simple and delicious pork pad Thai recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

What is Pad Thai?

Pad Thai, or “Phat Thai” in Thai, is a stir-fried noodle dish that originated in Thailand. It is typically made with rice noodles, a blend of vegetables, and a protein such as shrimp, chicken, or pork. The dish is seasoned with a variety of ingredients, including tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar, which give it its characteristic sweet and sour taste. Pad Thai is often garnished with peanuts, lime wedges, and chili flakes, adding a crunchy texture and a burst of freshness.

Why Choose Pork for Your Pad Thai?

Pork is a versatile and flavorful protein that pairs exceptionally well with the bold flavors of Pad Thai. It adds a rich, savory element to the dish, making it more satisfying and hearty. Whether you prefer tender slices of pork loin or crispy pork belly, there are many ways to incorporate this delicious meat into your Pad Thai.

Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Rice Noodles: 200 grams (about 7 ounces)
Pork Loin or Pork Belly: 200 grams (about 7 ounces), thinly sliced
Eggs: 2 large
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Shallots: 2, sliced
Bean Sprouts: 1 cup
Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced
Eggs: 2 large
Peanuts: 1/4 cup, roughly chopped
Lime: 1, cut into wedges
Chili Flakes: 1 teaspoon (optional)
Tamarind Paste: 2 tablespoons
Fish Sauce: 3 tablespoons
Palm Sugar: 2 tablespoons (or brown sugar as a substitute)
Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
Oyster Sauce: 1 tablespoon
Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
Salt and Pepper: to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Rice Noodles

Start by soaking the rice noodles in warm water for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Cook the Pork

In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced pork and cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the pork from the wok and set it aside.

Pork slices being stir-fried in a wok with oil

Make the Pad Thai Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside.

Ingredients for pad thai sauce mixed in a bowl

Stir-Fry the Aromatics

In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and sliced shallots, and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until they are fragrant and just starting to brown.

Add the Eggs

Push the garlic and shallots to the sides of the wok. Crack the eggs into the center of the wok and scramble them until they are just cooked. Mix the eggs with the garlic and shallots.

Eggs being scrambled in a wok with garlic and shallots

Add the Noodles and Sauce

Add the drained rice noodles to the wok. Pour the Pad Thai sauce over the noodles and stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes, until the noodles are well coated and heated through.

Return the Pork

Add the cooked pork back into the wok and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until everything is well combined and heated through.

Add the Vegetables

Add the bean sprouts and green onions to the wok. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until the vegetables are just wilted but still crunchy.

Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pork Pad Thai to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped peanuts, lime wedges, and chili flakes (if using). Serve immediately while hot.

Pork pad thai served with steamed rice and a green salad

Cooking Tips

Soak the Noodles Properly: Make sure to soak the rice noodles in warm water until they are soft and pliable. This will prevent them from breaking during stir-frying and ensure they cook evenly.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, shallots, and green onions will add a lot of flavor to your Pad Thai. If possible, use fresh ingredients instead of pre-cut or frozen ones.
Balance the Flavors: The key to a great Pad Thai is the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors. Taste the sauce as you mix it and adjust the amounts of tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar to your liking.
Cook the Pork Thoroughly: Make sure the pork is cooked through but not overcooked. Overcooked pork can become tough and dry, so keep an eye on it while it’s cooking.
Stir-Fry Quickly: Stir-fry the ingredients quickly over high heat to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy and to retain the crispness of the vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

Pork Pad Thai is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of steamed rice or a simple green salad. For a more filling meal, consider adding some crispy tofu or extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of pork?

Absolutely! Chicken is a great alternative to pork and will work just as well in this recipe. Simply use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, and cook them until they are fully cooked and tender.

What can I use instead of tamarind paste?

If you can’t find tamarind paste, you can use a mixture of lime juice and brown sugar to achieve a similar sweet and sour flavor. Mix 1 tablespoon of lime juice with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar for every 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste called for in the

How long will pork Pad Thai keep in the fridge?

Pork Pad Thai will keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze pork Pad Thai?

While you can freeze pork Pad Thai, the noodles may become mushy when thawed. If you must freeze it, do so in an airtight container and consume it within 1-2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a pan with a little water to help rehydrate the noodles.

What are some other Thai dishes I can

Thai cuisine is incredibly diverse and offers many delicious dishes. Some other popular Thai dishes you might enjoy include Tom Yum Soup, Green Curry, Massaman Curry, and Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad).

Conclusion

Pork Pad Thai is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is a great way to explore the flavors of Thai cuisine. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and enjoy a bowl of mouthwatering pork Pad Thai!

We hope you enjoy this pork Pad Thai recipe and that it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

Recipe Card