Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most beloved street foods—sweet, savory, tangy, and loaded with texture. With rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, fresh lime, and a perfectly balanced sauce, it's a dish that feels like a treat but is surprisingly easy to make at home.

For Lykkers looking for a vibrant, noodle-based recipe that delivers flavor in every bite, this guide offers a laid-back, step-by-step approach to creating authentic-style Pad Thai in your own kitchen.

Part 1: How to Make Pad Thai

This recipe brings together classic Pad Thai elements in a simple and adaptable way. You’ll build flavor from the pan up, ending with a colorful, fragrant dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 2)

For the noodles and protein:

Dried rice noodles – 150g (medium width)

Tofu – 200g, cubed and pan-fried until golden

Eggs – 2 (lightly beaten)

Garlic – 2 cloves, minced

Shallot – 1 small (or 1/4 onion), finely chopped

Bean sprouts – 100g

Spring onions – 2, chopped

Roasted peanuts – 30g, roughly chopped

Lime wedges – for serving

Oil – 2 tbsp (neutral, like sunflower or canola)

For the sauce:

Tamarind paste – 1 tbsp

Soy sauce – 1 tbsp

Brown sugar – 1 tbsp

Lime juice – 1 tbsp

Water – 2 tbsp

Optional: chili flakes – to taste

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Soak the Noodles

Start by soaking your rice noodles in warm water for 25–30 minutes, or until they’re flexible but still a little firm in the center. You’ll finish cooking them in the pan later. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the tamarind paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and water. If you like some heat, you can add a pinch of chili flakes. Set the sauce aside—it’s the heart of your dish.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics and Egg

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and garlic, and stir until fragrant—about 30 seconds. You’ll pour in the beaten eggs next, stirring gently to scramble. Once the eggs are just set, push them to one side of the pan.

Step 4: Add the Tofu and Noodles

Add another splash of oil if the pan looks dry. Then toss in the tofu cubes, giving them a quick stir with the eggs. Add your drained noodles on top and pour in the sauce. Use tongs or a spatula to gently lift and stir everything together. You want the noodles to absorb that delicious sauce and soften fully—this takes about 3–4 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Crunch and Freshness

Once your noodles are soft and evenly coated, you’ll stir in most of the bean sprouts and spring onions (save a few for topping). Turn off the heat and give it one final toss.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Divide the noodles between plates. Top with extra bean sprouts, spring onions, crushed peanuts, and a lime wedge on the side. Give it a squeeze right before digging in for that signature tangy burst.

Part 2: Tips, Swaps, and Serving Ideas

Why Pad Thai Hits Every Note

It’s the balance—sweet from sugar, sour from tamarind and lime, savory from soy, and that delightful crunch from peanuts and sprouts. No flavor overpowers the other, and every bite keeps you coming back.

Customize Your Way

No tofu? Try mushrooms, tempeh, or cooked lentils. Want extra veggies? Add thinly sliced carrots, cabbage, or baby spinach. Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Make Ahead and Store

Pad Thai is best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for a day or two. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the noodles. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Pairing Ideas

Serve with a fresh cucumber salad or Thai-style pickled veggies on the side. It also pairs well with jasmine tea or a chilled sparkling water with lime for a refreshing finish.

Pad Thai is a noodle dish that feels like comfort and excitement in one bite—familiar yet vibrant, simple yet packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it on a weeknight or impressing friends with a homemade feast, it brings a little street food magic right to your kitchen. So Lykkers, grab your wok, soak those noodles, and get ready to stir-fry something special. Want to try a peanut-sesame twist next time? Let’s make your next noodle night unforgettable.