Best Pad Thai Recipe with Peanut Sauce

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Introduction

Best Pad Thai Recipe with Peanut Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the perfect balance of savory, sweet, sour, and spicy notes. This delicious Pad Thai is made with stir-fried rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and your choice of protein, all coated in a creamy and rich peanut sauce. It’s a hearty yet light meal, ideal for a weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering. The aromatic spices and creamy peanut sauce give it a delightful, satisfying texture that will keep you coming back for more.

One of the things I adore most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tailor it to your taste by adjusting the level of spice or swapping ingredients like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. I remember making this Pad Thai for the first time and being amazed by how quickly all the flavors came together—it was a hit with everyone at the table. The peanut sauce, in particular, takes the dish to the next level, giving it that signature richness and flavor that’s hard to beat.

What’s even better is how straightforward it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal right at home. It’s also a great recipe for meal prep, as the leftovers taste just as good the next day. Trust me, once you try this Best Pad Thai with Peanut Sauce, it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation—you won’t want to miss out on this crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

  • Quick weeknight dinners
  • Family meals
  • Special occasions or gatherings
  • Comfort food cravings
  • Customizing with your favorite proteins or vegetables

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Pad Thai recipe with Peanut Sauce is sure to become your go-to:

  • Packed with Flavor: The combination of tangy tamarind, savory soy sauce, and creamy peanut butter creates a perfect balance of flavors.
  • Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile: You can add shrimp, chicken, tofu, or keep it vegetarian for a customizable meal.
  • Comforting and Satisfying: The noodles paired with a creamy peanut sauce are rich and indulgent without being heavy.
  • Made from Scratch: By making your own peanut sauce, you control the flavors and make the dish fresher and more authentic.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
  • Servings: 2–4 servings
  • Calories per Serving: Approximately 350–450 calories

Ingredients

For the Peanut Sauce:

  • ¼ cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons warm water (adjust for consistency)

For the Pad Thai:

  • 8 oz rice noodles (flat, wide variety)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup cooked protein (shrimp, chicken, tofu, or a combination)
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage or bean sprouts
  • ½ cup chopped green onions
  • 1 small carrot, julienned
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Rice Noodles: The base of the dish, they provide the perfect chewy texture.
  • Peanut Butter: Creates the creamy, rich sauce that’s a signature component of Pad Thai.
  • Soy Sauce and Rice Vinegar: Used to balance the sweetness, saltiness, and tang in the sauce.
  • Protein: Customize with your preferred choice of shrimp, chicken, or tofu for additional protein.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Peanut Sauce:

  1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, and warm water until smooth and creamy. Set aside, adjusting the water to get your desired sauce consistency.

Cook the Rice Noodles:

  1. Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, typically about 3–5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.

Cook the Pad Thai:

  1. Heat the Pan: In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  2. Scramble the Egg: Push the garlic to one side of the pan, then pour in the beaten egg. Let it set for a few seconds before scrambling and cooking fully, about 1–2 minutes.
  3. Add Protein and Vegetables: Add your cooked protein (shrimp, chicken, or tofu) to the pan, followed by the cabbage, carrot, and green onions. Stir-fry for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Toss in Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together. Pour the peanut sauce over the mixture and toss again, ensuring everything is well-coated and heated through.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Enjoy: Divide the Pad Thai among plates. Garnish with fresh cilantro, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve

Pad Thai with Peanut Sauce is an adaptable dish and can be served in many ways:

  1. As a Main Course: Serve as-is for a hearty and flavorful meal.
  2. With a Side of Vegetables: Add steamed vegetables or a side salad for extra crunch and nutrition.
  3. With a Protein: Pair with grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a balanced meal.
  4. Spicy Kick: Add extra chili garlic sauce or chili flakes to make it spicier.

Additional Tips

  • Soak the Noodles Properly: Do not overcook rice noodles. Soak them according to the instructions and rinse them thoroughly with cold water. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
  • Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the peanut sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit more warm water to loosen it up.
  • Customize the Vegetables: You can replace or add other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
  • Use Fresh Lime: Squeezing fresh lime over the finished Pad Thai adds a refreshing, zesty flavor that balances the richness of the peanut sauce.
  • Make Ahead: Peanut sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week, making meal prep easier.

Recipe Variations

  1. Vegetarian: Use tofu or vegetables as the primary protein source for a meat-free dish.
  2. Spicy Pad Thai: Increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add fresh chili peppers to make it spicier.
  3. Peanut-Free Version: Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you have a peanut allergy.
  4. Rice Noodle Alternatives: If you can’t find rice noodles, substitute with other noodles, such as soba or udon.
  5. Thai Basil Pad Thai: Add fresh basil as an additional herb for extra fragrance and flavor.
  6. Crunchy Toppings: Add toasted sesame seeds or fried shallots as a garnish for extra crunch and texture.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Pad Thai with Peanut Sauce is best eaten fresh, but if you must freeze, store the noodles and sauce separately. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1–2 days. The noodles will soften as they sit, so it’s best to store them separately from the sauce.

Special Equipment

  • Large wok or skillet
  • Mixing bowls for the sauce and garnishes
  • Tongs or chopsticks for tossing the noodles
  • Small bowl for whisking the peanut sauce

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
    Yes, crunchy peanut butter will give your sauce a little extra texture.
  2. Can I make the peanut sauce in advance?
    Yes, the peanut sauce can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
  3. What is the best protein for Pad Thai?
    Shrimp, chicken, or tofu work wonderfully, but you can use any protein you like.
  4. How do I store leftover Pad Thai?
    Store the noodles and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for 1–2 days.
  5. Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
    Yes, you can add more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor or reduce it for a more savory dish.

Conclusion

Spice Cake with Peanut Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dessert that brings together rich spices and a creamy, savory peanut sauce for an exciting twist. The soft, moist texture of the cake is enhanced by the aromatic combination of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, which perfectly balances the bold flavors of the peanut sauce.

This recipe is easy to make, perfect for all occasions, and a fun twist on classic spice cake. The peanut sauce adds an unexpected but delicious element, making each bite exciting. Serve it for family gatherings, holidays, or anytime you want something unique and crowd-pleasing.

Feel free to experiment by adding chopped nuts or drizzling the peanut sauce generously over each slice. Share your photos on Instagram—tag me to show off your creation! Enjoy baking this lovely dessert!

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