Classic Pad Thai Recipe

 A Stir-Fried Symphony of Flavors and Textures_

Embark on a culinary journey to the streets of Bangkok with Classic Pad Thai, a beloved stir-fry dish that embodies the bold, aromatic flavors and vibrant culture of Thailand. This iconic recipe masterfully combines tender rice noodles, succulent shrimp, crunchy peanuts, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all swirled in a savory tamarind sauce infused with the warmth of chili, garlic, and lime. With its perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors, Classic Pad Thai is a harmonious symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just discovering the delights of Thai cuisine, this timeless recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup (200g) rice noodles

- 2 tablespoons (30g) vegetable oil

- 1 onion, thinly sliced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup (120g) mixed vegetables (bean sprouts, carrots, green onions)

- 1 cup (120g) cooked shrimp (or tofu or chicken)

- 2 tablespoons (30g) tamarind paste

- 2 tablespoons (30g) palm sugar

- 1 tablespoon (15g) fish sauce

- 1 tablespoon (15g) soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon (15g) rice vinegar

- 1 teaspoon ground peanuts

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- 2 tablespoons (30g) chopped peanuts, for garnish

- 2 tablespoons (30g) fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

- Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.

3. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the mixed vegetables and cooked shrimp (or protein of choice) and cook for 2-3 minutes.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the tamarind paste, palm sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.

6. Pour the sauce into the wok and stir to combine.

7. Add the cooked noodles and stir-fry until everything is well combined.

8. Season with salt, pepper, and ground peanuts.

9. Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro.

10. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy your delicious Pad Thai!

Here is an approximate calorie chart for a serving of Pad Thai (assuming 4-6 servings total):

Per serving (approx. 300g):

- Calories: 420-450

- Protein: 25-30g

- Fat: 20-22g

    - Saturated fat: 3-4g

- Carbohydrates: 45-50g

    - Fiber: 4-5g

- Cholesterol: 60-70mg

- Sodium: 400-500mg

Breakdown:

- Rice noodles (120g cooked): 150-170 calories

- Vegetables (100g): 25-30 calories

- Shrimp (120g cooked): 120-140 calories

- Sauce (60g): 150-170 calories

- Peanuts (20g): 100-120 calories

- Oil (10g): 90-100 calories

Please note that this is an estimate, as exact values depend on specific ingredient brands and measurements. Additionally, it's worth noting that Pad Thai can be a relatively balanced dish, but moderation is still key due to the calorie and fat content.

Keep in mind that serving sizes and calorie counts can vary depending on the specific recipe and cooking methods used. This chart is meant to serve as an approximate guide.