Chicken Pad Thai

Yo, food adventurers! We're about to dive into a dish that's like the cool kid of Thai cuisine – Chicken Pad Thai. Get ready to slurp, savour, and satisfy those taste buds as we break down what makes this dish a total food crush.

Alright, picture this: tender chicken, tangled up in a web of stir-fried rice noodles. That's Chicken Pad Thai for you – a balance of flavours that's like a party in your mouth. Sweet, tangy, a touch of heat.

Noodles, Noodles, Noodles - Let's talk about those noodles. They're not just any noodles; they're rice noodles, soaking up all the saucy goodness like a sponge. They're the canvas that holds together the crunch of peanuts, the freshness of bean sprouts, and the sassiness of lime.

Now, about that chicken. It's not just protein; it's the star of the show. Marinated, cooked to juicy perfection, and then thrown into the noodle party – it's like a flavour explosion in every bite. You can use any cut you prefer, if you’re anything like me who can probably afford to shed a couple pounds but could care less, use chicken thighs. They’re fattier, and a lot easier to cook since they’re less likely to overcook and go dry on you. But if you like a healthier option by all means go for the breast.

Pad Thai isn't Pad Thai without its iconic sauce. Fish sauce, tamarind, sugar – they're the trio that gives this dish its signature personality. And when they dance with the noodles, chicken, and veggies, trust us, it's a party you don't want to miss.

Here's the cool part – you can customize your Pad Thai like it's your own fashion statement. Extra peanuts? Sure thing. A sprinkle of chili flakes? Go wild. Make it as mild or as wild as your taste buds can handle.

Chicken Pad Thai isn't just a dish; it's honestly an experience. It's comfort food with a street food twist, a taste of Thailand that makes your palate do a happy dance. So, whether you're ordering it from your favourite Thai joint or trying your hand at whipping it up at home like we are today, Chicken Pad Thai is that food crush that'll have you saying, "where have you been all my life?" So grab those chopsticks and dive into a flavour-packed adventure that's all about good vibes and great eats.

Recipe

Pad Thai Sauce:

• 1/3 cup tamarind concentrate

• 1/2 cup boiling water

• 4 Tbsp palm sugar grated

• 2 Tbsp fish sauce

• 1 Tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbs oyster sauce

• 1 tbs sambal

Pad Thai:

• 8 ounces dried pad thai rice noodles

• 1/2 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced

• 2 tsp soy sauce

• 1 tbs oyster sauce

• 1 tsp corn starch

• salt to taste

• 1 tsp white pepper, ground

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp ginger powder

• 1/3 cup small dried shrimp

• 6 cloves garlic, sliced

• 2 shallots, thinly sliced

• 1.5 Tbsp finely minced zha cai (optional but necessary)

• 3 large eggs

• 1 cup mung bean sprouts

• 1 cup Chinese garlic chives

• 4 Tbsp roasted peanuts, finely chopped

• 2 limes

• Thai chilli flake or prik bon (พริกป่น) for serving