Name: Easy Pad Thai Recipe with Chicken, Shrimp, and Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 ounces flat rice noodles; 3 tablespoons oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 ounces uncooked shrimp, chicken, or extra-firm tofu, cut into small pieces; 2 eggs; 1 cup fresh bean sprouts; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3 green onions, chopped; 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts; 2 limes; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 3 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 5 tablespoons light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or tamarind paste; 1 tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce (adjust to taste); 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 4 reviews

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If you love bold flavors and quick meals that satisfy every craving, this Easy Pad Thai Recipe with Chicken, Shrimp, and Tofu Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender rice noodles with succulent chicken, sweet shrimp, and crispy tofu, all enveloped in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce, this dish bursts with fresh textures and vibrant colors. It brings the vibrant street-food charm of Thailand right to your dinner table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a flavorful escape.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a black frying pan with a wooden handle, there is one layer of cooked shrimp and chicken pieces. The shrimp are light pink with some parts almost white, curved with orange tails still attached. The chicken strips are light brown and slightly browned on the outside. Both shrimp and chicken are spread evenly around the pan. The background shows a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in building the authentic taste and texture of this dish. From the chewy rice noodles to the crunchy peanuts and the complex sauce, each element balances flavor, color, and texture to create a truly delightful Pad Thai experience.

8 ounces flat rice noodles: The chewy heart of Pad Thai that soaks up all the flavors perfectly.
3 tablespoons oil: Essential for stir-frying and achieving that slight char and smoky depth.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that wakes up the whole dish.
8 ounces uncooked shrimp, chicken, or extra-firm tofu, cut into small pieces: Your trio of protein options provide variety and satisfying texture.
2 eggs: Scrambled in for warmth and a velvety richness.
1 cup fresh bean sprouts: Brings crunch and fresh brightness to the plate.
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds color, sweetness, and a subtle crunch.
3 green onions, chopped: For a mild oniony freshness that finishes the dish.
1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts: Provides the signature salty crunch.
2 limes: Their juice cuts through richness with tangy zest, brightening every bite.
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Adds a herbal pop that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
For the Pad Thai sauce:

3 tablespoons fish sauce: The umami soul of the sauce that creates authentic depth.
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness with a gentle savory note.
5 tablespoons light brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the sauce slightly.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or tamarind paste: Offers the iconic tang that makes Pad Thai unforgettable.
1 tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce (or more to taste): A hint of heat that wakes up your palate.
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (optional): Adds a smooth richness and subtle nutty undertone.

How to Make Easy Pad Thai Recipe with Chicken, Shrimp, and Tofu Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Start by cooking your flat rice noodles according to the package instructions just until tender, then rinse them under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. This step ensures your noodles stay delightfully chewy and ready to soak up the luscious sauce later.

Step 2: Make the Signature Sauce

In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar or tamarind paste, Sriracha, and peanut butter if using. Whisk everything together to create the perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy that makes this Easy Pad Thai Recipe with Chicken, Shrimp, and Tofu Recipe so irresistible. Set aside for later.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Your Proteins and Veggies

Heat 1½ tablespoons of oil in a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your choice of shrimp, chicken, or tofu along with minced garlic and red bell pepper slices. Cook shrimp until pink, about 1-2 minutes per side, or chicken until just cooked through, around 3-4 minutes, flipping once. If using tofu, cook until golden and slightly crispy. This step infuses the base with fragrance and flavor that will carry through the dish.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

Push the cooked proteins and veggies to the side of your pan, add a bit more oil, and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble them gently, breaking into small pieces as they cook, adding a lovely texture and subtle richness that complements the savory components.

Step 5: Toss It All Together

Add your cooked noodles, prepared sauce, fresh bean sprouts, and most of the dry roasted peanuts to the wok. Toss vigorously to coat everything evenly in the sauce and to combine flavors and textures thoroughly. This final step unites all the components for that classic Pad Thai harmony you’re craving.

How to Serve Easy Pad Thai Recipe with Chicken, Shrimp, and Tofu Recipe

The image shows a black wok filled with a colorful noodle dish. The dish has light brown noodles mixed with bright red chili strips, large pink shrimp, green chopped scallions, and small pieces of scrambled egg. There are also some chopped peanuts and fresh green herbs scattered on top. Two silver metal tongs rest in the wok, slightly lifting some noodles. The wok sits on a white marbled surface that shows through slightly around the edges. The scene is lit naturally to highlight the dish’s vibrant colors and varied textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your Pad Thai with chopped green onions, the reserved peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side. These garnishes add vibrant color, crunchy texture, fresh herbal brightness, and a zesty squeeze that transforms every bite into a fireworks display for your taste buds.

Side Dishes

While this recipe is a complete meal, it pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp cucumber salad or a simple green papaya salad. These sides provide a fresh counterpoint and lighten the meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Pad Thai in warm banana leaves or inside hollowed-out pineapple bowls. This presentation brings a tropical vibe and makes the meal feel special, perfect for entertaining or making any dinner feel like a mini vacation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pad Thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and tasty for 2 to 3 days, making a perfect quick lunch or dinner when you don’t want to cook from scratch again.

Freezing

While freshly cooked Pad Thai is always best, you can freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. To maintain the best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently. Avoid freezing if you prefer crispier tofu or fresh bean sprouts, as these may lose texture upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Pad Thai in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to loosen the noodles and revive the flavors. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and to restore the dish’s delightful chewiness without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken, shrimp, or tofu?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with beef, pork, or even just vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Each will bring a unique twist to this Easy Pad Thai Recipe with Chicken, Shrimp, and Tofu Recipe.

Is it necessary to use fish sauce in the pad Thai sauce?

Fish sauce is traditional and adds a savory umami depth, but if you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, soy sauce or tamari can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the Sriracha hot sauce in the sauce, or serve it on the side so everyone can adjust the heat to their liking. The other flavors in your Easy Pad Thai Recipe with Chicken, Shrimp, and Tofu Recipe will still shine beautifully.

What’s the best way to cook tofu for Pad Thai?

Use extra-firm tofu and press out excess moisture before cutting it into cubes. Pan-fry in a bit of oil until golden and crispy on all sides to give it a satisfying texture that holds up well in the stir-fry.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chop your vegetables and proteins in advance to speed up cooking when you’re ready. The noodles are best cooked fresh just before tossing everything together, but soaking them briefly can help save time.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pad Thai Recipe with Chicken, Shrimp, and Tofu Recipe is a fantastic way to bring the vibrant flavors of Thai street food right to your kitchen table with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness. It’s colorful, full of contrasting textures, and balances sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy perfectly. I can’t wait for you to try it — it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in every bite!

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