Prawn Pad Thai

Introduction

Prawn Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish that is easy to make and full of flavour. It is a stir-fried noodle dish made with rice noodles, prawns, vegetables, and a variety of seasonings. The ingredients are simple, and the dish comes together quickly, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or lunch. It is also a great dish for entertaining as it can be served as a main course or as a side dish. The combination of flavours and textures makes it a truly delicious meal.

Ease of Preparation

Prawn Pad Thai is a quick and easy dish to make. All the ingredients can be prepped in advance and the dish comes together in just a few minutes. The key to a good Pad Thai is to ensure that the ingredients are cooked quickly and evenly so that the noodles remain tender and the vegetables are cooked through.

Nutritional Information

Prawn Pad Thai is a nutritious dish that is high in protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. It is also low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for those looking to watch their calorie intake. One serving contains approximately 400 calories and 15g of protein. It also provides a good source of dietary fibre, vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium.

Ingredients

– 200g rice noodles

– 200g raw king prawns, peeled and deveined

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

– 2 tablespoons fish sauce

– 2 tablespoons palm sugar

– 2 tablespoons tamarind paste

– 2 tablespoons lime juice

– 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts

– 2 tablespoons chopped coriander

– 2 tablespoons chopped spring onions

– 2 eggs, beaten

– 2 tablespoons bean sprouts

– 2 tablespoons chopped red chilli (optional)

Preparation Method

Begin by soaking the rice noodles in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain the noodles and set aside. Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and prawns and cook until the prawns are just cooked through about 3 minutes. Add the fish sauce, palm sugar, tamarind paste, and lime juice and cook for another minute. Add the drained noodles and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add the peanuts, coriander, spring onions, eggs, bean sprouts, and chilli (if using) and stir-fry for another minute. Serve hot.

Cooking Tips

– Use fresh ingredients for the best flavour.

– If you’re not a fan of prawns, you can substitute them with other proteins such as chicken, beef, or tofu.

– Add some extra chilli or chilli sauce to the dish if you like a bit of heat.

– Make sure to cook the noodles quickly and evenly to ensure they stay tender.

– If you want to make the dish healthier, you can substitute the palm sugar with honey or maple syrup.

Flavour/Taste

Prawn Pad Thai has a unique flavour that is both sweet and savoury. The combination of the fish sauce, tamarind paste, and palm sugar gives the dish a complex and distinctive flavour. The peanuts add a crunchy texture, and the chilli adds a bit of heat. The dish is also balanced with the freshness of the lime juice and the herbs.

Best Dishes Paired With

Prawn Pad Thai is a great dish to serve as a main course. It pairs well with a variety of other dishes, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a light salad. It is also a great dish to serve as part of a larger Thai-style meal.

Origin of Dish and History

Prawn Pad Thai is believed to have originated in Thailand during the 1930s. It was created as a way to use up leftover ingredients and to make a meal that was both inexpensive and filling. It quickly became a popular dish in Thailand and is now enjoyed around the world.

Popular Alternatives

There are many variations of Pad Thai that are popular around the world. Some versions include chicken, beef, or pork instead of prawns. Other variations include adding different vegetables such as bean sprouts, carrots, or mushrooms. Some versions also include noodles made from different grains, such as buckwheat or brown rice.