How to Make Authentic Pad Thai in 5 Minutes: A Quick Guide

Youtuber: Pailin's Kitchen

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PailinsKitchen

How to Make Authentic Pad Thai in 5 Minutes: A Quick Guide

**Cooking Pad Thai can sometimes feel like a lengthy endeavor, but with proper preparation, it can be ready in no time! Here’s how you can whip up this delicious dish in just 5 minutes.**

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#### Ingredients

**For the Pad Thai Sauce**

- **Oil**: For sautéing

- **Garlic**: Chopped

- **Shallots**: Chopped

- **Palm Sugar**: ½ cup (or to taste)

- **Tamarind Paste**: ¾ cup to 1 cup (depending on the sourness)

- **Fish Sauce**: To taste

**For the Noodle Dish**

- **Rice Noodles**: Soaked and drained

- **Protein**: Cooked shrimp, chicken, tofu, or pork

- **Vegetables**: Garlic chives, bean sprouts

- **Peanuts**: Chopped, for garnish

#### Preparation Steps

1. **Make the Sauce**

In a pot, heat some oil over low heat and sauté the minced garlic and chopped shallots until they become translucent. Once softened, remove from heat and set aside.

2. **Incorporate Palm Sugar**

Return the pot to medium heat and add palm sugar. Allow it to dissolve, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom for added flavor. He suggests caramelizing a bit for depth.

3. **Add Tamarind and Fish Sauce**

After the sugar has started to brown, add tamarind paste and stir. The mixture may become bubbly, but that’s okay! Turn the heat back up slightly and add fish sauce. Adjust the tamarind amount based on your preference for sourness—taste as you go.

4. **Combine with Garlic and Shallots**

Once the sugar has dissolved fully, return the cooked garlic and shallots to the pot to finish off the sauce.

#### Levels of Preparation

**To achieve the quickest cooking time, consider prepping in advance:**

- **Level 1**: Make the sauce in bulk and store it. It saves a lot of time later on!

- **Level 2**: Soak the rice noodles beforehand. They can be soaked, drained, and stored in the fridge for up to four days.

- **Level 3**: Cook your protein in advance. This step allows you to add it to the dish without additional cooking time.

- **Level 4**: Prep all your vegetables in advance. Keeping them cut and ready will save significant cooking time.

#### Quick Cooking

Now that everything is prepped, making the Pad Thai will be a breeze.

1. Heat a large pan or wok. Start with your protein (shrimp, chicken, tofu) and sauté until heated through.

2. Add soaked rice noodles and the prepared sauce to the pan, mixing until well combined.

3. Ensure you also add a little water to keep the noodles moist.

4. Once the noodles are almost dry, push them to one side and crack an egg into the pan, allowing it to cook slightly before mixing it in.

5. Add in garlic chives and bean sprouts, tossing everything gently to combine.

6. Serve hot, garnishing with additional peanuts and lime wedges for that perfect finish!

**Enjoy your freshly made Pad Thai, which is sure to be a hit with family or guests. Remember, this dish is best served fresh!**