30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet quick to prepare, look no further than this 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai. This delightful and satisfying meal combines tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and the perfect balance of savory and sweet, all tossed together in a luscious sauce. In just half an hour, you can serve up a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
There are countless reasons to love this 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai. First, it’s the epitome of comfort food with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Second, it’s adaptable! Whether you prefer it extra spicy or loaded with veggies, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Finally, the quick cooking time means you can whip it up on busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. It’s a crowd-pleaser for the whole family!
The Essentials
To create this delicious dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what to gather:
- Avocado oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing.
- Peanut oil: 2 tablespoons for added flavor.
- Boneless skinless chicken: 1 pound, cut into strips.
- Raw shrimp: 1/2 pound, peeled and deveined.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced for aromatic depth.
- Red Thai chili: 1, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat).
- Cayenne pepper: A pinch (optional for extra spice).
- Eggs: 2 large, well beaten to enrich the dish.
- Pad Thai rice noodles: 1 (8-oz) package, the star of the show.
- Green onions: 4, chopped for garnish.
- Rice vinegar: 1/4 cup to balance the flavors.
- Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon for umami goodness.
- Liquid aminos: 3 tablespoons (or coconut aminos/low-sodium soy sauce).
- Pure maple syrup: 3 tablespoons to sweeten the sauce.
- Fresh ginger: 2 teaspoons, peeled and grated (optional for warmth).
- Bean sprouts: 1 cup (optional for crunch).
- Chopped unsalted peanuts: 1/2 cup for garnishing.
- Fresh basil or cilantro: Chopped for a fresh finish.
- Lime or lemon wedges: For a zesty squeeze before serving.
What’s in the Gear List
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the right tools on hand:
- Large skillet or wok: For stir-frying the ingredients.
- Pot: To boil the rice noodles.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and tossing.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- Knife and cutting board: For prepping your proteins and veggies.
30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai in Steps
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and tools, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for your 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Noodles
Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the Pad Thai rice noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually around 4-6 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Shrimp
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, heat the avocado oil and peanut oil. Add the chicken strips and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until they are cooked through and golden brown. Next, add the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they are pink and opaque.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic, chopped red Thai chili (if using), and a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the chicken and shrimp mixture to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them gently until just set. Mix them into the chicken and shrimp.
Step 5: Combine with Noodles
Add the drained rice noodles to the skillet. Pour in the rice vinegar, fish sauce, liquid aminos, and maple syrup. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the noodles are coated in the flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Ingredients
Add the chopped green onions, bean sprouts (if using), and grated ginger (if using). Toss again to combine and heat through for another minute.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and serve your 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai hot. Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh basil or cilantro, and lime or lemon wedges for a citrusy touch.
Holiday-Friendly Variations
You can easily adapt this recipe for different tastes or occasions with these variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken and shrimp with tofu or extra vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli.
- Extra Veggies: Add in shredded carrots, snap peas, or zucchini for more color and nutrition.
- Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red Thai chili or add a few dashes of sriracha for a fiery kick.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the peanuts and use sunflower seeds for garnish instead.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
For the best texture, be careful not to overcook the noodles; they should be al dente. If you like your Pad Thai saucier, feel free to add a bit more liquid aminos or fish sauce to taste. And remember, adjusting the sweetness with maple syrup can help you find the perfect balance for your palate.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
If you have leftovers (which can be hard to resist), let the Pad Thai cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To rewarm, simply heat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or a little more oil to help revive the noodles.
Common Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While Pad Thai is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Cook the proteins and noodles separately, then toss them together when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of fish sauce?
If you prefer to avoid fish sauce, you can substitute it with additional liquid aminos or a homemade mixture of soy sauce and lime juice for a similar umami flavor.
Can I freeze Chicken Pad Thai?
Freezing is not recommended for Pad Thai as the noodles can become mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai gluten-free, use rice noodles and ensure that the liquid aminos or soy sauce is labeled gluten-free.
Make It Tonight
Now that you have everything you need to whip up a delicious 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai, why not make it tonight? With its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a meal that’s as delightful to prepare as it is to eat. Happy cooking!
30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Rice Noodles. Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the Pad Thai rice noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually around 4-6 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Shrimp. In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, heat the avocado oil and peanut oil. Add the chicken strips and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until they are cooked through and golden brown. Next, add the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they are pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Add Aromatics. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped red Thai chili (if using), and a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 4: Scramble the Eggs. Push the chicken and shrimp mixture to one side of the skillet. Pour the beaten eggs into the empty side and scramble them gently until just set. Mix them into the chicken and shrimp.
- Step 5: Combine with Noodles. Add the drained rice noodles to the skillet. Pour in the rice vinegar, fish sauce, liquid aminos, and maple syrup. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the noodles are coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Step 6: Finish with Fresh Ingredients. Add the chopped green onions, bean sprouts (if using), and grated ginger (if using). Toss again to combine and heat through for another minute.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy. Remove from heat and serve your 30-Minute Chicken Pad Thai hot. Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh basil or cilantro, and lime or lemon wedges for a citrusy touch.
Notes
- For the best texture, be careful not to overcook the noodles; they should be al dente.
- If you like your Pad Thai saucier, feel free to add a bit more liquid aminos or fish sauce to taste.
- Adjusting the sweetness with maple syrup can help you find the perfect balance for your palate.
