The sauce is a balance of tamarind, fish sauce, and sugar, and a clean fermented fish sauce gives it real savor without tipping into pure salt. Soak the noodles in warm water until they turn pliable but still firm, then let them finish cooking in the wok so they never break down into mush.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook10 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineThai
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains eggs · peanuts · fish · soy
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Rice noodles
Flat rice stick noodles; soak in warm, not boiling, water so they stay springy in the wok.
Tossed in at the last second so they stay crunchy.
to taste
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●Getting greedy
Rich enough that Mom might raise an eyebrow. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortEasy
Cook it with
Stovetop
The Method
SauceWhisk tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm or brown sugar into a balance that tastes equally sour, salty, and sweet before it hits the wok.
SoakSoak rice noodles in warm water until bendy but still firm, about 10 minutes, then drain. They finish cooking in the sauce.
EggStir-fry aromatics, push aside, and scramble the eggs in the cleared space before folding them into the noodles.
FryAdd drained noodles and sauce, tossing constantly over high heat until the liquid is absorbed. Kill the heat, fold in sprouts and scallion, finish with peanuts and lime.
Can you make Pad Thai in an air fryer? — Not really
Not really — loose batter spreads and needs a flat, hot surface. Keep this one on the stovetop or griddle.
Can you freeze Pad Thai? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Pad Thai ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.
Is Pad Thai gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Pad Thai vegan? — No
No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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