Classic Thai Pad Thai with Tamarind and Peanuts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A well-balanced stir-fried rice noodle dish featuring tamarind sauce, eggs, tofu, and crushed peanuts for a satisfying sweet, sour, and savory bite. This thai ready in about 45 minutes pairs rice stick noodles, firm tofu, cubed, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice stick noodles in warm water for 25 minutes until softened but still slightly firm, then drain.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 oz cubed firm tofu and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden on all sides.
  4. Step 4: Push tofu to one side of the skillet and pour in 2 beaten eggs. Stir gently until eggs are softly scrambled and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained noodles, 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 3 tbsp fish sauce, and 2 tbsp palm sugar to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 2-3 minutes until noodles absorb the sauce and become tender.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 cup bean sprouts and 1/2 cup chopped scallions, cooking for an additional 1 minute until veggies are slightly wilted.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately topped with 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts, 1 tsp dried chili flakes, and lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Thai Pad Thai with Tamarind and Peanuts take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Classic Thai Pad Thai with Tamarind and Peanuts?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rice stick noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Thai Pad Thai with Tamarind and Peanuts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Thai Pad Thai with Tamarind and Peanuts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Classic Thai Pad Thai with Tamarind and Peanuts?

Thai thai like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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