Classic Thai Pad Thai with Tamarind and Peanuts

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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-inspired 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

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.

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes