Stir-Fried Beef Pad Thai with Tamarind Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Thai noodle dish featuring tender strips of beef stir-fried with rice noodles, eggs, and a tangy tamarind sauce, garnished with crushed peanuts and fresh lime. This thai-inspired curry ready in about 40 minutes pairs rice noodles, thinly sliced beef sirloin, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 3, 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 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Thai cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until pliable, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 3 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp palm sugar; stir until sugar dissolves and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 8 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender.
  5. Step 5: Push beef to the side and crack 2 large eggs into the wok. Scramble gently until just set, about 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Add drained rice noodles and pour in the tamarind sauce. Toss continuously for 2-3 minutes until noodles are coated and heated through.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1 cup bean sprouts and 3 sliced green onions, cooking for another minute until vegetables are warm but still crisp.
  8. Step 8: Transfer to plates and garnish with 1/4 cup crushed peanuts, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, and serve with 4 lime wedges for squeezing over the dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef Pad Thai with Tamarind Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Stir-Fried Beef Pad Thai with Tamarind Sauce?

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 noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Beef Pad Thai with Tamarind Sauce?

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 Stir-Fried Beef Pad Thai with Tamarind Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Stir-Fried Beef Pad Thai with Tamarind Sauce?

Thai curry 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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