If you’re craving something sweet, savory, tangy, and totally delicious, this easy Pad Thai recipe is exactly what you need! It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and tastes just like your favorite restaurant version — but fresher and customizable.
This teen-friendly recipe avoids complicated steps and specialty tools. Whether it’s your first time making Pad Thai or you’re already a noodle pro, you’ll love how simple and tasty this dish is.
Let’s get cooking! 🙌
⭐ Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
For the Noodles
6 oz rice noodles (wide or medium-width)
Hot water for soaking
For the Pad Thai Sauce
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp peanut butter (optional, but adds creaminess)
1 tbsp ketchup (simple substitute for tamarind — sweet & tangy!)
1 tsp garlic powder or 1 clove minced
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
For the Stir-Fry
1 tbsp oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
1 chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 cup bean sprouts
1–2 eggs
½ cup carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped
2 tbsp peanuts, crushed
Lime wedges, for serving
🔥 How to Make Pad Thai (Step-by-Step)
1. Soak the Noodles
Place rice noodles in a large bowl.
Cover with hot water and soak for 20–25 minutes, until soft but not mushy.
Drain and set aside.
Tip: Don’t boil rice noodles — they can overcook easily.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Soy sauce
Brown sugar or honey
Lime juice
Rice vinegar
Peanut butter
Ketchup
Garlic powder
Chili flakes
Set aside.
This quick sauce gives you the sweet-salty-tangy Pad Thai flavor using pantry ingredients.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high.
Add sliced chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through.
Remove and set aside.
4. Scramble the Eggs
In the same pan, crack in 1–2 eggs.
Scramble quickly until just set.
5. Stir-Fry the Noodles & Sauce
Add the soaked noodles to the pan.
Pour the Pad Thai sauce over them.
Toss gently until everything is coated and glossy.
6. Add Veggies & Chicken
Stir in:
Bean sprouts
Carrots
Green onions
Cooked chicken
Mix everything together for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
7. Garnish & Serve
Top with:
Crushed peanuts
Extra lime
Green onions
Enjoy your homemade Pad Thai immediately!
🌟 Why You Should Try This Pad Thai Recipe Today
This recipe is:
Fast — ready in 20 minutes
Beginner-friendly — uses simple ingredients
Customizable — make it spicy, veggie-forward, chicken-free, anything!
Perfect for meal prep
Absolutely delicious
If you love noodles, you’ll LOVE this.
🍴 Easy Variations You Can Try
Veggie Pad Thai
Replace chicken with:
Tofu
Mushrooms
Broccoli
Snap peas
Extra Tangy
Add more lime juice.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Peanut-Free
Omit peanut butter and peanuts — still delicious!
Spicy Pad Thai
Add sriracha, chili flakes, or fresh chili.
🧠 Tips for the BEST Pad Thai
Don’t over-soak noodles — keep a little firmness.
Add sauce before noodles dry out to keep everything glossy.
Use high heat for authentic stir-fry flavor.
Prep ingredients first — Pad Thai cooks FAST.
Taste and adjust: add sugar for sweetness, soy for saltiness, lime for tang.
🎉 Conclusion: Try This Pad Thai Recipe Today!
This simple, delicious, and customizable Pad Thai is perfect for home cooks of all levels. With easy ingredients, quick prep, and tons of flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.