Pork Pad Thai

Pork Pad Thai Recipe from Thailand | Easy and Delicious

Region / culture: Asia, Southeast Asia, Thailand | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Pork Pad Thai is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender pork, rice noodles, and a spicy peanut butter sauce. This dish is a popular Thai street food that has gained popularity all over the world for its bold flavors and satisfying textures.

History

Pad Thai is a traditional Thai dish that dates back to the 1930s. It was created by the Thai government as part of a nationalistic campaign to promote Thai cuisine and culture. The dish quickly became popular among locals and tourists alike, and variations of the dish, such as Pork Pad Thai, have since been developed to cater to different tastes.

Ingredients

For the noodle base

1.5 lb (680 g) pork tenderloin, trimmed
1 tbsp canola oil
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 bunch green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 (1 lb (454 g)) package rice noodles, cooked
2 cups matchstick carrots
2 cups bean sprouts
0.5 cup finely chopped dry-roasted peanuts

Spicy peanut butter sauce

0.5 cup creamy peanut butter, regular or fat-free/reduced fat only
0.5 cup soy sauce
4 garlic cloves, chopped
0.25 cup honey
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp Asian sriracha or (4 tbsp hot sauce)
1 tbsp chopped fresh ginger
0.25 tsp cayenne pepper

How to prepare

Cut the pork into very thin pieces. Stir-fry the pork in hot oil in a large wok over medium heat for 5-8 minutes, or until it is done.
Place the pork in a bowl. Add the eggs to the wok and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute or until they are set.
Add the pork and green onions to the wok with the hot, cooked noodles and sauté for 1 – 2 minutes.
Divide the pork mixture evenly between 8 plates.
Place 0.25 cup of carrots onto the left side of each plate and 0.25 cup of bean sprouts onto the right side of each plate.
Sprinkle each serving with chopped peanuts. Serve with the spicy peanut butter sauce immediately.

Spicy peanut butter sauce

Process all ingredients and 0.5 cup of cold water in a food processor for 10 – 12 seconds until they are well blended.
Drizzle the sauce over the cooked noodles with meat and vegetables.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the pork for a different protein option.
Add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of noodles such as egg noodles or udon noodles for a unique twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the pork into thin slices to ensure quick and even cooking.

- Stir-fry the pork over medium heat to prevent it from becoming tough and chewy.

- Be sure to cook the eggs until they are just set to avoid overcooking them.

- Use a large wok to stir-fry the ingredients to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.

Serving Suggestions

Pork Pad Thai can be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the main cooking technique used in this recipe to quickly cook the pork, eggs, and vegetables over high heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Peanut butter can be substituted with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.

- Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.

- Rice noodles can be swapped with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

The spicy peanut butter sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The pork can also be marinated in the sauce overnight for extra flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each serving of Pork Pad Thai with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and additional chopped peanuts for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pork Pad Thai pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Riesling or a light lager beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a refreshing iced tea or coconut water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Pork Pad Thai can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until heated through or stir-fry it in a hot pan for a few minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pork Pad Thai contains approximately 450 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pork Pad Thai contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pork Pad Thai contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Pork Pad Thai contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Pork Pad Thai is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Pork Pad Thai contains peanuts, soy, and sesame oil, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Pork Pad Thai is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Pork Pad Thai is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its bold flavors and nutritious ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Pork Pad Thai. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her bustling kitchen. The aroma of garlic, ginger, and cilantro filled the air as Maria chopped and stirred with expert hands. She had a gleam in her eye as she pulled out a worn notebook from her kitchen drawer and flipped to a page that was well-loved and stained with years of use.

“This,” Maria said with a smile, “is my secret recipe for Pork Pad Thai. It’s a family favorite, passed down through generations.”

I watched in awe as Maria effortlessly combined the ingredients in her wok, the sizzle of the pork mingling with the fragrant spices. She explained each step with patience and precision, guiding me through the process as if I were a novice in the kitchen. And in a way, I was. While I had always loved to cook, I had never ventured into the world of Thai cuisine.

As we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor, I savored each bite of the flavorful dish. The tender pork, the crunchy vegetables, the tangy sauce – it was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Over the years, I sought out every opportunity to learn more about Thai cooking. I visited markets, attended cooking classes, and asked friends and family for their favorite recipes. Each time I made Pork Pad Thai, I added my own twist – a little more spice here, a touch of sweetness there. And with each batch, I felt my confidence in the kitchen grow.

One day, as I was preparing Pork Pad Thai for a family gathering, my own grandmother came into the kitchen. She observed me quietly for a moment before reaching for a spoon and tasting the dish.

“Ah,” she said with a smile, “you’ve learned well, my dear. This tastes just like the Pad Thai I used to make when I was a young girl in Thailand.”

I was taken aback. I had no idea that my grandmother had such a connection to Thai cuisine. As we sat down to eat, she regaled us with stories of her childhood – the bustling markets, the fragrant spices, the laughter of her family gathered around the dinner table. And at the heart of it all was her love for cooking, a passion that she had passed down to me without even realizing it.

From that day on, I made Pork Pad Thai with a newfound appreciation for the dish. It wasn’t just a recipe – it was a link to my heritage, a connection to my grandmother and the generations of women who had come before me. And with each batch that I made, I felt their presence in the kitchen, guiding me with their wisdom and love.

Now, as I sit in my own bustling kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of garlic, ginger, and cilantro, I can’t help but smile. The recipe for Pork Pad Thai may have come from various places and people over the years, but its true origins lie in the stories and traditions of my own family. And as I stir the wok and taste the savory goodness of the dish, I know that I am carrying on a legacy that stretches back through generations – a legacy of love, laughter, and delicious food.