Chicken Pad Thai from Pei Wei features tender chicken stir-fried with rice noodles, scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts, all tossed in a savory tamarind sauce, delivering a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors with vibrant colors.
Equipments
- Wok
- Wok spatula
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Colander or strainer
- Peeler (optional, for garnishes)
- Serving plates or bowls
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) dried rice noodles
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 4 green onions
- 1/4 cup tamarind paste
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 small shallot
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 lime
Ensure the dried rice noodles are soaked according to package instructions to achieve the perfect soft but slightly chewy texture essential for authentic Chicken Pad Thai. Use boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into thin strips for quick and even cooking in the wok. The tamarind paste is a key ingredient that provides the dish's signature tangy flavor, so choose a high-quality paste for best results. Fresh ingredients like bean sprouts, green onions, and cilantro add necessary crunch and brightness, balancing the rich sauce made from fish sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice. Your Chicken Pad Thai from Pei Wei copycat menu will capture the vibrant, harmonious flavors and textures of the original when these key ingredient tips are followed.
Instructions
- Soak rice noodles in warm water until softened; drain in colander.
- Slice chicken breast thinly across the grain.
- Mince garlic and shallot; slice green onions.
- In mixing bowl, combine tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, and red pepper flakes to make sauce.
- Crack eggs into bowl and beat lightly.
- Heat wok over medium-high heat; add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
- Add chicken slices to wok; stir-fry until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add another tablespoon vegetable oil to wok; add garlic and shallot; stir-fry until fragrant.
- Pour in beaten eggs; scramble briefly until just set.
- Add softened noodles to wok; toss with eggs, garlic, and shallot.
- Pour prepared sauce over noodles; toss to coat.
- Return cooked chicken to wok; add bean sprouts and green onions. Toss to combine.
- Stir-fry 1-2 minutes until heated through and well-mixed.
- Transfer Pad Thai to serving plates or bowls.
- Top with crushed roasted peanuts, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Chicken Pad Thai from Pei Wei copycat menu uses tamarind paste to achieve its distinct tangy flavor, but if tamarind is unavailable, you can substitute with a mix of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar or tamarind concentrate for a similar taste. Using dried rice noodles requires soaking in warm water until pliable, but fresh rice noodles can be a quicker alternative if preferred. When cooking the chicken, make sure to slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness and faster cooking. Your bean sprouts should be added last to maintain their crunchiness and freshness in the dish. For a vegetarian variation, replace chicken with firm tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
Tips
Make sure to soak the rice noodles in warm water long enough to soften but not become mushy, as over-soaking can ruin the texture of your Pad Thai. Slice the chicken thinly across the grain to keep the meat tender and ensure even cooking during stir-frying. When adding the sauce, toss the noodles quickly and thoroughly in the wok to evenly coat every strand without making the dish soggy. Use fresh lime juice right before serving to enhance the flavors and bring brightness to your dish, giving your Chicken Pad Thai that authentic Pei Wei taste.
Nutritions
Chicken Pad Thai from Pei Wei provides a balanced nutritional profile rich in protein from tender chicken breast and eggs, essential for muscle repair and energy. The rice noodles offer a good source of carbohydrates, fueling your body with sustainable energy throughout the day. This dish also contains healthy fats from roasted peanuts and a variety of vitamins and antioxidants from fresh ingredients like bean sprouts, green onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Your meal is naturally low in saturated fat while delivering fiber and micronutrients vital for overall health.
Storage
To store leftover Chicken Pad Thai, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and safety, reheating thoroughly in a wok or microwave until hot. Avoid freezing to preserve the texture of the rice noodles and fresh ingredients in your dish.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken with firm tofu or shrimp to accommodate different dietary preferences while preserving the authentic Pad Thai taste. Using tamarind concentrate instead of paste can intensify the tangy flavor, and adding a splash of coconut milk will lend a creamy texture to the sauce. For an extra crunch, try incorporating shredded carrots or bell peppers along with bean sprouts. Stir-frying over high heat with a well-seasoned wok ensures even cooking and enhances the smoky wok hei aroma in your dish.
Allergies
Chicken Pad Thai from Pei Wei contains common allergens such as eggs, peanuts, soy (from soy sauce), fish (from fish sauce), and shellfish traces possibly present in tamarind paste processing. Your allergy concerns should include peanuts, eggs, and fish sauces which are key ingredients in this dish. Individuals with allergies should inform the restaurant to accommodate or avoid cross-contamination risks.
Why this recipe?
Chicken Pad Thai from Pei Wei restaurant is loved for its authentic balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, perfectly achieved with fresh ingredients like rice noodles, grilled chicken, peanuts, and bean sprouts. The dish's satisfying texture and generous portion size deliver a fulfilling meal that appeals to a wide range of palates. Making a copycat recipe at home allows you to customize the spice level and ingredient freshness while enjoying a cost-effective version of this crowd favorite. Your efforts to replicate this iconic dish can result in an authentic and personalized dining experience that rivals the restaurant's quality.