Bangkok Pad Thai from Wok Box features stir-fried rice noodles tossed with tender shrimp, scrambled eggs, crunchy bean sprouts, and chopped peanuts, all coated in a tangy tamarind sauce, delivering a vibrant blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors with a satisfying texture.
Equipments
- Wok
- Spatula or wok turner
- Mixing bowls
- Pot (for soaking noodles)
- Strainer or colander
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Serving plates or bowls
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) dried rice noodles
- 1/2 lb (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 green onions
- 1 lime
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
When selecting ingredients for Bangkok Pad Thai from Wok Box, ensure you choose authentic dried rice noodles for the best texture and soak them adequately before cooking. Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp provide a tender bite, while tamarind paste delivers the essential tangy flavor that defines the dish. Using palm sugar instead of regular sugar is preferred to maintain the traditional sweetness, and freshly chopped peanuts add a satisfyingly crunchy contrast. You should also prepare fresh bean sprouts and green onions to preserve the dish's vibrant freshness. This copycat recipe replicates the signature bold and balanced flavors of the Wok Box Pad Thai, letting you enjoy it right in your own kitchen.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Soak rice noodles in hot water until softened; drain and set aside.
- Mix tamarind paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, and palm sugar in a bowl to make the sauce.
- Chop garlic, green onions, and cilantro (if using); cut lime into wedges.
- Heat wok with 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and stir-fry until pink; remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil and garlic to wok; sauté until fragrant.
- Crack eggs into wok; scramble until just cooked.
- Add drained noodles; toss with eggs and garlic.
- Pour sauce over noodles; stir-fry until evenly coated.
- Add shrimp, bean sprouts, green onions, and half of the peanuts; toss to combine.
- Stir in crushed red pepper, if using.
- Plate and garnish with remaining peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Bangkok Pad Thai from Wok Box copycat menu highlights the use of dried rice noodles that should be soaked in warm water until pliable but still slightly firm, preventing mushiness during stir-frying. You can substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or other proteins based on preference or availability while maintaining the dish's flavor balance with fish sauce or a vegetarian alternative like soy sauce. Tamarind paste can sometimes be challenging to find; a mixture of lime juice and a little brown sugar offers a reasonable tangy substitute. When cooking, use a well-seasoned wok or a heavy skillet for even heat distribution and toss ingredients quickly to preserve texture and aroma. If palm sugar is unavailable, brown sugar provides a good replacement without altering the dish's intended sweetness too much.
Tips
Ensure the rice noodles are soaked until just softened but not mushy, as over-soaking will cause them to break during stir-frying. When cooking shrimp, remove them promptly once they turn pink to avoid overcooking, which makes them tough. Use high heat and a well-seasoned wok to achieve the characteristic smoky flavor and prevent sticking. You can squeeze fresh lime over your dish before serving to brighten the flavors and balance the savory tamarind sauce.
Nutritions
Bangkok Pad Thai provides a balanced mix of macronutrients, with shrimp supplying high-quality protein and rice noodles contributing carbohydrates for energy. The dish contains healthy fats from peanuts and vegetable oil, while tamarind paste and fresh lime add antioxidants and vitamins that support digestion and immune function. Bean sprouts and green onions offer dietary fiber and essential micronutrients such as vitamin C and folate, enhancing overall nutritional value. Your meal also delivers moderate sodium levels from fish sauce and soy sauce, so adjusting portions can help manage sodium intake.
Storage
Store leftover Bangkok Pad Thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor. To reheat, use a wok or skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the noodles and restore their texture. Your dish will retain its vibrant taste and satisfying texture when properly stored and reheated this way.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken or tofu for shrimp to suit your dietary preferences or availability. For a smoky flavor, try using a charcoal or cast iron wok and stir-fry over high heat. Replace palm sugar with honey or maple syrup to adjust sweetness while maintaining a balanced tangy-salty taste. Using tamarind concentrate diluted with water instead of tamarind paste provides a more intense tang, allowing you to control the acidity of your Bangkok Pad Thai.
Allergies
Bangkok Pad Thai from Wok Box contains common allergens such as shrimp and peanuts, which can trigger severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The dish also includes eggs, soy sauce, and fish sauce, all potential allergy sources linked to egg, soy, and seafood allergies respectively. You should carefully check these ingredients before consuming to avoid adverse allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
Wok Box's Bangkok Pad Thai is renowned for its authentic balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, achieved through fresh ingredients like tamarind paste, fish sauce, and crushed peanuts. The dish's perfect texture, combining soft rice noodles and crunchy bean sprouts, offers a satisfying bite that appeals to many. You can recreate this well-loved recipe at home, allowing for customization of spice levels and ingredient quality, making it a worthwhile and flavorful culinary project. Mastering this dish enhances your cooking skills while delivering an iconic Thai street food experience.