BETTER-THAN-TAKEOUT PAD THAI

February 28, 2013

With such nice feedback on my better-than-takeout chicken fried rice, you have convinced me maybe we’ve got something with this homemade, “better-than-takeout” thing. As said before, although I am not a thai food expert I can vouch for what is tasty. And easy to make. Pad thai lovers, I don’t think you will be disappointed. One of my favorite parts is this sauce, which you can often make with ingredients you already have on hand.

Better Than Takeout Pad Thai

Better-Than-Takeout Easy Pad Thai
Serves four

12 ounces rice noodles
4 cooked chicken breasts, sliced (you could use this slow cooker chicken teriyaki)
1 cup bean sprouts
1 batch of this awesome pad thai sauce
4 scrambled eggs
4 green onions, sliced
1 cup chopped peanuts
1/2 cup cilantro

Prepare noodles according to package instructions.

Toss noodles with chicken, sprouts, and pad thai sauce in a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, until warm throughout.

Serve topped with egg, green onion, peanuts, and cilantro.

4.7 from 15 reviews
BETTER-THAN-TAKEOUT PAD THAI
 
Author:
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Prepare noodles according to package instructions.
  2. Toss noodles with chicken, sprouts, and pad thai sauce in a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, until warm throughout.
  3. Serve topped with egg, green onion, peanuts, and cilantro.

 

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Comments

  • Mindy

    My teenage son gave it 8 1/2 stars out of 10! And I had made it without bean sprouts or eggs. We both had seconds. I did add 1 Tb of peanut butter to the sauce and next time I would reduce the sriracha a little bit, it was a little spicy for my taste, my son loved the spice! It was easy and I am going to add this to my recipes for sure! Very yummy!

  • Jo-Ann

    OMG…Yummy!!!! We made it vegan so no chicken or eggs. We added finely chopped frozen broccoli, jalapeños and carrots as replacements. This is a keeper!!! Thanks

    • Shannon

      Do you have the nutritional facts for the better than take out Phad Thai please?

  • […] inspired by this recipe […]

  • Jean

    This recipe was so easy to make and so delicious!! I added in 1/2 tbsp peanut butter, minced garlic, and about 1 1/2 tbsp of chili garlic paste into the sauce. I also added the tiny scrambled egg bits and green onion into the pad Thai as it was cooking in the pan (that’s how my local place serves their pad Thai so I tried to replicate it). Thank you so so much for sharing! This is perfect to make after a long day at work. :)

  • Becki

    Wow!!!! This was amazing!! Especially the sauce! Loved it all! Thank you!!

  • Tracy

    This is the closest i have come to our amazing local takeout that is making me broke! I’ve made so many different versions and none have been good at all. But this was awesome!
    I added about 1 tbsp of grated ginger and 1 small garlic clove to the sauce (we love ginger so that may be too much for some). I also reduced the sauce as I warmed the noodles so it was syrupy as opposed to watery…again the way we like it. I had green beans and broccoli to use up so steamed those and put them in. Next time I’ll add carrots, mushrooms, and tofu. THANK YOU!!!

  • […] POPULAR DEMAND! You can also check out my recipe for better-than-takeout easy pad thai. And don’t freak out too much, but we love this breakfast fried […]

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  • Christina

    Tried this recipe and my family and I love it. Added some mushrooms, carrots and extra sauce since it was so yummy. New family favorite!

  • dave

    Anxious to try this.
    Can you use siracha ketchup as a substitute for regular siracha?

  • you look so yang – its great – yet the flyovers are matured and tasty.

    have fun with renovating your home and moor good recipes.

  • Annie

    I am curious if anyone has any experience freezing this meal? I have made it several times because we love it, and am considering making it in advance of a vacation so we can just thaw and warm it for dinner.

  • Brit

    Pros: GREAT flavor profile! Simple recipe that does not require a lot of ingredients
    Cons: Although the flavors are great, it did not acheive that great padthai taste that I was hoping for. It is just not the same without peanut sauce. Maybe I will add in some peanut butter next time like some of the other reviewers.
    My noodles turned out rubbery–at no fault of this recipe. I soaked them per package instructions; usually I cook them like pasta instead. Also, I added shredded cabbage to the top because shredded cabbage and carrot, lots of lime, crushed peanuts, and peanut sauce are some of my favorite aspects of PadThai.

    • Jennifer

      When i worked in a Thai restaurant, they added ketchup and white sugar and little bits of dry salted radish which was soaked to remove most of the salt.

  • Wow! So delicious and easy. I poach the chicken the day before to have a little head start. My family (including 11 year old) loves this dish. She always asks for the spicy noodles.

  • Christina

    This dish is cheap, quick, easy and AMAZING! Definitely a keeper. I used shrimp and tossed in a little sesame oil.

  • Dharma

    I just don’t get what is that you do with the eggs? Please help!

    • Debra

      You just scramble and add on with the bean sprouts, cilantro, green onion, and peanuts.

  • Cristina

    This recipe was delicious! My husband and I loved it. We doubled the sauce recipe and added peanut butter, ground ginger and garlic. Thank you!

  • Laura

    Loved it! Used even more noodles, and it was great.

  • Made this tonight and combined this recipe with another. I added the peanut butter in the sauce, which definitely added to the flavor and consistency of the sauce. I left out the egg and used fresh veggies from the garden, including zucchini. Everything about it was great and easy! Definitely a keeper for an alternative instead of the usual stir fry.

  • Mary Ann Cougill

    You still didn’t send me onesauce recipe

  • Mary Ann Cougill

    I wanted a sauce recipe. Would you please send me one? I
    would really be pleased,

    • Anonymous

      PAD THAI SAUCE
      Serves 5-6

      3 tablespoons soy sauce
      1 tablespoon sriracha
      2 tablespoons lime juice
      2 tablespoons canola oil
      2 tablespoons brown sugar

      Whisk together ingredients. Serve several tablespoons over pad thai.

  • patty

    This looks AMAZINGLY Easy!! OMGOSHHHHHH YUMMMMMOOOOOOO! ! Would love to try it with shrimpThank you so much!

  • Jen

    This was such a quick, easy, delicious recipe – it’s going up on the fridge for instant weeknight reference. Thank you.

    • Sheri

      Made this for hubby tonight and he loved it! He’s such a huge pad thai fan but every attempt I’ve made over the years has not only taken FOREVER to prepare but has been a yucky total failure..the ingredients were always too overpowering not to mention they made the house reek.
      I had given up hope on trying again until I saw your recipe and thought perhaps simpler is better. I didn’t have rice noodles or bean sprouts so I just used spaghetti noodles. .after all this was just a test to see if he liked the sauce. Needless to say he was leary of tasting it since I don’t have a good track record but he was brave and started smiling after the first bite. :) The flavor was really good and he’d definitely eat it again, and since rice noodles take so long to prep and difficult to get just right he’d leave the spaghetti noodles or perhaps use fettuccine or linguine. I did add a few other things for flavor like a tablespoon creamy peanut butter, pinch ginger, dash apple cider vinegar, and a dash worchestershire. No nasty fish sauce is definitely a plus! Thanks for giving us an easy option! :)

      • Sophie

        You sprinkle the fish sauce on when it’s all done and you’re ready to eat :D!

  • Debra

    Made the Pad Thai last night – it was fabulous! We couldn’t stop eating it – you may want to mention in the recipe where to add the eggs. Thank you so much!

  • K

    This was delicious!!!! I didn’t have any leftovers, which doesn’t happen often ;) definitely adding this to my rotation. So easy to make!!!

  • Keala

    OMG! It was a success. The amazing reviews are totally accurate. I needed a fasting meal – vegan. So I made this with tofu,edemame, broccoli, and red peppers in addition for more protein and veggies. The sauce was perfect! THANK YOU! This is going in the recipe box.

  • Allyson

    Love this recipe! Making it for the third time tonight! I’ve added 1TBSP natural peanut butter and it tastes amazing! We like this more than takeout now :)

  • Ashley

    Looks great!! Just one question, I always mess up chicken. I think I overcook it. Any suggestions? How do you recommend preparing the chicken?

    • Anonymous

      Ok, I know this was posted over 2 years ago, but I’m responding anyway

  • Carley

    Stumbled upon your blog because according to Google you have an ‘Awesome Pad Thai Recipe.’ Will try this tonight!

  • Megan

    This recipe is amazing!! It’s a big hit in my house. I tried other recipes but none come close to this. Thank you so much!

  • sarah g

    LOVE this recipe! I’m so glad I found your blog on pinterest. You’ve got so many things I can’t wait to try.
    On this one I cut the Saracha in half because I don’t do well with hot dishes, and it was perfect for me. Next time I’m trying it with shrimp. :)

  • Sally

    This is my new go-to! I changed it up a little by marinating my chicken in a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, water and garlic/ginger paste from my local indian market. The pad Thai sauce was so easy to make and delicious!

  • Rose

    Just made this tonight. It was a little too spicy for my little ones but do you know what that means? More leftovers for mama! LOL Did a simple Asian marinade with the chicken. Loved it!
    FYI peeps: if you’re thinking of leaving out the scallions of cilantro, DON’T! Those 2 brighten this dish right up.
    Thanks! Found you on Pinterest and can’t wait to try more :-)

    • Rachel Schultz

      Thank you Rose!

  • Grace

    Made it with my little brother today & it was delicious! It was his first time cooking & he was pretty proud of himself ;D. Thank you heaps!

  • Eric

    You really nailed this recipe. Since I saw a comment that mentioned they really enjoyed spicier food (which I love) – I did 1.5tbsp of the sriracha sauce. Also, I was paranoid when adding all of the cilantro, however 1 cup was just right to mix for the serving in this recipe. I would say this could serve 4 hungry souls

    • Rachel Schultz

      Thanks Eric!

  • Sara

    Very good and surprisingly simple. I bought pre-made noodles which made it super easy. I personally found that 3 breasts were too much meat for the noodle and sauce ration; I will use only 2 breasts next time. The only other suggetion I’d add is a side of peanut sauce and extra lime for garnish. I found it a tad dry so I’ll likely double up on the sauce next time too. My boyfriend was impressed with this dish as well!

  • Anonymous

    Delicious!

  • sarah h

    This is way sweeter than any pad thai I have ever had

  • Lauren

    Love! My new go to recipe!

  • Christina

    A tasty and simple recipe that I confess I stuffed my belly with until my satisfaction meter started registering past full and into just straight gluttony. I did feel that there was a creamy nuttiness that was missing so I added a bit of peanut sauce after all was said and done. I’ll try Tom’s modification below next time. I’d give this 4/5 stars as it stands (can’t get the little rating stars to work for me just now).

  • Sarah

    I have made this several times. It is always a huge hit. It is relatively healthy without the peanut butter etc. I am very liberal with the cilantro and the lime juice. I have also added shrimped that has been sauted with olive oil, garlic and ginger. Plan to double this recipe as it goes fast!!! delicious and easier enough for a work night.

  • Annette

    We used to stop at this Thai place a long time ago called “MaMa Fu’s” they closed down and I have been trying to duplicate their recipe for many years! This recipe nailed it – thank you!

  • Tom

    I made this recipe last night (w/ one change) and am very happy with the results. (I added one tablespoon of peanut butter to the Thai sauce recipe.) I will increase the oil in the Thai sauce by another tablespoon next time. The sauce was too thick…likely from the added peanut butter. In any case, very simple to execute for a first time Thai cooker and well worth revisiting.

    Highly Recommended & Bookmarked!

  • Kimber

    I love Pad Thai and for years have tried to make it with the kits that have the pre-made sauce…. they never turned out tasting close to restaurant quality. Then I made this recipe last night and my boyfriend and I were quite surprised with how satisfying it turned out! I can’t remember the last time I was this excited for homemade leftovers (which I already nibbled it cold and it was just as good!)

    I added a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce and some minced garlic…perfect!

    Already looking forward to making this meal again. Thank you!

  • Jenny

    Holy crap this is good. The last recipe I tried was eh. My boyfriend liked it….after dumping more soy sauce and siracha on it. Thannnnnnnnkkk youuuu.

  • Sarah

    Why is it wet? I thought authentic pad thai is suppose to be dry and evenly coated.

  • Meredith

    LOVE this recipe! It turned out great! I doubled the sauce, and added a little chili powder, cumin, nutmeg, and ginger and a tablespoon of peanut butter which added a lot of flavor. I will definitely be making this again.

  • […] didn’t take any pictures of this while I was cooking (my bad) but I am linking to the original recipe and I will be using the pictures from the original recipe as […]

  • […] Pad Thai + Chicken Recipe Source: Rachel Schultz […]

  • Senan

    Hi Rachel, I came across your blog while searching for this recipe and i must say it sounds amazing! I was sold the moment i saw sriracha as an ingredient:) and cannot wait to try it! But i am using fresh pad thai noodles from the asian market and they are sold in 16oz. bags, now here is my questions, how does it compare in volume to the 8oz. Dry Once it’s cooked? Is it the same amount needed for this recipe? Thanks in advance!

    • Rachel Schultz

      The 8 ounces is what you want when it’s dry.

  • […] Recipe and photo are from https://rachelschultz.com/2013/02/28/better-than-takeout-easy-pad-thai/ […]

  • Reta

    LOVE this recipe….I make it once a week I swear, but its so amazingly delicious with a hint of spice that its hard to resist! Thanks for Sharing!!

    • Rachel Schultz

      You’re welcome, Reta. That’s lovely to hear.

  • Jennifer

    Oh my goodness, this was amazing! Will definitely make again! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

  • Laura

    Very good! I also added some fish sauce into the sauce and stirred in a few edamame!

  • Leandra

    I added the cooked noodles, bean sprouts and sauce to the pan after frying up the chicken. sooo good.

  • hey rachel! i’m super excited to try this out. i’m curious how you cooked your chicken though? i’m not used to cooking a lot of meat and haven’t quite nailed down any favorite ways yet.

    • Rachel Schultz

      Try my slow cooker teriyaki chicken recipe.

  • Michelle Bradley

    My family loves your takeout fried rice it’s my sons favorite meal :) I wanted to try the pad thai but having trouble finding pad thai noodles. Where did you get yours?

    • Kurt

      Michelle – We had the same problem w/ the Pad Thai noodles, so we substituted Mei Fun – Worked just as well, just not as thick/heavy as a traditional Pad Thai noodle.

      (We love the Fried Rice too)

  • Sara

    Thank you so much for the recipe! The budget is pretty tight right now and my usual Thai place is definitely out of it. This recipe is delicious and I don’t have to drive 25 min to get my noodles :)

    • Rachel Schultz

      Happy to help, Sara! :)

  • Darlene

    I’m Married to a Thai man and made this recipe for his family at a get together. It was wonderful and was given so may complements on it.. I think my sister-n-law was a little jealous because I didn’t ask her help and everyone liked it.. Made me Smile big that night thanks

    • Rachel Schultz

      Haha! Thanks Darlene :)

  • Anonymous

    At the risk of sounding like the terrible novice that I am…. when do you add the scrambled egg in? :)

    • Rachel Schultz

      The very end! Not a dumb question :)

  • Sandy Anderson

    I followed a friend’s link to your site for the easy and delicious recipes, then I became addicted to reading your godly encouragement and happy marriage updates. ;-)
    Thank you for being YOU, and for allowing us a glimpse into your life.

    • Rachel Schultz

      Thank you!

  • […] inspired by this recipe […]

  • […] #8: Better Than Take Out Pad Thai [recipe] […]

  • Jamie Wernet

    What is sriracha? Is it spicy?

    • Rachel Schultz

      Yes, it’s a paste made of chili peppers.

  • Jenna

    I made this for dinner tonight. Yummy! Even my kids loved it! Thanks for the easy recipe and enticing photos.

    • Rachel Schultz

      You’re welcome! Thank YOU.

  • Lisa

    Made this tonight, it was really yummy. Mine didn’t seem as saucy as your pictures, so I might double the sauce next time, but totally a keeper.

    • Rachel Schultz

      That’s great! Glad you liked it.

  • Made this and it was delicious.. i used vegetable oil because i didn’t have canola, and i forgot to buy scallions, but it was very good, a little spicy, but a great comparison to the thai i love at the place down the road! Thanks!!

    • Rachel Schultz

      That’s great! I’m so glad.

  • Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it!

    • Rachel Schultz

      I’m craving this now, actually.

  • Nik

    Your “Better Than Takeout Fried Rice” was so great, I’m betting this will be a family favorite for us as well! Thx for the recipe!

    • Rachel Schultz

      You’re welcome! We love it just as much.

  • This looks amazing!! Your pictures are really awesome! I will have to try this!

    • Rachel Schultz

      Thanks!

  • We love Thai food! This will help cut our takeout bill in half, thank you!!!

    • Rachel Schultz

      That’s great! You’re welcome.

  • YUM! I am def trying this! I love pad thai!

    • Rachel Schultz

      Yay! Me too :)

      • Anonymous

        This was absolutely delicious!! My husband loves Asian food.. so I had to make this.. WAS A BIIIIGGG HITT!!! .. Thank you so much for sharing your recipe.

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