There’s something magical about bringing the bold, vibrant flavors of Thailand to your home kitchen, especially when it combines a touch of daring heat with the comfort of well-loved family cuisine. Our Ghost Pepper Pad Thai Recipe isn’t just another nod to the beloved Thai street food; it’s an adventure in cooking that elevates simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience. This dish brings families together, challenging your taste buds with the fiery ghost pepper, while balancing it with the familiar, tender chew of rice noodles, the crunch of fresh vegetables, and the rich nuttiness of crushed peanuts. Perfect for a cozy weekend meal or a special occasion, this recipe inspires creativity and lets you gather your loved ones around the table for a memorable feast.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Skill Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup tofu, diced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp ghost pepper chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Lime wedges, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until they are soft. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the shrimp and tofu to the skillet, cooking until the shrimp turn pink and the tofu starts to brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and pour in the lightly beaten eggs. Scramble until cooked through.
- Add the soaked noodles to the eggs and toss well to combine.
- Stir in the cooked shrimp and tofu, followed by the bean sprouts, carrots, and green onions. Toss everything together over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, and ghost pepper chili flakes. Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together, and the noodles to absorb the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
The heat level of this dish can be adjusted by varying the amount of ghost pepper chili flakes. For a milder version, start with 1/4 tsp and gradually increase to your desired spice level.
If you’re new to using ghost peppers, remember they are extremely hot, and a little goes a long way. Always handle with care, using gloves if necessary.
Storage Instructions & Ingredient Substitutions
Leftover Pad Thai can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent drying out.
For a vegetarian version, replace shrimp with mushrooms or additional tofu. You can substitute tamari for soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Pairings
This fiery and flavorful Pad Thai pairs wonderfully with a refreshing Thai iced tea or a cool coconut water to help balance the heat. Complete the meal with a side of fresh summer rolls or a light cucumber salad for a truly authentic Thai dining experience.
At Zynahz, we believe in bringing joy and creativity into every meal, and our Ghost Pepper Pad Thai Recipe is no exception. We invite you to try this exciting dish, share your results with us, and spread the love by sharing the recipe with friends and family. Dive into more culinary adventures by exploring the other recipes on Zynahz, following us on social media, and signing up for our newsletter for the latest updates and inspirations.
