Satisfy Your Cravings: How To Make Your Chicken Pad Thai Extra Spicy

If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine, you know that pad Thai is a must-try dish. This stir-fried noodle dish is typically made with rice noodles, chicken, vegetables, and a sweet and tangy sauce. But what if you want your pad Thai to have a little bit of a kick? Here’s how to make chicken pad Thai spicy:

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 ounces) of rice noodles
• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1/2 cup of bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts
• 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup of tamarind sauce
• 1/4 cup of fish sauce
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce (or more, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil

Instructions

1. Cook the rice noodles according to the package directions.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the chicken, bell peppers, and carrots to the skillet and cook until the chicken is heated through and the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the bean sprouts, peanuts, and cilantro to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the tamarind sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, Sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
7. Add the sauce to the skillet and stir to coat the noodles and vegetables.
8. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, or until the sauce has thickened.
9. Serve immediately.

Tips for Making Spicy Pad Thai

• Use a variety of chili peppers. For a milder spice, use green chili peppers. For a hotter spice, use red chili peppers. You can also use a combination of different chili peppers to create a unique flavor.
• Add the chili peppers to the dish gradually. Start with a small amount and add more to taste. This will help you avoid making your pad Thai too spicy.
• Use fresh chili peppers if possible. Fresh chili peppers have a more intense flavor than dried chili peppers.
• If you don’t have any chili peppers, you can use other spices to add heat to your pad Thai. Some good options include cayenne pepper, paprika, or cumin.

Health Benefits of Spicy Pad Thai

In addition to being delicious, spicy pad Thai can also be good for your health. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including:

• Reducing inflammation
• Boosting metabolism
• Relieving pain
• Improving heart health

Variations on Spicy Pad Thai

There are many different ways to make spicy pad Thai. Here are a few variations to try:

• Add other vegetables to your pad Thai. Some good options include broccoli, zucchini, or snap peas.
• Use a different type of protein. Instead of chicken, you could use shrimp, tofu, or beef.
• Make your own sauce. This is a great way to customize the flavor of your pad Thai.
• Top your pad Thai with your favorite toppings. Some good options include crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Conclusion

Spicy pad Thai is a delicious and healthy dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of heat, you can create a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. So next time you’re in the mood for Thai food, give spicy pad Thai a try!

FAQ

Q: What is the best way to cook rice noodles for pad Thai?

A: The best way to cook rice noodles for pad Thai is to soak them in hot water for 10-15 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable. Once the noodles are soft, drain them and rinse them with cold water.

Q: What is the difference between tamarind sauce and fish sauce?

A: Tamarind sauce is a sweet and tangy sauce made from the fruit of the tamarind tree. Fish sauce is a salty and pungent sauce made from fermented fish.

Q: How can I make my pad Thai even spicier?

A: There are a few ways to make your pad Thai even spicier. You can add more Sriracha sauce to the sauce, or you can add chopped chili peppers to the dish. You can also use a hotter type of chili pepper, such as a habanero pepper.