Large skillet or wok Essential for stir-frying the ingredients quickly over high heat. A wok is traditional and allows for better heat distribution, but a wide skillet will work.
Medium saucepan For heating and reducing the curry sauce.
Mixing bowls Useful for prepping and holding ingredients before cooking.
Tongs or a wooden spatula To gently toss the noodles without breaking them.
Fine-mesh sieve Handy if you need to rinse your noodles or strain anything.
Ingredients
For the green curry sauce
2tablespoonsgreen curry pasteMae Ploy or Thai Kitchen are good options
1can13.5 oz full-fat coconut milk
1tablespoonfish sauce
1tablespoonpalm sugaror brown sugar
1teaspoonsoy sauce
Juice of 1/2 lime
For the pad thai noodles and stir-fry
8ozdried rice noodlespreferably flat, about ¼ inch wide
2tablespoonsvegetable oil
1poundbonelessskinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced (you can substitute chicken breast if you prefer)
1small red onionthinly sliced
3garlic clovesminced
1bell pepperjulienned (red or yellow for color)
1cupsnap peas or green beanstrimmed
1/2cupThai basil leavesregular basil can be used if Thai basil isn't available
2eggslightly beaten
1/4cupchopped roasted peanutsfor garnish
Lime wedgesfor serving
Optional toppings
Bean sprouts
Sliced scallions
Red chili flakes or Thai bird chilis for heat
Instructions
Soak the Noodles
Start by soaking the rice noodles in warm water for about 25–30 minutes, or until they're soft but not mushy. Drain and set aside. This step is key for getting that signature chewy pad thai texture without overcooking them in the wok.
Make the Green Curry Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the green curry paste. Sauté it in a small spoonful of coconut cream (from the top of the can) until it becomes fragrant—about 1-2 minutes. Then pour in the rest of the coconut milk, fish sauce, palm sugar, soy sauce, and lime juice. Stir well and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Turn off the heat and set it aside.
Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken thighs and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Stir-fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the snap peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
Scramble the Eggs
Push the veggies to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Let them set for a moment, then scramble and mix with the vegetables.
Add the Noodles and Sauce
Add the soaked noodles to the skillet, then pour in the green curry sauce. Toss everything together with tongs or a spatula to ensure the noodles are well-coated in the sauce.
Finish with Basil and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the Thai basil leaves. Stir until everything is warmed through and the basil is wilted.
Serve
Plate the noodles hot and garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh bean sprouts, scallions, and chili flakes if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.