Gluten Free Pad Thai 2024

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Gluten Free Pad Thai Recipe: A Delicious and Satisfying Takeaway Alternative

Gluten Free Pad Thai is the perfect answer to satisfy your takeaway cravings while keeping your diet gluten-free. If you’re like me, you understand how challenging it can be to find gluten-free options, especially when ordering takeout. This gluten-free Pad Thai recipe gives you a homemade ‘fakeaway’ option that’s not only safe but also incredibly flavorful.

Made with rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and shrimp, this dish is an excellent alternative to your favorite restaurant version. The sauce is crafted from scratch, ensuring it’s gluten-free, and the entire recipe can easily be adapted to be vegan or dairy-free as well.

What is Pad Thai?

Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most popular and iconic dishes, typically made with stir-fried rice noodles, eggs, vegetables, and a protein such as shrimp or tofu, all tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce. While it’s packed with flavor, traditional Pad Thai is often made with soy sauce, which contains gluten. However, with a few substitutions, you can easily turn this meal into a gluten free Pad Thai that is just as delicious and satisfying as the original.

Why Make Gluten Free Pad Thai at Home?

Finding a truly gluten free Pad Thai at a restaurant can be tricky since many use soy sauce, which contains wheat and therefore gluten. Restaurants also run the risk of cross-contamination if their kitchen isn’t strictly gluten-free. Making your own gluten-free Pad Thai recipe at home ensures you have full control over the ingredients, making the dish safe for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Pad Thai

To make this gluten-free Pad Thai recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pad Thai Sauce:

3 tablespoons fish sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor. Always check the label to ensure it’s gluten-free.
2 tablespoons tamari: A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. You can also use certified gluten-free soy sauce if tamari isn’t available.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds tanginess to balance out the sweetness.
3 tablespoons brown sugar: Brings in a touch of sweetness to complement the tangy and savory flavors.
½ tablespoon chili sauce or sriracha: Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

For the Pad Thai:

8 ounces gluten-free rice noodles: These are traditionally used in Pad Thai and naturally gluten-free, but always check the label to confirm.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For sautéing the vegetables.
1 cup bean sprouts: Adds crunch and texture.
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and color.
4 green onions, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle onion flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that garlicky depth of flavor.
1 cup shrimp or tofu, cubed: Shrimp is a classic choice, but tofu works great as a vegan alternative.
2 large eggs, lightly beaten: Adds protein and richness. Leave out if making a vegan version.
¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped: Adds crunch and texture on top.
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Adds a fresh and herbaceous finish.
Lime wedges: For squeezing over the dish before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Gluten Free Pad Thai

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, gluten-free tamari, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chili sauce. Set the sauce aside for later.
Cook the Noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the bean sprouts, bell pepper, green onions, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened and fragrant.
Cook the Protein: Add shrimp (or tofu if using a vegan option) to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turns pink or the tofu is golden on the edges.
Scramble the Eggs: Push the vegetables and shrimp to one side of the skillet, then pour the lightly beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked, then mix them into the vegetables and shrimp.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet along with the prepared Pad Thai sauce. Toss everything together so that the noodles, vegetables, and protein are well-coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through.
Serve: Transfer the gluten free Pad Thai to bowls or plates. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your homemade gluten-free version of this beloved Thai dish!

Tips for Making the Best Gluten Free Pad Thai

Choose the Right Noodles: Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, making them a perfect choice for this recipe. However, always check the label to ensure there are no added ingredients that might contain gluten. Glass noodles or shirataki noodles can also be used as gluten-free alternatives.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles until they are just al dente, as they will continue to cook once they are added to the skillet. Rinsing them under cold water after cooking helps stop the cooking process and prevents them from becoming too soft.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a spicier gluten free Pad Thai, feel free to add more chili sauce or sriracha. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount or omit it altogether.
Make it Vegan: To make this gluten-free Pad Thai recipe vegan, simply leave out the eggs and shrimp. Replace the shrimp with extra vegetables or tofu. You can also substitute the fish sauce with a vegan alternative or omit it altogether.
Check for Hidden Gluten: Always check the labels on ingredients like tamari, fish sauce, and even rice noodles to ensure they are certified gluten-free. Cross-contamination can occur in some products, so it’s better to be safe.

Is Pad Thai Gluten-Free?

Traditionally, Pad Thai is not gluten-free because it contains soy sauce, which typically has wheat in it. However, by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Additionally, rice noodles, which are the base of most Pad Thai dishes, are naturally gluten-free, making them an ideal choice for anyone avoiding gluten. With these simple adjustments, you can enjoy a completely gluten free Pad Thai that tastes just as delicious as the traditional version.

Storing and Reheating Gluten Free Pad Thai

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but for the best results, reheat on the stovetop with a little bit of oil to prevent overcooking the shrimp or tofu. Toss everything together in the skillet until heated through, and enjoy!

Conclusion

This gluten-free Pad Thai recipe is a fantastic option for anyone who loves Thai food but needs to avoid gluten. With its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and customizable options, you’ll have a go-to recipe that’s perfect for quick dinners or meal prep. Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or just want to enjoy a healthier version of your favorite takeout, this recipe will satisfy your cravings without compromising on flavor. So next time you’re thinking about ordering takeout, try making this gluten free Pad Thai at home instead!