Alissa's Pad Thai

[greywolf]

first time making this for dinner last night - was a big hit for me and my SO. we really like our Thai food, so this was an interesting new version.

i would recommend adding 2 things to the dish for those who have tried it, or are looking to try it.

typically, Pad Thai also has cilantro in with the noodles. i did not have any to add so i used a bit (maybe 1/4 - 1/2 cup) fresh spinach. nice spash of green and was really quite good. gave it a quick pulse in the processor and then tossed in with the "noodles." cilantro would have rocked it though...

the other is fresh lime! i can not remember ever eating Pad Thai without haveing wedges of lime on the side of the plate. just squeeze a bit over everything once the sauce is added - perferct tart to the sweet of the sauce.

and as for Alissa's sauce - i will NEVER miss Thai peanut sauce after making hers last night! mine needed about a 1/4 to 1/2 cup more water last night, but WOW was it good.

i will admit to licking my bowl clean...

*grin*

[Punky]

YES Pad Thai needs cilantro and lime for a authentic flavor.
good suggestions.

[Rawkinlocs]

I, too, love the Pad Thai recipe! It's one of my favorites. I had never had it before so it was all new to me. I don't like cilantro in anything at all, so probably won't use it...but I'll try the lime juice squeezed on it next time I make it! Thanks for the suggestion! :)

[vegangelist]

i added cilantro and lime the first time i made it too....just couldn't imagine it WITHOUT cilantro. but then, most of the recipes i find need to be "jazzed" a bit with extra seasoning....otherwise too bland....i am a texan after all ; )

kristi

[Sharon in Colorado]

I used to hate the soapy flavor of cilantro but now I have to have that flavor in guacamole and things like Paht Thai.

[greywolf]

weird - i have NEVER tasted "soap" in cilantro myself. but then if we all did not have different tastes we would all be eating the exact same thing all the time.

after years and years of the best guac and salsas in Texas, cilantro is a MUST in our house.

[vegangelist]

i will tell you what that soapy taste is: pesticides. seriously, don't laugh. when i started buying organic stuff, i became addicted to parsley. just snacking on parsley, out of hand. i loved it, still do! and, my husband would do the same thing with cilantro. then, one time at my mom's, i needed a parsley "fix" but hers wasn't organic, I tasted it: it tasted like soap! i spit it out. soap was NOT gonna fix my craving!!! we have since discovered the same thing with non-organic cilantro. we have told other people that and they look at us like we are on drugs....but it is true! other greens are the same, not so much soapy, but more bitter when they are not organic. so, if you only buy a few things organic, make sure that it is your greens :)

kristi

[tvillemom]

I love cilantro and lime.....sounds great! I've gotta get her book. I sacrificied the money I had stored away to buy some her book and DVD set to buy some of our kids Christmas...so I didn't get to order it. :o OH well...I have no regrets, I know after the holidays I'll start another stash, I'll get it eventually!
Wendi

[rawcanadagirl]

I have wanted to try this recipe for a while, but have been wary of it (I LOVE thai food - and thought it wouldn't be a good susbstitute). But with all these good reviews, maybe I will give it a go!

Is the recipe very sweet? I like my pad thai a little sweet - and very hot. And I will definately add lime and cilantro as well - and maybe a little minced thai pepper? I am assuming the recipe isn't very spicy.

Thanks for the recipe tip!
RCG :D

[greywolf]

the sauce straight outta the book is quite sweet - and i can not beleive that i will not be missing the "peanut" part of the sauce - ever.

the lime really adds the "tart" or "sour" to the dish - i did not have any chilis on hand, but that would be a great addition. i kinda like a little heat (spice-wise) in my Thai food as well.

another book i have lists adding shredded red cabbage, carrot and (believe it or not) apple to the mix as well. next time that is some likely add-ins. red chili flakes will be at the top of the new item list for me for sure though!

[vegangelist]

if you want an authentic, spicy thai dish, then you will definitely need to perk this up ALOT! It is quite mild. Some peppers, pepper flakes, pepper sauce, etc will certainly be required :)

kristi