Pad Thai

This most popular Thai dish is excellent served hot or cold. Makes enough for six people.

Ingredients:  

• 8 large garlic cloves - peeled and minced 
• 3 large eggs - lightly beaten  
• 1 large limes - cut into 6 wedges 
• 1/3 c. roasted peanuts - chopped 
• 1 bunch scallions - thinly sliced crosswise 
• 1/3 c. golden brown sugars 
• 1/3 c. peanut oil 
• 1 lb. large shrimp - peeled and deveined
•  1/4 c. white vinegar 
• 1/2 bunch freshly chopped cilantro leaves  
• 3/4 lb. porks tenderloin - cut into 1-inch-long thin strips  
• 2 c. bean sprouts  
• 1 tsp. red pepper flakes  
• 1/4 c. fish sauce  
• 1 1/2 lbs. flat rice noodles        

 Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and then remove from the heat. Add the noodles to the pot and let soak for 12 to 15 minutes until the noodles are soft. 

• Thoroughly mix together the vinegar, sugar, fish sauce and ketchup. Drain the noodles. 

Place a large wok over medium-high heat. When the wok is hot, add the oil and heat for 15 seconds.

Add the garlic and stir constantly for a few seconds. Add the shrimp and pork and stir-fry for one minute.

• Stir in the sauce and bring to a boil. Place the noodles in the wok and toss to coat well.  Cook until most of the sauce has been absorbed by the noodles. Make a hole in the center of the wok, add the eggs and let cook, without stirring, for 15 seconds. 

• After 15 seconds, stir-fry until the eggs are cooked and well distributed throughout the noodles. Add the red pepper flakes and scallions and stir-fry for another 2 minutes. 

• Remove the wok from the heat and stir in the peanuts and bean sprouts. Serve garnished with cilantro and lime wedges. 

Tip:                                                                                                                        

• Flat rice noodles are commonly found in Chinese or Asian markets, or in the Asian sections of some supermarkets.

• If you want a vegetarian pad thai, leave out the meat and add some cubes of tofu instead. You can fry the tofu until golden beforehand if you like. You might also add a few broccoli florets. (The fish sauce is still non-vegetarian; some vegetarians don\'t mind this, others do. You can substitute soy sauce, but it won\'t have the exact same flavor.)