Strictly Dumpling Season 1 Episode 9 Authentic Thai Recipes: Pad Thai

In season 1 episode 9 of Strictly Dumpling, host Mike Chen explores authentic Thai recipes, with a focus on the famous Pad Thai dish. He begins by delving into the history and origins of the dish, which can be traced back to the Ayutthaya period in Thailand. Chen travels to Bangkok, where he visits a local market to pick up fresh ingredients for his recipes.

Chen's first stop is at a street food vendor who specializes in making Pad Thai. He observes the vendor's technique and takes notes on the different ingredients used in the dish. He then heads back to his kitchen to start preparing his own version of Pad Thai.

Chen's recipe calls for rice noodles, shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, garlic, shallots, chili flakes, tamarind paste, fish sauce, and eggs. He begins by soaking the rice noodles and frying the shrimp in a wok. He then adds the garlic, shallots, and chili flakes to the wok, followed by the tofu and bean sprouts. He mixes the tamarind paste, fish sauce, and sugar in a separate bowl, then adds it to the wok along with the beaten eggs. Finally, he adds the soaked rice noodles and mixes everything together.

Chen notes that the key to a good Pad Thai is to keep the ingredients moving in the wok so that they cook evenly and don't stick to the pan. He also emphasizes the importance of balancing the flavors of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy in the dish.

In addition to the standard Pad Thai recipe, Chen also prepares a few variations. He makes a vegetarian version with mushrooms and carrots instead of shrimp, and a "crazy spicy" version with extra chili flakes and a sliced chili pepper garnish.

Throughout the episode, Chen also discusses other Thai dishes and ingredients, such as Tom Yum soup, sticky rice, and galangal root. He offers tips on how to properly use these ingredients and suggests ways to incorporate them into other recipes.

Overall, season 1 episode 9 of Strictly Dumpling is a great introduction to authentic Thai cuisine, with a focus on the popular Pad Thai dish. Chen's instructions are clear and easy to follow, and his enthusiasm for the food is contagious. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, there's something to learn from this episode.