If you're a fan of Thai cuisine, you're probably already familiar with Pad Thai. This mouth-watering dish is a staple in Thai restaurants and has become increasingly popular in Western countries as well. And the best part? You can make it at home! Our recipe for 1 cup Pad Thai with Chicken & Shrimp is not only delicious but also healthy at only 290 calories per serving.

Besides being low in calories, this dish is also packed with nutrition. It's a great source of protein thanks to the chicken and shrimp, and also contains plenty of vegetables like bean sprouts and green onions. It's a well-rounded meal that's sure to leave you feeling satisfied.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Pad Thai with Chicken & Shrimp. From the recipe ingredients and cooking instructions to the health benefits and possible allergens, you'll find all the information you need to make this dish at home and impress your family and friends.

Nutritional Information

As mentioned, our recipe for 1 cup Pad Thai with Chicken & Shrimp only contains 290 calories per serving. It's also low in fat and high in protein, making it a great option for those who want to maintain a healthy diet. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional value: - Calories: 290 - Fat: 7g - Carbohydrates: 36g - Protein: 20g - Fiber: 4g - Sugar: 10g - Sodium: 690mg

Recipe Ingredients

To make 1 cup Pad Thai with Chicken & Shrimp, you'll need the following ingredients: - 1 cup rice noodles - 1/2 cup cooked chicken, sliced - 1/2 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/2 cup bean sprouts - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced - 1/4 cup carrots, shredded - 1/4 cup peanuts, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons fish sauce - 2 tablespoons tamarind paste - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon lime juice - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Most of these ingredients are easily available at your local grocery store or online. Make sure to check the quality and freshness of the chicken and shrimp before using them in your recipe.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to start cooking! Here's a step-by-step guide to making Pad Thai with Chicken & Shrimp: 1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 10-15 minutes until they are soft. Drain and set aside. 2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Serving Suggestions

Pad Thai with Chicken & Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started: - Traditional: Serve the Pad Thai on a plate with a lime wedge and chopped peanuts. - Bowl: Serve the Pad Thai in a bowl with additional vegetables like sliced bell peppers and cabbage.

Health Benefits

Not only is Pad Thai with Chicken & Shrimp a delicious meal, it's also packed with health benefits. Here are some of the reasons you should add it to your meal plan: - Protein: The chicken and shrimp in the dish provide a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. - Vegetables: The dish contains plenty of vegetables like bean sprouts and carrots, which are full of vitamins and minerals.

Flavor Profile

One of the things that makes Pad Thai with Chicken & Shrimp so popular is its unique flavor profile. The dish is a combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, and is often served with chopped peanuts and lime wedges to add even more flavor. Here are some of the ingredients that give Pad Thai with Chicken & Shrimp its distinct taste: - Fish sauce: This ingredient is often used in Thai cuisine and provides a salty, savory flavor to the dish. - Tamarind paste: Tamarind is a fruit that is used to create a tangy, sour flavor in the dish.

Origin and History

Pad Thai is a dish that originated in Thailand and is now popular around the world. The dish is believed to have been created in the 1930s as a way to promote nationalism in Thailand. At the time, the government was encouraging people to eat more noodles, and Pad Thai was a way to make them more appetizing. Today, Pad Thai is one of the most popular dishes in Thailand and is served in restaurants and street vendors across the country. The dish has also become increasingly popular in the West and is a staple in many Thai restaurants.

Variations

While our recipe for 1 cup Pad Thai with Chicken & Shrimp is delicious on its own, there are many variations of the dish that you can try. Here are a few ideas: - Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and shrimp and add more vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a vegetarian option. - Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper for a spicier version of the dish.

Possible Allergens

Pad Thai with Chicken & Shrimp contains several possible allergens that you should be aware of. These include: - Shellfish: If you have a shellfish allergy, be sure to use only chicken in the recipe and omit the shrimp. - Peanuts: Our recipe calls for chopped peanuts as a garnish, but you can omit this if you have a peanut allergy.

Calorie Count

Our recipe for 1 cup Pad Thai with Chicken & Shrimp contains 290 calories per serving. This can vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size you use, so be sure to adjust accordingly if you're tracking your daily calorie intake.