Pad Thai

Ingredients

4 ounces dried rice stick noodles (⅛ to ⅓ inch wide)

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons fish sauce

2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

¼ pound Brined Chicken thighs → this page, cut into bite-size slices (or extra-firm or pressed tofu or large peeled shrimp)

1 egg

1 cup bean sprouts

2 green onions, cut on an angle into 2-inch slices

2 tablespoons crushed Seasoned Fried Peanuts → this page or roasted peanuts

1 teaspoon Roasted Chile Powder → this page, or to taste

1 lime wedge

Directions

1. Soak the noodles in warm water for 30 minutes, until pliable enough to bend around a finger. (If you're not using them immediately, you can drain the noodles and keep them in the fridge until ready to use.)1. Soak the noodles in warm water for 30 minutes, until pliable enough to bend around a finger. (If you're not using them immediately, you can drain the noodles and keep them in the fridge until ready to use.)

2. In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, fish sauce, and vinegar to make a sauce.

3. Heat an empty wok over high heat until it begins to smoke, then swirl in the oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken or tofu and stir-fry until the meat turns opaque but isn't fully cooked which should take about a minute (less time for shrimp —they will cook a little more quickly). Add the noodles and sauce, then continue to stir-fry, constantly stirring, until the noodles absorb the sauce, about another minute.

4. Use your spatula to push aside the noodles and leave them there, making an empty space in the center of the wok. Crack the egg into the empty space and let it cook until the edges start to set, 15 to 20 seconds: Use the edge of your spatula to break up and roughly scramble the egg, then toss it back in with the noodles while the egg is still soft. Once the egg looks mostly cooked, remove from the heat and throw in the bean sprouts and green onions, tossing thoroughly to combine.