Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's surprisingly quick to make? Look no further than this easy Thai Rad Na recipe! This delicious dish, a staple in Thai cuisine, boasts rich, savory sauce coating perfectly cooked noodles and tender vegetables. Forget takeout – this homemade version is healthier, tastier, and easier than you think! It’s a perfect example of healthy meals that don't compromise on flavor, making it an ideal addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces wide rice noodles (flat rice noodles)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup snow peas, trimmed
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (vegetarian alternative available)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for a more authentic flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Prepare the Noodles: Soak the rice noodles in warm water for at least 20 minutes, or according to package directions, until softened. Drain well.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce (if using), cornstarch, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the bell pepper and broccoli and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the drained noodles to the wok along with the snow peas and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes to combine. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and stir continuously to ensure there are no lumps forming in the sauce. This step takes about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Thai Rad Na:
- Don't overcook the noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy. Cook them according to package directions and be careful not to overcook them while stir-frying.
- Adjust the sauce to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar to your liking. If you prefer a spicier Rad Na, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Make it a complete meal: Add cooked chicken, tofu, shrimp, or beef for extra protein.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Rad Na: Simply omit the fish sauce and use vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Spicy Rad Na: Add some chili garlic sauce or chopped chilies for an extra kick.
- Peanut Rad Na: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter along with the sauce for a creamy, nutty flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Nutritional information will vary depending on specific ingredients used. This is a general estimate and should not be considered precise.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
This easy Thai Rad Na recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both quick and healthy. It's a wonderful addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and homemade cooking adventures, transforming a simple weeknight dinner into a flavorful culinary experience. Enjoy!