Skip to content

Dinner – Quick-and-Dirty Pad Thai Ramen

This one-pan, one-bowl take on Pad Thai brings rich, tangy, nutty flavor in minutes—thanks to a handful of pantry staples and a trusty block of ramen.

🕒 Servings

1 portion

🧂 Ingredients

  • 15g (1 tbsp) fish sauce
  • 5g (1 tsp) rice vinegar
  • 10g (2 tsp) ketchup
  • 15g (1 tbsp packed) brown sugar
  • 5g (1 tsp) peanut butter
  • 30g (¼ cup) peanuts, roughly chopped and sifted, plus extra for garnish
  • 20g (about 2–3 scallions) thinly sliced scallion greens, plus extra for garnish
  • 10g (2 tsp) ginger paste
  • 10g (2 tsp) garlic paste
  • Pinch red chile flakes
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 15mL (1 tbsp) neutral oil (e.g. canola or vegetable), divided
  • 350g (1½ cups) water
  • 1 block instant ramen, seasoning packet discarded

🍳 Instructions

  1. Make the sauce:
    In a small bowl, stir together 15g fish sauce, 5g rice vinegar, 10g ketchup, 15g brown sugar, and 5g peanut butter until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set aside.

  2. Cook the egg:
    Heat 7.5mL (½ tbsp) neutral oil in a wok or wide non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour in the beaten egg with a pinch of salt. Let it set for about 15 seconds, then gently scramble until 90% cooked. Remove and set aside in your serving bowl.

  3. Sauté aromatics:
    Return the pan to heat with the remaining 7.5mL (½ tbsp) oil. Add 10g ginger paste, 10g garlic paste, and a pinch of chile flakes. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. Simmer the noodles:
    Pour in the prepared sauce and 350g water. Bring to a simmer. Add the ramen block and cook for 1 minute, then flip to loosen the noodles. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the noodles are fully tender and the liquid thickens into a glossy glaze.

  5. Combine everything:
    Fold in the scrambled egg, 30g chopped peanuts, and 20g sliced scallions. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.

  6. Serve:
    Slide the noodles back into your serving bowl. Garnish with extra peanuts and scallion greens. Serve hot and enjoy your quick, dirty, and delicious dinner!

🌶 Optional Add-Ons

  • Squeeze of lime
  • Drizzle of sriracha or chili oil
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Julienned carrots or bean sprouts for crunch