Cooking Instructions:
Begin by soaking the rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes, or until they're soft but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Push the garlic to one side of the pan and pour the beaten egg into the skillet. Scramble the egg until fully cooked, then mix it with the garlic.
Add the cooked shrimp or chicken (or tofu) to the pan, stirring to combine with the egg and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Next, add the soaked rice noodles to the skillet, along with the fish sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, and lime juice. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
Stir in the bean sprouts and chopped green onions, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly wilted.
Serve the Pad Thai hot, garnished with crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side.
For best results, make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, as Pad Thai cooks quickly.
Additionally, feel free to adjust the level of sweetness or tanginess to suit your taste by varying the amount of sugar and lime juice. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding some chili flakes or fresh chili peppers during cooking.