Pad Thai goong

Thailand · Southeast Asia

Short description: This shrimp noodle stir-fry balances sweet, sour, salty, and nutty flavors in a quick wok-cooked plate.
Ingredients: Rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp, egg, tamarind, fish sauce, palm sugar, bean sprouts, peanuts, chives, and lime.
Cultural note: It is strongly associated with street stalls and casual restaurants, where garnishes let diners tune crunch, acidity, and heat.
Common misconception: The noodles should be glossy and chewy, not soupy; the sauce clings to the stir-fry.

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