Delicious Pad Thai With Ground Beef Recipe

Food prices are through the roof right now! I try to cut out as much costs as possible, so this is why I created this delicious Pad Thai with ground beef recipe. Pad Thai isn’t usually made with hamburger meat, so this recipe isn’t “authentic” in any sense. But it is still quite yummy, and since it uses rice noodles, it is also gluten-free. (Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as well.) You can cook up a whole pot of Pad Thai for a fraction of the cost.

What I Love About This Pad Thai With Ground Beef Recipe

The reason I like this recipe so much is because you can really make your dollar stretch. You only need one pound of ground beef. Ground beef is fairly cheap (most of the time), especially when it’s on sale at the local grocery store. That’s one of the reasons that Spaghetti Bolognese is a family favorite budget meal. This recipe is the “Thai” version of spaghetti, made with all that Thai flavor.

You can substitute any kind of ground meat in this recipe. It’s all cooked the exact same way, whether it be pork, chicken, turkey, or even scrapple. (Yeah, I know. Scrapple is a thing here in Pennsylvania. Don’t ask me why.) Deer hunters might enjoy a venison version of this.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pan or wok
• Strainer
• Large pot for soaking noodles
• Cooking spoon or spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Pairing Suggestions

• How about some Thai Iced Coffee? OMG. So good.
• Hazelnut Mocha Coffee Recipe
• Moroccan Mint Green Tea
• Or if you want something a little adult … The Decadent Brandy Alexander Recipe With Vanilla Ice Cream

FAQs

1. 1. Can I use different proteins instead of beef? Certainly! Chicken, shrimp, tofu, or pork can be excellent substitutes for beef in this recipe. Each alternative protein contributes its distinct flavor and texture, offering a delightful variation to the dish. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination.
   2. What type of beef should I use? Lean cuts like sirloin are recommended for their juiciness and flavor, without being overly fatty. It’s important to slice the beef thinly across the grain, which ensures it cooks quickly and remains tender, enhancing the overall texture of the Pad Thai.
   3. How do I make this recipe gluten-free? For a gluten-free version, ensure that your Pad Thai sauce and soy sauce are certified gluten-free. The rice noodles used in Pad Thai are naturally gluten-free, making this dish a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
   4. Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets? This Pad Thai recipe is naturally dairy-free, as it does not include any dairy products. This makes it a great choice for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a dairy-free diet.
   5. What is the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Leftover Pad Thai can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a bit of water or chicken stock to refresh the noodles and prevent them from drying out.
   6. How can I adjust the spice level of the recipe? To customize the spiciness, adjust the amount of chili or red pepper flakes to suit your taste. This allows you to control the heat while maintaining the dish’s authentic flavors.
   7. Can I add vegetables to this Pad Thai recipe? Adding vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas can enrich the dish both nutritionally and in terms of flavor. Include them with the beef and onions, cooking them until they reach your preferred level of tenderness, to add a crunchy and colorful dimension to your Pad Thai.
   8. What can I use as a substitute for sesame seed oil? If sesame seed oil is not available, you can substitute it with other oils like canola or vegetable oil. While these oils won’t provide the same nutty flavor as sesame oil, they will work well for cooking the beef and onions without altering the overall taste of the dish significantly.
   9. How can I make this dish less caloric but still flavorful? To reduce the calorie count, consider using leaner cuts of beef or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. You can also reduce the amount of oil used for cooking and opt for light soy sauce. Including more vegetables like bean sprouts and bell peppers can also bulk up the dish without adding many calories.
   10. Is it possible to make this recipe with different types of noodles? Yes, you can use different types of noodles such as udon, soba, or even whole wheat spaghetti if rice noodles are not available. Each type of noodle will bring a different texture to the dish, so it might slightly alter the traditional Pad Thai experience, but they can be delicious alternatives.

The Final: Pad Thai With Ground Beef Recipe