Stir-Fried Thai Noodles: Pad Thai - rice noodles

Method

• Soak the dried rice noodles in cool or lukewarm water for 30 minutes, or until they're limp but still firm to the touch; later cooking in the wok will soften them more.
• Drain the noodles thoroughly in a colander and set aside while preparing the other ingredients.
• In a small bowl, mix the fish sauce, tamarind juice, and sugar; stir well to melt the sugar.
• Taste and adjust flavors to the desired combination of salty, sour, and sweet.
• Heat a wok over medium-high heat until it is smoking hot.
• Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and quickly stir-fry the shrimp until they turn pink and are almost cooked through; 1 to 2 minutes.
• Remove the shrimp to a plate and cover to keep warm.
• Add the remaining oil to the wok and toss in the garlic, shallots, and chile; stir-fry for 30 seconds.
• Push the garlic and shallots to 1 side of the wok and pour the egg into the center.
• Scramble the egg lightly until set, breaking it up into pieces with a spatula.
• Add the drained noodles to the wok, stirring and tossing quickly with 2 spatulas to separate the strands.
• Pour in the fish sauce mixture, tossing well to coat the noodles and keep them from sticking (if the noodles are still too firm, drizzle with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to help them cook.)
• When the noodles are in good shape, toss in 1/2 of the bean sprouts and peanuts; save the remaining for garnish.
• Continue to stir-fry, to combine.
• Return the shrimp to the wok and toss the pad thai together to warm everything through.
• Serve the pad thai on a platter, pile the remaining bean sprouts and peanuts on 1 side of the dish and garnish with the lime wedges and cilantro.
• Squeeze lime juice over each portion before eating.