Pad Thai Sauce Recipe

4.04 from 28 votes

This is a Pad Thai Sauce that will make your next homemade batch of Pad Thai taste just like what you've had at restaurants.

Note: Be sure to pay close attention to the type of tamarind you're using. If using tamarind paste (especially homemade), it is diluted with water and usually has a more mild flavor. Store-bought tamarind concentrate can vary widely in intensity and sourness. Either way, make sure you taste the sauce and adjust to fit your preferences.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Sauce

Cuisine: Thai

Keyword: DIY Thai, homemade sauce, homemade Thai

Servings:

Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

Cost: $4.00

Equipment

Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

1/2 cup tamarind paste (see note)
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4 cup grated palm sugar or light brown sugar (see note)

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. As soon as the sauce starts to simmer and the palm sugar is completely dissolved, move the pan off the heat.
Taste the sauce and adjust it to fit your taste. Some people like their sauce a bit more sweet, so if that's you, add a bit more sugar and simmer for another minute. If you prefer a bit more salty/umami flavor, add a bit more soy or fish sauce. You can also add a bit of lime zest if you like a more pronounced citrus flavor.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 weeks or freeze for 6 months.

Notes

Tamarind paste - You can purchase store-bought tamarind paste or prepare it yourself (preferred for the best flavor) using these instructions. If you are using tamarind concentrate it has a much stronger flavor. Reduce the amount used in the recipe above to 1/4 cup and then taste the sauce - if it's too sour add a bit more sugar.

Sugar - For truly authentic flavor, use palm sugar. Palm sugar is available at specialty Asian / Thai markets and is often sold in rounded disks. (Look for palm sugar with no added ingredients, it should say 100% palm sugar.) To measure the palm sugar, place it in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 Tablespoon water and microwave until the sugar melts or heat in a small saucepan until softened. Light brown sugar or honey have a more one-dimensional sweet flavor but can be used as a substitute. Due to the differences in sweetness and flavor of these ingredients, it is critical that you taste your pad thai sauce and adjust to fit your preferences.

Nutrition