Easy Pad Thai Sauce with Ketchup Recipe

Transform your homemade Pad Thai with a tangy twist using this easy Pad Thai sauce with ketchup. This quick and flavorful recipe brings together the sweetness of ketchup, the umami of soy sauce, and a hint of spice, creating a delicious balance that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Get ready to elevate your stir-fried noodles with a sauce that’s both simple to make and irresistibly tasty!

What is Pad Thai Sauce?

Pad Thai sauce is a flavorful, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment that is essential for making the popular Thai dish, Pad Thai.

The sauce typically includes a combination of tamarind paste (which provides a sour tang), fish sauce (for umami and saltiness), palm sugar (for sweetness), and sometimes soy sauce or oyster sauce.

These ingredients are mixed together to create a balanced sauce that coats the stir-fried rice noodles, vegetables, and protein, giving Pad Thai its signature taste.

Why should one use Ketchup in Pad Thai Sauce?

Using ketchup in Pad Thai sauce is a convenient and flavorful shortcut that adds a tangy sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.

Ketchup mimics the sweetness and slight acidity of traditional tamarind while also providing a rich, tomato-based depth.

It’s a great alternative for those who may not have tamarind paste on hand, making it easier to achieve a balanced and delicious Pad Thai sauce with readily available ingredients.

What ingredients do I need to make Pad Thai Sauce with Ketchup?

Here’s how each ingredient contributes to this Pad Thai sauce recipe:

Ketchup serves as the base of the sauce, providing a tangy sweetness with a hint of acidity. It mimics the traditional tamarind paste’s flavor profile while adding a rich tomato undertone that balances well with the other ingredients.

The sugar enhances the sweetness of the sauce, helping to balance the acidity of the ketchup and the sharpness of the vinegar. It also contributes to the overall flavor depth, making the sauce more well-rounded and less harsh.

Soy sauce adds a savory, umami element to the sauce, deepening the flavor and providing saltiness. It complements the sweetness from the ketchup and sugar, creating a balanced taste that’s crucial for a well-seasoned Pad Thai.

Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet and tangy notes. It adds depth and a slight pungency, giving the sauce a more complex and savory profile.

Chili flakes add a touch of heat to the sauce, bringing a bit of spice that cuts through the sweetness. The level of heat can be adjusted according to personal preference, adding a kick that makes the sauce more dynamic.

Rice vinegar introduces a mild acidity that brightens the sauce and enhances its tangy flavor. It balances the sweetness and adds a slightly sharp note, helping to achieve the signature taste of Pad Thai.

How to make Pad Thai Sauce with Ketchup

Preparation of this Pad Thai Sauce with Ketchup is as easy as it gets.

All you need is a small mixing bowl and a wire whisk.

Give all the ingredients (ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, pressed fresh garlic, chili flakes, and rice vinegar) into the bowl and combine well. If needed, season with salt and black pepper to taste. 

 

Serving Suggestions

Here are five serving suggestions for using Pad Thai sauce with ketchup:

1. Classic Pad Thai Noodles: Toss the sauce with stir-fried rice noodles, shrimp or chicken, scrambled eggs, and bean sprouts. Top with crushed peanuts, fresh lime wedges, and a sprinkle of green onions for a traditional Pad Thai dish.
2. Vegetable Stir-Fry: Use the sauce to coat a mix of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. Serve over steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a flavorful vegetarian option.
3. Pad Thai Lettuce Wraps: Drizzle the sauce over a filling of cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu with shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and cilantro, then wrap in crisp lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing meal.
4. Grilled Shrimp or Chicken Skewers: Marinate shrimp or chicken in the Pad Thai sauce before grilling, then serve with a side of coconut rice and a fresh cucumber salad.
5. Pad Thai Fried Rice: Stir the sauce into fried rice along with scrambled eggs, diced veggies, and your choice of protein for a Pad Thai-inspired twist on traditional fried rice.

How to store leftovers of Pad Thai Sauce with Ketchup

To store leftover Pad Thai sauce and keep it fresh:

• Transfer the leftover sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 1-2 weeks. Be sure to stir the sauce before using it again, as some ingredients may settle.
• For longer storage, freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag for easy portioning. The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Clearly label the container with the date before storing it. This helps you keep track of how long the sauce has been stored, ensuring it’s used while still fresh.
• When ready to use, reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, you can add a small amount of water or broth to thin it to the desired consistency.
• Always use a clean spoon or utensil when scooping out the sauce to prevent contamination and extend its shelf life.

Other recipes to try

• Easy Thai Brown Sauce Recipe
• Best Thai Fried Rice Recipe
• Sheet Pan Thai Vegetables
• Thai Noodle Salad
• Thai Quinoa Salad

 

I hope you enjoy making this delicious Pad Thai sauce with ketchup as much as I do! If you try this recipe, please share your creations on Instagram and Facebook with a tag .

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