Authentic Shrimp Pad Thai (recipe adapted from Kasma Loha-unchit)

My notes: Despite our love of Thai food here in the U.S. there is a curious lack of information about its ingredients and preparation. I think that this in part stems from our fear of the unknown. Indeed, shopping in an Asian grocery store can feel like being in a foreign country. However, if you locate a friendly grocery store and ask for some help in finding the ingredients, you’ll be well on your way.

I’ve been waiting for some time now to “come across” an authentic pad thai recipe. I think I have finally found my definitive source in Kasma Loha-unchit, a Thai native and cooking teacher. Despite a laundry list of unfamiliar ingredients, pad thai isn’t as daunting to make as it appears. After all, it’s a simple stir-fried noodle dish that is common “street food” in Thailand.