Pad Thai with Chicken

For the Sauce:1 1/2 tbs. tamarind concentrate/paste

1/2 c. warm water

1/4 c. fish sauce

1/2 tsp. Sambal Oelek (chili paste)

1/3 c. packed light brown sugar

1/8 tsp. fresh black pepper

For the Noodles:

8 oz. Thai rice noodles

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 tsp. cornstarch

3 tbs. low sodium soy sauce

Vegetable oil, for stir-frying

2 eggs

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 c. chicken stock

2 c. fresh bean sprouts

1/2 c. julienne-cut carrots

1/2 c. shredded cabbage

For Garnish:

1/4 c. cilantro leaves

1/4 c. sliced green onions

1/3 c. roughly chopped peanuts

Lime wedges

In a medium bowl, whisk together the tamarind concentrate with 1/2 cup warm water. Whisk in the remaining sauce ingredients. Set aside.

Soak the noodles according to the directions on the package. The noodles will be stir-fried so do not overcook them at this point. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.

Cut the chicken breasts into thin, 1-inch slices. Place the chicken in a medium bowl. Whisk together the cornstarch with the soy sauce then pour it over the chicken, stirring to coat.

Heat a wok or large nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat. Scramble eggs in a bowl and pour into hot pan. Cook until set. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil then add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and cook, stirring continuously, for 30 seconds until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant.

Add the chicken to the pan (including all liquids), and cook, stirring frequently until it is no longer pink. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of chicken stock at a time to the pan while the chicken is cooking to prevent it from drying out. (You may not use the entire 1/4 cup of chicken stock.)

Add the noodles to the pan then pour in the prepared sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil, and using two flat spatulas, lift and turn the noodles to combine all of the ingredients. (Don't stir the noodles too vigorously or they'll break.) Continue cooking the noodles for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Add the scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, carrots, and cabbage and cook for 1 more minute. The noodles are fully cooked when they are chewy and no longer crunchy.

Transfer the noodles to serving dishes and garnish with the cilantro, green onions, peanuts, and lime wedges.

(Adapted from Just A Taste)