Ultra-Feminine Pad Thai

I recently stumbled upon a website that claims to analyse writing. Using an elaborate algorithm, it determines the writer’s sex. Just plug 500 or more words into The Gender Genie, click “submit” and see if your linguistic skills match your hormones. As usual, I’ve managed to mess things up.

Apparently my blogs are resoundingly feminine. With many of the most respected food writers being male, I’m not so sure I’m chuffed about this development. Yet when I assessed my magazine work, I was stunned to learn I write masculine columns — and for a feminist magazine no less. Oh dear. Please don’t tell my editor.

Despite the resounding female slant to the following recipe (286 female words to 60 male), this recipe for Pad Thai goes over well with everyone. I guess there’s too much vegetable and not enough meat.

Ultra-Feminine Pad Thai
Printable recipe

Serves 4.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pkg (about 100g) rice noodles
• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 1/2 cup raw shrimp
• 2 tbsp Pad Thai sauce
• 1 tbsp sweet green chili sauce
• 1 tsp minced lemon rind
• juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• Julienned veggies: 1/2 red pepper, 1/2 green pepper, 1 small carrot, 1/2 small zucchini, handful of sprouts
• Ground peanuts
• Cilantro, chopped (optional, but very authentic)

Instructions

1. Prepare noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté chicken and shrimp in oil and set aside.
3. Heat 1stp of oil in a hot wok. Add Pad Thai sauce, green chili sauce, lemon rind and lime juice.
4. Stir fry onion, garlic and ginger in the sauces until tender (about 5 minutes)
5. Add the veggies and stir fry until tender-crisp.
6. Add chicken and shrimp, tossing to coat and heat through. Do not overcook.
7. Add drained noodles. Toss to coat. Top with peanuts and cilantro.

Variations

• Use tofu instead of chicken or shrimp. Or use only chicken. Or only shrimp. Oh, heck, try beef or pork if the mood strikes.
• Mix and match veggies: snow peas, green beans, mushrooms, broccoli etc.