6 ounces uncooked flat rice noodles (pad Thai noodles)
1/4 cup rice vinegar
4 teaspoons sugar, divided
2 tablespoons very thinly sliced banana pepper
3 ounces extra-firm tofu, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon lower-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons peanut oil, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (2-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken thigh, cut into thin strips
4 cups fresh bean sprouts, divided
3 green onions, trimmed, crushed with flat side of a knife, and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon small dried shrimp
1/4 cup unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro leaves