Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Shrimp Pad Thai is not only incredibly delicious but also easy to make at home. It’s a one-pan dish that’s quick to prepare and customizable to suit your preferences. The combination of shrimp, noodles, and vibrant vegetables, all brought together with a savory, slightly sweet sauce, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe will surely become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (optional for extra heat)
- Lime wedges for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Push the garlic to one side of the pan and pour the beaten egg into the other side. Scramble the egg and cook until fully set.
- Add the cooked noodles to the pan along with the shrimp, bean sprouts, green onions, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and sriracha sauce (if using). Toss everything together to combine and heat through.
- Serve the Pad Thai topped with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein: You can swap the shrimp for chicken, tofu, or a combination of both.
- Vegetarian: To make this dish vegetarian, omit the shrimp and use tofu instead. Be sure to use vegetarian-friendly fish sauce or soy sauce for flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to your liking. You can also add fresh chilies for extra heat if you prefer a spicier dish.
- Noodles: If you can’t find rice noodles, you can use other types of noodles like soba or linguine, though the texture and flavor will differ.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the dish in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a little splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use other seafood instead of shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with other seafood like scallops or calamari. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Is Pad Thai gluten-free?
Traditional Pad Thai can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring your rice noodles are free from gluten.
3. Can I make Pad Thai ahead of time?
You can prepare all the components ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and stir-fry the dish just before serving for the best texture.
4. How do I make Pad Thai spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more sriracha sauce or include fresh chopped chilies. Adjust to taste for the desired heat.
5. Can I use tamarind in this recipe?
Yes, tamarind paste is a traditional ingredient in Pad Thai sauce. You can substitute it for the lime juice for a more authentic flavor.
6. What can I use if I don’t have fish sauce?
If you don’t have fish sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
7. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just add it at the end of the cooking process to heat it through.
8. What can I use instead of brown sugar?
You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar, honey, or coconut sugar, depending on your preference.
9. Can I use regular peanuts instead of roasted ones?
Yes, you can use regular peanuts, but roasted peanuts add a richer flavor and crunch, so it’s recommended to use roasted peanuts if possible.
10. Is it necessary to use lime wedges for serving?
Lime wedges are a great addition for an extra burst of fresh flavor, but they are optional if you don’t have any on hand.
Conclusion
Shrimp Pad Thai is a delicious, satisfying dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re new to Thai cuisine or a long-time fan, this recipe is sure to impress with its balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and the best part is that it’s made with simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store. Enjoy this vibrant dish on its own or serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal!
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Shrimp Pad Thai
- Total Time: 25min
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Shrimp Pad Thai is a delicious Thai-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp, stir-fried rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. This one-pan meal is quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Its balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors will satisfy your cravings for authentic Thai cuisine.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (optional for extra heat)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Push the garlic to one side of the pan and pour in the beaten egg. Scramble the egg and cook until fully set.
- Add the cooked noodles, shrimp, bean sprouts, green onions, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and sriracha sauce (if using). Toss everything together to combine and heat through.
- Serve topped with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.
Notes
- Variations: Swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or a combination of both. For a vegetarian version, replace shrimp with tofu and use vegetarian-friendly fish sauce or soy sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding water or broth to ensure noodles don’t dry out.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 15min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
