Shrimp Pad Thai

If you’ve been craving something vibrant, flavorful, and totally satisfying, Shrimp Pad Thai is the dish to make tonight. This iconic Thai favorite brings together juicy shrimp, tender rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that hits all the right notes. Whip up delicious Shrimp Pad Thai tonight with this easy recipe! Quick, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying homemade meal, this recipe will transform your kitchen into a Thai street food haven in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick preparation: You can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Balanced flavors: The perfect harmony of sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy makes every bite unforgettable.
• Fresh ingredients: Using shrimp and veggies gives the dish bright colors and a wholesome taste.
• Customizable: Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit your personal preference or dietary needs.
• Restaurant-quality at home: Achieve authentic flavors with simple pantry staples and fresh produce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Shrimp Pad Thai relies on straightforward, essential ingredients that together create a deliciously complex dish. Each element—from the noodles to the sauce—contributes a different layer of flavor, texture, and color that makes the meal exceptional.

• Rice noodles: Thin, flat rice noodles soak up the sauce perfectly for the ideal chewy texture.
• Fresh shrimp: Tender and juicy, shrimp cook quickly and add a delightful seafood touch.
• Eggs: Scrambled into the stir-fry for added protein and richness.
• Bean sprouts: Add a crisp, refreshing crunch right at the end.
• Green onions: Provide a mild, oniony kick and vibrant green color.
• Crushed peanuts: Boost texture and impart a nutty, toasty flavor.
• Garlic and shallots: Infuse the dish with aromatic depth.
• Tamarind paste: Delivers authentic tanginess that defines Pad Thai’s signature flavor.
• Fish sauce: Brings savory umami that deepens the taste.
• Brown sugar: Balances the sour with a subtle sweetness.
• Lime: Adds fresh acidity when squeezed on top at the end.
• Vegetable oil: A neutral base for stir-frying everything perfectly.
• Chili flakes (optional): To add a bit of heat according to your spice tolerance.

Variations for Shrimp Pad Thai

Part of the fun with Shrimp Pad Thai is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you want to go vegetarian, amp up the heat, or switch the protein, these variations let you customize the dish just the way you like it.

• Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu: Makes a great alternative for different dietary needs or preferences.
• Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas boost nutrition and add more crunch.
• Go gluten-free: Use tamari instead of fish sauce for those avoiding gluten.
• Make it spicier: Include fresh chopped chilies or extra chili flakes for a fiery kick.
• Use natural sweeteners: Substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

How to Make Shrimp Pad Thai

Step 1: Prepare the noodles

Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 10-15 minutes until they are pliable but still firm. Drain and set aside, as they will finish cooking in the stir-fry.

Step 2: Mix the sauce

Whisk together tamarind paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, and a little water to create the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat, then quickly cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Scramble the eggs

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and lightly scramble the eggs until just set. Break them into pieces and keep moving them around for fluffy texture.

Step 5: Stir-fry the noodles and sauce

Add garlic and shallots to the pan, cook until fragrant, then toss in drained noodles and pour the prepared sauce over them. Stir-fry everything vigorously to coat the noodles evenly and help them absorb the sauce.

Step 6: Add shrimp and veggies

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan along with bean sprouts and sliced green onions. Toss everything together just until warmed through and the bean sprouts start to soften slightly.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Serve your Shrimp Pad Thai hot topped with crushed peanuts, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and chili flakes if desired for an extra punch.

Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Pad Thai

• Prep ingredients ahead: Have all components ready before starting to stir-fry for seamless cooking.
• Don’t over-soak noodles: Avoid soaking rice noodles too long or they can become mushy in the pan.
• Use high heat: Cooking on a hot pan helps produce the signature slightly smoky flavor.
• Balance the sauce: Taste and adjust tamarind, sugar, or fish sauce ratios to get your ideal tang-sweet-salty blend.
• Add peanuts last: Keep peanuts crunchy by adding them just before serving.

How to Serve Shrimp Pad Thai

Garnishes

Fresh crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, extra lime wedges, and chili flakes make perfect garnish choices, adding layers of flavor and texture that elevate the dish.

Side Dishes

Light sides like a simple cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or Thai-inspired spring rolls complement the richness of Shrimp Pad Thai beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual shallow bowls for a casual feel or use banana leaves as plates for an authentic presentation that impresses guests at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Shrimp Pad Thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh to preserve the texture and flavors.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended as the noodles tend to become mushy after thawing, but you can freeze the sauce separately for future quick meals.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the noodles, stirring frequently to avoid drying out the shrimp or noodles.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Pad Thai?

Yes, just thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Is Shrimp Pad Thai gluten-free?

Traditionally, it is gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the fish sauce is gluten-free as well.

What can I substitute for tamarind paste?

If tamarind paste is unavailable, a mix of lime juice with a touch of brown sugar and vinegar can mimic the sour-sweet tang.

How spicy is Shrimp Pad Thai?

It’s typically mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat with more or less chili flakes or fresh chilies to suit your taste.

Can I make Shrimp Pad Thai vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute shrimp with tofu, skip the eggs, and use a vegan fish sauce alternative or soy sauce for flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, delicious, and full of vibrant flavors, this Shrimp Pad Thai is your go-to recipe. It’s a fantastic way to bring a taste of Thailand to your table without fuss. Grab these simple ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home tonight—you won’t regret it!

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