Shrimp Pad Thai is a deliciously tangy and savory Thai dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves bold, vibrant flavors. Made with tender shrimp, rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, and fresh vegetables, all coated in a sweet and salty tamarind-based sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and full of complex flavors. Whether you’re craving takeout or looking to make something special at home, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
The base of Shrimp Pad Thai is rice noodles, which are stir-fried with shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, and green onions. The shrimp adds a delicate, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the chewy texture of the noodles. As the ingredients come together in the pan, they soak up the delicious sauce made from tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice, creating a balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes.
What sets Pad Thai apart is the toppings. Crushed peanuts are sprinkled over the dish, giving it a delightful crunch and enhancing the nutty flavors. A wedge of lime is often served alongside to add a burst of citrusy freshness, while fresh cilantro or Thai basil can be added for an extra layer of brightness. For those who like heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers can be added to give the dish a spicy kick.
The beauty of Shrimp Pad Thai is how customizable it is. You can easily swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or even beef to suit your preferences. If you want extra veggies, throw in some bell peppers, carrots, or cabbage for added color and crunch. The dish can be adjusted to suit your desired level of sweetness, saltiness, or spice, ensuring a personalized Pad Thai experience.
Quick to make and bursting with flavor, Shrimp Pad Thai is the perfect weeknight dinner or a fun dish to serve at a gathering. With its irresistible combination of shrimp, noodles, sauce, and toppings, it’s a meal that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 100 grams rice noodles soaked in warm water for 30 minutes
- 200 grams shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 50 grams bean sprouts
- 1 cup chopped vegetables carrot, bell pepper, and green onion
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup peanuts for garnish, chopped
- 1 lime cut into wedges for serving
Instructions
- Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Pour in the beaten egg and scramble until cooked through. Push the egg to one side of the skillet.
- Add the soaked noodles, bean sprouts, and chopped vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, tamarind paste, and brown sugar. Pour this sauce over the noodles and vegetables, stirring well to coat.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve the Pad Thai hot, garnished with chopped peanuts and lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition
This is too complicated for me. I just want something quick and easy.
Tried it but forgot the egg. Still tasted fine but I think it would have been better!
Too much fish sauce for my taste. It overpowered the dish. I will reduce the amount next time. Overall, not bad but I expected more.
I don’t know how to make this. It looks hard. 👀
So easy and quick! Love the flavors! 10/10 would recommend!
Easy recipe! Made this for dinner and my family loved it. Will make again!
I swear I followed this recipe, but my noodles turned out mushy. What did I do wrong?
Did you soak the noodles long enough? If they sit too long, they get mushy. Try cooking them less next time!
Mushy noodles? Maybe ya didn’t drain them enough after soaking. I always accidentally leave water in the pot!
Pad Thai? More like sad Thai. I think I’m gonna stick to takeout.
Yummmm! Just made this for dinner and I can’t stop eating! 🤤
Is it really that quick to make? I usually mess up with stir-frying. I need all da help!
What if we skip the tamarind? I don’t have that in my kitchen.
This recipe is amazing! I never thought I could make Pad Thai at home. The shrimp were cooked perfectly. Definitely a keeper!
Easy to make, but my noodles were mushy. I think I over-soaked them. 😕
Wow, this was amazing! The shrimp were perfectly cooked and the flavors were spot on. Definitely a keeper!
Absolutely love this recipe! So easy to make and tastes authentic. My family devoured it!
Honestly, I don’t think this is real Pad Thai. Missing some ingredients, I guess.
I’m not so sure about the tamarind paste, I can’t find it anywhere. Can’t I just use soy sauce?
Looks good, but I don’t think this is real Pad Thai. Where’s the tofu? Real Pad Thai must have tofu! Just saying.
Simple and tasty. I think I didn’t soak noodles long enough tho.
Thanks for the recipe! I was skeptical at first, but it really hit the spot. Yum!
Not bad, but I agree with the tofu person. Shrimp ain’t it for me. 3 stars for effort.
This recipe is amazing! I’ve never made pad thai before and it turned out great. Thanks for sharing!
Meh. I’ve had better Pad Thai at the restaurant. Sad face.
Shrimp Pad Thai? More like Shrimp Meh Thai. I don’t get the hype around this dish. 🙄
I don’t understand the hype. It was okay, but too sweet for my taste.
Yum! But I used chicken instead of shrimp. Still turned out pretty good.
I’ve tried this recipe and it was super easy! The flavors are spot on. Definitely gonna make it again.
My family loved it! I used extra veggies and now they want it every week!
I didn’t have tamarind paste, so I used barbecue sauce instead. It turned out kinda weird. Oops!
Shrimp Pad Thai? More like Shrimp Pad YAY! So good!
Tried this and it was so yummy! Better than takeout!
Really? Better than takeout? I dunno, takeout is kinda hard to beat. Maybe I’ll try it, but got my doubts.
I totally agree! This recipe is way better than any takeout I’ve had. I love making it at home!
This was the best Shrimp Pad Thai I’ve ever made! The flavors were amazing!
I don’t think tamarind is necessary. Just use soy sauce instead.
I burnt the shrimp. Can I try frozen shrimp for next time?
Why is shrimp so expensive now? This recipe is good but I might try chicken next time. 🐔
I dunno about chicken, shrimp gives it that special flavor. But I guess chicken could work. 🤷♂️
Shrimp prices are wild these days! But chicken is a great alternative too! 🐔
Absolutely delicious! My family loved it. Definitely making it again!
I like peanuts but can I leave them out? Allergic to nuts. Is that a big deal?
Leaving out the peanuts is fine, but it won’t be the same, y’know? Just don’t forget to adjust the sauce a bit!
You can totally leave out the peanuts! Just make sure the rest of the flavors are balanced. It’s still gonna be yummy without them. 😋
I don’t know, I used chicken instead of shrimp, and it just wasn’t the same.
Using chicken is a totally different vibe! Maybe try it with shrimp next time for the real experience.
Too salty for my taste! I would recommend cutting back on the fish sauce.
I think the fish sauce just adds flavor! But I guess everyone has different tastes. 🤷♂️
Made this for my family and they loved it! Next time, I’ll add more veggies. 👍
That’s awesome! I love adding more veggies too, it makes it even better. 🥦🥕
Too many ingredients for me. Took forever to cook. I’ll stick to takeout!
Honestly, not what I was expecting. The tamarind gave it a weird taste. Maybe I messed it up?
I think tamarind can be really strong sometimes! Maybe next time try using less? I love Pad Thai though, it’s so versatile!
Delicious! 🦐❤️ A bit less sugar next time, but overall, yum!
Shrimp Pad Thai? More like Shrimp NO WAY! Not my cup of tea. I prefer chicken.
Life changing recipe! Will be making this every week!
Life changing? Really? It’s just shrimp and noodles. How can it be life changing? 🤔
I tried this recipe and I have to say, it was pretty good! But mine came out a bit sticky. Maybe too much sauce?
Shrimp was cooked perfectly! I added some chili flakes for extra spice.
I tried it but the shrimp overcooked. Maybe a recipe for dummies would help? 😅
Yum! I love shrimp and this was a hit with my family. Easy to follow instructions. Will definitely make again! 😍
It was ok, but I think it needed more flavor. Maybe more fish sauce next time.
I totally agree! I added more fish sauce and it was bomb! You gotta try it next time.
More flavor? Seriously? You got all that sauce and still want more? Maybe you should try other recipes instead.
Shrimp is gross. Who eats that? I’m sticking to my chicken stir-fry.
So good!! Make sure to add extra lime—it really pops the flavors!
Shrimps are bad for waters! Shouldn’t eat them!! What about vegetables pad Thai?
Super simple and quick! Didn’t realize I could make this at home! Thanks!
I’m so glad you found it easy! Pad Thai at home is the best! 🍤
I don’t know why people rave about Pad Thai so much. This was just okay.
I totally get what you mean! I think Pad Thai’s just overrated. Too much hype for something kinda bland.
My first time cooking Pad Thai and it was a hit! Kids loved it too.
That’s awesome! Pad Thai is such a fun dish to make. Well done! 🎉
Really? Kids liked shrimp? I thought they didn’t eat seafood! Maybe mine are just picky. 🤔
This recipe is legit! Made it 3 times last week for my fam.
Really? I don’t think your fam knows what legit means. It’s just noodles and shrimp, right? 🤨
That’s awesome! I can’t believe how good it is. I tried it with tofu instead of shrimp and it was great too! 😋
Can you use frozen shrimp? I got no fresh ones!
Yes, frozen shrimp works fine! Just thaw them first. 😉
Doesn’t taste like the ones at the restaurants. Can’t put my finger on it…
This is the best Pad Thai I have ever made! So simple and delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Y’all, why you gotta use shrimp? Tofu is way better and still tasty! Just sayin’.
I get what you’re saying, but shrimp adds a unique flavor to the dish! Tofu just doesn’t compare for me.
Kinda simple. Next time, I will add some chili for spice. Also, I didn’t know what tamarind paste was so I skipped it.
You should definitely try it with chili next time! It really amps up the flavors. And tamarind paste is kinda essential for that authentic taste in Pad Thai, but I get it if you couldn’t find it.
Pad Thai is supposed to be spicy, where’s the heat?!
I agree! I didn’t taste any spice in my Pad Thai either. Maybe add some chili flakes next time?
Absolutely loved this recipe! The flavors were spot on. Will make again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Pad Thai is my go-to comfort food. What did you pair it with?
I tried it, but my noodles turned out mushy. I think I soaked them too long. Can someone help me? Maybe next time I’ll try soaking for less time.
I skipped the fish sauce because I’m allergic to seafood. It was still good!
The tamarind paste was hard to find. Is there something else I can use?
It was good but a bit too sweet for my taste. Maybe less sugar next time?
Super simple recipe! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Thanks!
Shrimp was yummy but I added tofu too. Makes it better for me.
Tofu?! In Pad Thai? That sounds different but I’m willing to try it! Glad you liked it!
I don’t know about adding tofu to shrimp pad thai. Isn’t that against the rules? 🤨