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.
So easy and quick! Love the flavors! 10/10 would recommend!
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!
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!
I’m not so sure about the tamarind paste, I can’t find it anywhere. Can’t I just use soy sauce?
Thanks for the recipe! I was skeptical at first, but it really hit the spot. Yum!
This recipe is amazing! I’ve never made pad thai before and it turned out great. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve tried this recipe and it was super easy! The flavors are spot on. Definitely gonna make it again.
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. 🤷♂️
Shrimp Pad Thai? More like Shrimp NO WAY! Not my cup of tea. I prefer chicken.
Shrimp is gross. Who eats that? I’m sticking to my chicken stir-fry.