Shrimp Pad Thai

If you’ve ever craved the perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors with a little kick of spice, then Shrimp Pad Thai is your go-to dish. This beloved Thai street food combines tender shrimp with rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, and a luscious tamarind sauce for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. Learn to make delicious Shrimp Pad Thai at home with this easy, step-by-step recipe perfect for quick and flavorful meals that impress every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: Balances sweet, sour, salty, and umami notes perfectly.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein, fresh veggies, and wholesome noodles.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust for spice level, dietary choices, or ingredient swaps.
• Restaurant Quality: Achieve that authentic Thai taste right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Shrimp Pad Thai recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients that each play an essential role in creating its unique taste and texture. From chewy rice noodles to tangy tamarind paste, every element ensures a balanced and vibrant dish.

• Rice noodles: The foundation of the dish, these soft and chewy noodles absorb the sauce beautifully.
• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, they add a juicy seafood flavor and protein boost.
• Tamarind paste: Provides the signature tangy, slightly sour backbone of the sauce.
• Fish sauce: A salty, umami-rich ingredient that deepens the flavor profile.
• Palm sugar or brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the tartness.
• Garlic and shallots: Aromatics that build fragrance and depth.
• Eggs: Stirred in for richness and texture.
• Bean sprouts: For fresh crunch and lightness.
• Crushed peanuts: Adds a nutty crunch and contrast.
• Green onions and cilantro: Fresh herbs to brighten every bite.
• Lime wedges: Served on the side to add zesty brightness.

Variations for Shrimp Pad Thai

This Shrimp Pad Thai recipe welcomes your personal touch. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just want to mix up the flavors, it’s easy to tailor this dish exactly how you like it.

• Vegetarian option: Substitute tofu for shrimp and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
• Extra veggies: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for more crunch and color.
• Spicy kick: Toss in extra chili flakes or fresh sliced Thai bird’s eye chilies to ramp up heat.
• Noodle swaps: Use zucchini noodles or whole wheat noodles for a gluten-free or fiber-rich alternative.
• Nut alternatives: Try cashews instead of peanuts if you prefer a different nutty flavor.

How to Make Shrimp Pad Thai

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 20 minutes until pliable but still firm. Drain and set aside to avoid them becoming mushy later.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Mix tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, and a bit of water in a small bowl until sugar dissolves. This sweet-and-sour sauce is the heart of Shrimp Pad Thai.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat, then add shrimp. Cook until pink and just opaque, usually about 2 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Eggs

In the same pan, add garlic and shallots, stir-frying until fragrant. Push to one side and crack in the eggs, scrambling until just set.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add drained noodles to the pan, pour sauce over, and toss to coat evenly. Return shrimp to the pan, stir in bean sprouts and half the peanuts, and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Plate your Shrimp Pad Thai, sprinkle with green onions, cilantro, remaining peanuts, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Pad Thai

• Prep ahead: Soak noodles and chop ingredients before cooking to keep the process smooth.
• High heat cooking: Use a wok or large skillet at high heat for that authentic stir-fry flavor.
• Don’t overcook shrimp: They cook quickly; overcooking makes them tough.
• Balance the sauce: Taste and adjust tamarind, sugar, or fish sauce for perfect harmony.
• Add peanuts last: To maintain their crunch and prevent sogginess.

How to Serve Shrimp Pad Thai

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes are what make Shrimp Pad Thai visually appealing and layered in flavor. Crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, green onions, and a quartered lime are classic choices you should never skip.

Side Dishes

Consider pairing it with a simple cucumber salad, Thai iced tea, or steamed vegetables to add freshness and complement the bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in banana leaf bowls for a rustic aesthetic or place on a bed of lettuce leaves as a fresh twist. You can also top with an extra fried egg for richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Shrimp Pad Thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; the noodles will absorb more sauce, so keep extras on the side if you want.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the noodles becoming mushy, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a wok or skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the noodles and revive their texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Pad Thai?

Absolutely! Just thaw them fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What can I substitute for tamarind paste?

You can mix lime juice with a bit of brown sugar and a splash of vinegar as a quick tamarind alternative.

Is Shrimp Pad Thai gluten-free?

Traditional rice noodles are gluten-free, but always check sauces for hidden gluten to be sure.

How spicy is Shrimp Pad Thai?

The level of heat depends on added chilies or chili flakes; it’s easy to control and customize based on your preference.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply replace shrimp with tofu, skip eggs, and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce for a delicious vegan version.

Final Thoughts

Making Shrimp Pad Thai at home is a rewarding way to enjoy a classic Thai favorite without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. This recipe offers a vibrant, flavorful meal you can easily customize and whip up on any day. Give it a try, and soon it’ll become your beloved go-to dish too!

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