Pad Thai Shrimp
Pad Thai Shrimp is more than just a delicious meal; it’s an experience wrapped in a symphony of flavors. This beloved Thai dish brings together perfectly cooked rice noodles, succulent shrimp, and a medley of fresh ingredients, all brought to life with a tantalizing sauce. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, Pad Thai Shrimp never disappoints. Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share my favorite recipe with you!
Why It’s My Go-To
I’ve always been a fan of dishes that are both quick to prepare and packed with flavor, and this Pad Thai Shrimp checks all the boxes. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing me to use whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand, and the combination of tangy lime and savory fish sauce creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
Gather These Ingredients
To create the perfect Pad Thai Shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces thick rice stick noodles
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil, divided
- 12 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten lightly
- Salt to taste
- 6 tablespoons chopped unsalted roasted peanuts
- 3 cups bean sprouts, well rinsed
- 5 whole green onions, sliced thinly
- 1 medium lime, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Essential Tools for Success
Before you get started, gather these essential kitchen tools:
- Large pot – for boiling the noodles.
- Wok or large skillet – ideal for stir-frying.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula – to stir and toss the ingredients.
- Serving dishes – for plating your delicious Pad Thai Shrimp.
Step-by-Step: Pad Thai Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking the rice stick noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, water, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until well combined. Set this flavorful sauce aside as it will elevate your Pad Thai Shrimp.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Eggs
In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Push the garlic to one side of the pan, add the beaten eggs, and scramble them until just set.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the garlic and eggs, and pour the sauce over the top. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Add Shrimp and Veggies
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, along with the bean sprouts and green onions. Toss everything together gently for another minute or two until heated through. Season with salt to taste.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and transfer the Pad Thai Shrimp to serving dishes. Top with chopped peanuts and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Adaptations for Special Diets
If you’re looking to modify this dish for various dietary preferences, consider these options:
- Vegetarian: Substitute shrimp with tofu or extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that your fish sauce is gluten-free and use gluten-free rice noodles.
- Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of rice stick noodles.
- Nut-Free: Omit the peanuts or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds.
Testing Timeline
If you’re planning to make Pad Thai Shrimp, here’s a rough timeline to help you organize your cooking:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes for chopping and measuring ingredients.
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes for sautéing and combining everything.
- Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes from start to finish.
Storage & Reheat Guide
To keep your Pad Thai Shrimp fresh for later, follow these storage tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or lime juice to prevent the noodles from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Reader Q&A
Can I make Pad Thai Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the noodles in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and combine everything just before serving for the best taste and texture.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
If you don’t have fish sauce on hand, you can use soy sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a little vinegar for a similar flavor, though it may not be as authentic.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a quicker thaw.
Is Pad Thai Shrimp spicy?
This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to give it a kick if you prefer some heat!
The Takeaway
Pad Thai Shrimp is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will transport you to the bustling streets of Thailand with every bite. This recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. With fresh ingredients and a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and tangy, it’s a dish that everyone will love.
Now that you have the complete recipe and tips, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and don’t forget to share your culinary adventures with family and friends. Happy cooking!
Pad Thai Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by cooking the rice stick noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, water, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until well combined. Set this flavorful sauce aside as it will elevate your Pad Thai Shrimp.
- In a large wok or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Push the garlic to one side of the pan, add the beaten eggs, and scramble them until just set.
- Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the garlic and eggs, and pour the sauce over the top. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, along with the bean sprouts and green onions. Toss everything together gently for another minute or two until heated through. Season with salt to taste.
- Remove from heat and transfer the Pad Thai Shrimp to serving dishes. Top with chopped peanuts and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or lime juice.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute shrimp with tofu or extra vegetables.
