Shrimp Pad Thai is a classic Thai dish that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with tender shrimp, chewy rice noodles, and crunchy peanuts. This recipe will guide you through making the best shrimp pad Thai at home, capturing the authentic taste and textures of this beloved dish.
Table of Contents
Shrimp Pad Thai: Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup tamarind paste
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or other hot sauce (optional)
For the Pad Thai:
- 8 ounces rice noodles (about 1/4 inch wide)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
- Mix the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using).
- Adjust the balance of flavors to taste; it should be a blend of salty, sweet, and tangy.
Prepare the Noodles:
- Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until just tender.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Set aside.
Cook the Pad Thai:
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs:
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Push the garlic to one side of the pan and pour in the beaten eggs.
- Scramble the eggs until just set, then mix with the garlic.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, along with the sauce.
- Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Add the cooked shrimp, bean sprouts, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions.
- Continue to toss and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through.
Serve:
- Plate the Pad Thai:
- Transfer the Shrimp Pad Thai to serving plates.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and chopped roasted peanuts.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Enjoy:
- Serve Immediately:
- Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Pad Thai while it’s hot, with an extra squeeze of lime and additional sriracha if you like it spicier.
This Shrimp Pad Thai is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and delicious meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy your culinary creation!