Lunch & Dinner

Shrimp Pad Thai – Hearty Food Ideas

Name: Shrimp Pad Thai – Hearty Food Ideas
Prep time: 9 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 3
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 8 ounces medium or large shrimp; 3 large eggs; 4 ounces dry brown rice noodles; 1/2 cup freshly grated carrots; 2 large green onions; 1/2 cup bean sprouts; 1/4 cup roasted peanuts; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; Lime wedges; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari; 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon honey; 1–3 teaspoons ground chili sauce or chili garlic sauce

Glennis Annis September 10, 2025

Servings: 3 Total Time: 15 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Shrimp Pad Thai reminds me of my trip to Thailand a few years ago. The bustling streets filled with vendors flipping sizzling woks, the vibrant colors of fresh produce, and the intoxicating aromas of spices wafting through the air—it was culinary magic. But there’s something special about making this dish at home.

It’s one of those meals that make you feel like a master chef without any of the fuss or pretentiousness. Paired with a simple side salad or crispy spring rolls, it makes for a delightful spread that can impress anyone.

What is Shrimp Pad Thai?

At its core, Shrimp Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. It features rice noodles, shrimp, and a medley of vegetables—cooked in a savory sauce that’s just the right amount of spicy. You’ll often find it garnished with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience.

The Ingredients

To whip up this delicious meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pad Thai Stir-Fry:

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 ounces dry brown rice noodles
½ cup freshly grated carrots
2 large green onions, finely sliced
½ cup bean sprouts
¼ cup roasted peanuts, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
Lime wedges, for serving

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon honey, plus 1-2 teaspoons more to taste
1-3 teaspoons ground chili sauce or chili garlic sauce

Are you salivating yet? Let’s dive into how to make this incredible dish.

How to Make Shrimp Pad Thai

In this section, I’ll give you a short preview. The process is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for busy evenings. You’ll stir-fry, toss together your ingredients, and voila, dinner is served!

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice Noodles

Start by cooking your brown rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set them aside. The texture of these noodles will set the stage for your dish.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive or canola oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. This is where your kitchen will start to smell incredible.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re pink and opaque. It’s so satisfying to see the transformation!

Step 4: Add Eggs

Push the shrimp to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side. Scramble them gently until just cooked, then mix them with the shrimp.

Step 5: Mix in Noodles and Sauce

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. In a separate bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, honey, and chili sauce. Pour this sauce over the noodles and toss everything together.

Step 6: Add Vegetables

Stir in the grated carrots, green onions, and bean sprouts. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 7: Finish with Garnishes

Remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and add chopped peanuts and cilantro. Give it one last toss.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the Shrimp Pad Thai with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some lime juice over the dish just before eating.

Notes

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Pad Thai turns out amazing:

Choose Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or thawed is fine, but make sure to pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
Customize Your Heat: Adjust the chili sauce to your preferred spice level.
Don’t Skip the Toppings: Peanuts and cilantro are essential for flavor and texture.
Taste as You Go: Always taste your sauce mix before adding it to the noodles.
Prep Ahead: Cut your veggies in advance for a quick cooking experience.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten Shrimp Pad Thai in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to restore the noodles’ texture.

Nutrition Information

One serving of Shrimp Pad Thai (roughly one quarter of the recipe) has:

Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g

Serving Suggestions

Let’s make this dish shine with these accompaniments:

Spring Rolls: Crispy, fresh spring rolls are a classic pairing. They offer a crunch that complements the noodles wonderfully.
Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast to the savory Pad Thai. A dash of vinegar with sliced cucumbers and bell peppers could really elevate the meal.
Thai Iced Tea: Sweet and creamy Thai iced tea balances the flavors of the dish. It’s almost like dessert in a glass!
Extra Lime: Extra lime wedges are always a good idea. The acidity brightens each bite.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled veggies on the side add color and flavor. Think zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for a pop of color.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Shrimp Pad Thai?

If you’re in a pinch or just looking to mix things up, consider these substitutes:

Chicken or Tofu: Swap out shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different twist. Both options will hold up well in the stir fry.
Rice Noodles: Use vermicelli noodles if you can’t find brown rice noodles. They’re just as delicious!
Tamari for Gluten-Free: Choose tamari sauce instead of soy if you need a gluten-free option. It has a similar flavor.
Cashews Instead of Peanuts: For a different crunch, opt for cashews. They add a delightful creaminess.
Different Veggies: Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy can be a great alternative to the classic veggies in Pad Thai, making it unique while retaining its essence.

Conclusion

Shrimp Pad Thai is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor that transports me right back to those busy streets of Thailand. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make it your own, it’s hard to go wrong. So, grab your ingredients and let the cooking adventure begin! Bon appétit!

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Print Recipe

Shrimp Pad Thai – Hearty Food Ideas

Author: Glennis Annis Cuisine: Thai Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 9 mins Cook Time 6 mins Total Time 15 mins

Servings: 3 Calories: 350 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Shrimp Pad Thai reminds me of my trip to Thailand a few years ago. The bustling streets filled with vendors flipping sizzling woks, the vibrant colors of fresh produce, and the intoxicating aromas of spices wafting through the air—it was culinary magic. But there's something special about making this dish at home.