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.
Course Dinner
Cuisine Thai
Keyword Shrimp Pad Thai
Prep Time 9 minutesminutes
Cook Time 6 minutesminutes
Total Time 15 minutesminutes
Servings 3
Calories 350kcal
Ingredients
For the Pad Thai Stir-Fry:
2teaspoonsextra-virgin olive oil or canola oil
2garliccloves, minced
8ouncesmedium or large shrimppeeled and deveined
3largeeggslightly beaten
4ouncesdry brown rice noodles
1/2cupfreshly grated carrots
2largegreen onionsfinely sliced
1/2cupbean sprouts
1/4cuproasted peanutsfinely chopped
1/4cupfresh cilantrochopped
1teaspoontoasted sesame oil
Lime wedgesfor serving
For the Sauce:
2tablespoonsfish sauce
1tablespoonlow-sodium soy sauce or tamari
1 1/2tablespoonsrice vinegar
2tablespoonswater
1tablespoonhoneyplus 1–2 teaspoons more to taste
1–3teaspoonsground chili sauce or chili garlic sauce
Instructions
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
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.