Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe - Easy & Authentic

Thai cuisine is beloved worldwide, and few dishes are as iconic as Pad Thai. This delicious stir-fried noodle dish balanced with savory, tangy, and sweet flavors has won the hearts of food lovers everywhere. When you add shrimp to the mix, you elevate it even further with tender bites of seafood goodness.

Want to learn how to make restaurant-quality Shrimp Pad Thai right in your kitchen? This recipe is easy to follow, bursting with flavor, and uses simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores. By the end of this guide, you'll be able to recreate this classic Thai dish with confidence.

What is Pad Thai?

Pad Thai is a traditional Thai street food dish made with rice noodles. Its flavor is the perfect trifecta of savory, tangy, and sweet, achieved with a combination of tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Commonly stir-fried with tofu, shrimp, or chicken, it also includes eggs, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts for added texture.

While the dish can seem complex, it’s surprisingly straightforward to make at home once you have the right ingredients and a wok (or skillet).

Why Shrimp Pad Thai is Worth Making

Shrimp Pad Thai offers an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. The tender shrimp adds a touch of natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the nutty noodles and tangy sauce. Here’s why it’s worth trying at home:

• Fresh Ingredients: Homemade Pad Thai allows you to control the freshness and quality of your ingredients.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer extra heat, a vegetarian version, or a different protein, this dish is easy to tailor.
• Authentic Flavors: Mastering Shrimp Pad Thai helps you create a dish filled with authentic, bold Thai flavors without leaving your kitchen.

Now, roll up your sleeves and get ready to make Shrimp Pad Thai from scratch!

Key Ingredients for Shrimp Pad Thai

Before we start cooking, here’s what you’ll need to make one of Thailand’s most renowned dishes.

Ingredients for the Sauce

• Tamarind Paste (3 tablespoons): This gives Pad Thai its signature tangy flavor. It can be found at Asian grocery stores or online.
• Fish Sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a burst of umami. Substitute with soy sauce for a vegetarian version.
• Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Perfectly balances out the sauce’s tanginess with sweetness.
• Lime Juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a fresh, zesty finish to the sauce.

Noodles and Mix-Ins

• Rice Noodles (8 oz): Flat rice noodles are essential for an authentic texture. Look for medium-width noodles.
• Shrimp (12 – 16 large, peeled and deveined): Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used; just thaw them if frozen.
• Eggs (2): These add creaminess and protein to the dish.
• Bean Sprouts (1 cup): A crunchy and refreshing addition.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For aromatic depth.
• Green Onions (2 stalks, chopped): Adds a mild kick of flavor and freshness.
• Peanuts (1/3 cup, crushed): A crunchy garnish that tops the dish beautifully.
• Vegetable Oil (2–3 tablespoons): Any neutral oil will work well.

Optional Extras

• Red Chili Flakes: For those who love some heat.
• Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro for added fragrance.
• Lime Wedges: Serve on the side for extra tang.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Shrimp Pad Thai

Making Shrimp Pad Thai at home takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Follow this step-by-step guide for perfectly stir-fried noodles.

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by combining your tamarind paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir well until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rice Noodles

Cook your rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop them from overcooking. Toss lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Stir-fry the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet 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 wok and set them aside.

Step 4: Fry the Aromatics and Eggs

Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Fry the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Push the garlic to the side and crack in the eggs. Scramble them lightly, letting them cook until just set.

Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Add the cooked noodles to the wok, tossing them gently with the eggs and garlic. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles, stirring well so each strand is coated evenly.

Step 6: Add Shrimp and Toppings

Return the shrimp to the wok, along with the bean sprouts and half of the green onions. Toss everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Shrimp Pad Thai to serving plates. Garnish with crushed peanuts, the remaining green onions, and a sprinkle of red chili flakes if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Pad Thai

• Use a Hot Pan: Keep your wok or skillet hot enough to ensure quick, even cooking without making your noodles mushy.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Slightly undercook them when boiling since they’ll finish cooking in the wok.
• Prep in Advance: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready to go, as Pad Thai comes together quickly once you start cooking.
• Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the tamarind, sugar, and fish sauce to perfect the balance of flavors according to your taste.

Why Make Pad Thai at Home?

You don’t need a plane ticket to Bangkok to enjoy the authentic flavors of Thailand. By making Shrimp Pad Thai at home, you can enjoy fresh, healthy, and affordable Thai cuisine, tailored to your preferences. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Bring Thailand’s Flavors to Your Table

Now that you know how to craft Shrimp Pad Thai at home, it’s time to tie on your apron and give it a try. Make it for date night, a family dinner, or just to indulge your craving for authentic Thai food.

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