If you’ve been craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, look no further than this Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe. It’s a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, combined with tender shrimp and perfectly cooked rice noodles. This recipe is approachable enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests, making it the ultimate at-home Thai classic you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is what makes this Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe stand out. Each item brings something important to the table, whether it’s the rich nuttiness, the subtle sweetness, or the fresh crunch, creating a well-rounded and mouthwatering dish.
- 4 oz uncooked rice noodles: The soft, chewy base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- 2 tsp sesame oil (divided): Adds a toasty aroma that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce just enough to balance the soy and spices.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Provides a salty, savory backbone to the pad thai.
- 2 tbsp water: Helps blend the sauce ingredients beautifully for that perfect consistency.
- As desired sriracha sauce (optional): Gives your pad thai a fiery kick if you like a little heat.
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts: Brings crunch and nuttiness to every bite.
- ¼ lb shrimp (cleaned and shell free): Tender and juicy, the star protein of this dish.
- ¼ cup carrots (shredded): Adds subtle sweetness and a lovely splash of color.
- 1 green onion (sliced): Fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
- 1 egg (whisked): Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with its unmistakable aromatic punch.
- As desired sesame seeds: Optional sprinkle for extra nuttiness and texture.
How to Make Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. It’s important not to overcook them because they will continue to soften when mixed with the sauce. Once done, set them aside to get ready for the final toss.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, water, and if you want that extra zing, add some sriracha sauce. This sauce perfectly balances salty, sweet, and spicy elements, turning simple ingredients into something magical.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Aromatics
Heat a little oil in a sauté pan and start by frying the minced garlic until fragrant. Then toss in the chopped peanuts, green onions, and shredded carrots. This combination develops a wonderful fragrance and builds the flavor foundation for your Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Egg
Push the veggies to one side, pour in the whisked egg, and scramble it gently. Cooking the egg this way gives you delightful little pockets of soft, cooked egg throughout the dish, adding richness and texture.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour the sauce over the egg and vegetable mixture, stirring so it coats everything evenly. Add the cooked noodles followed by the shrimp, tossing together with tongs. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, signaling they are perfectly done and ready to eat.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle with fresh lime juice, extra peanuts, and green onion slices for a fresh, crunchy finish. If you like, add a dash of sesame seeds for that extra nutty touch. Your Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate the dish from simple to spectacular. Fresh lime wedges, extra chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, and even a sprinkle of sesame seeds add inviting textures and brighten the flavors, making each bite more exciting. Don’t skip these finishing touches!
Side Dishes
Pairing your pad thai with crispy spring rolls, a light cucumber salad, or steamed jasmine rice can round out the meal effortlessly. These sides add contrast in texture and temperature, complementing the warm, saucy noodles perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your dinner guests? Serve this Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe in small bowls topped with edible flowers or fresh herbs like cilantro. You can also dish it out on banana leaves for a festive, authentic touch. Personalize it with a wedge of lime or a drizzle of sriracha for a splash of color and heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pad thai is best eaten fresh, but any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The noodles might soak up some of the sauce, so a quick stir before reheating helps bring the textures back to life.
Freezing
Freezing leftover pad thai isn’t ideal due to the noodle texture, but if you must, seal it tightly in a freezer-safe container and consume within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently to prevent mushiness.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pad thai in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to loosen the noodles and refresh the flavors. Avoid microwaving straight from cold, as it can create uneven heating and a less appealing texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can affect the dish’s texture.
What can I substitute for rice noodles if I can’t find them?
While rice noodles are traditional, you can try thin spaghetti or linguine as a last resort. Just keep in mind the texture will be different from authentic pad thai.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add sriracha sauce to taste or include chopped fresh chili peppers if you like it hotter.
How do I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Replace the shrimp with tofu or extra vegetables, and swap the egg for scrambled tofu or omit it entirely. Use tamari instead of soy sauce if you’re avoiding gluten.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the sauce ingredients a day ahead and store them in the fridge. This saves time on cooking day and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that’s full of flavor, quick to make, and sure to satisfy, this Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a go-to dinner for busy nights or special occasions alike. Happy cooking!
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Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Easy Shrimp Pad Thai recipe delivers a quick and authentic Thai-inspired meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender shrimp, chewy rice noodles, a tangy-sweet sauce, and crunchy peanuts, it combines fresh ingredients and simple cooking steps to bring the vibrant flavors of traditional Pad Thai right to your kitchen in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pad Thai Base
- 4 oz uncooked rice noodles
- 1/4 lb shrimp (cleaned and shell free)
- 1/4 cup carrots (shredded)
- 1 green onion (sliced)
- 2–3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 egg (whisked)
Sauce
- 2 tsp sesame oil (divided)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp water
- As desired sriracha sauce (optional)
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- As desired sesame seeds
- Lime juice (for garnish)
- Additional chopped peanuts and green onion (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the rice noodles by cooking them according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, water, and sriracha sauce if using. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth and well mixed.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat a sauté pan over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then add the chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, and shredded carrots, stirring to combine and soften slightly.
- Cook Egg: Push the sautéed mixture to the side of the pan and pour in the whisked egg. Stir and break up the egg, cooking it fully and mixing it together with the vegetables and peanuts.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked egg mixture and stir to evenly coat. Add the cooked noodles and then the shrimp, tossing with tongs or a spatula to mix everything together. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh lime juice, additional chopped peanuts, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade shrimp Pad Thai.
Notes
- Ensure the shrimp is cleaned and deveined for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the level of sriracha sauce according to your spice preference.
- Soak rice noodles in warm water if you want to speed up cooking time or if package instructions require soaking.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with tofu and use vegetarian soy sauce.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
