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
Scale
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.
