Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe
Shrimp Pad Thai is a delicious and vibrant dish, known for its balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. This recipe was inspired by a television episode of Cooking Thin with Kathleen Daelemans, where it was shown as a quick, easy, and tasty meal. Although I haven’t personally tried it yet, it looked too good to pass up, and I am eager to give it a go! Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner at home or impressing your guests with something new, this Shrimp Pad Thai recipe will hit all the right notes.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lime juice | 8 tablespoons |
| Water | 1/3 cup |
| Fish sauce | 1/3 cup |
| Sugar | 3 tablespoons |
| Rice vinegar | 3 tablespoons |
| Cayenne pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic, minced | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Shallot, minced | 2 tablespoons |
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 pound |
| Eggs, lightly beaten | 2 |
| Roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Bean sprouts | 2 cups |
| Scallions, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Cilantro leaves | 4 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 315.8 |
| Fat | 8.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 109.6 mg |
| Sodium | 1022.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 47.1 g |
| Fiber | 2.9 g |
| Sugar | 10.4 g |
| Protein | 13.1 g |
Preparation Steps
| Step Description | Detailed Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Prepare the Noodles | Start by placing rice noodles in a large heat-safe bowl. Pour boiling water over the noodles and allow them to soak for about 20 minutes. The noodles should become soft but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside. |
| Step 2: Make the Sauce | In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, water, fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cayenne pepper. This will form the flavorful sauce for your Pad Thai. Set the mixture aside for later. |
| Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp | In a large non-stick skillet, add a bit of cooking oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the garlic, minced shallot, and shrimp. Sauté the shrimp until it turns mostly pink, about 3-4 minutes. Be sure not to overcook it. |
| Step 4: Cook the Eggs | Push the shrimp to one side of the skillet, and add the beaten eggs to the empty space. Stir and scramble the eggs gently until they are just moist and slightly set. |
| Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce | Add the soaked noodles to the skillet, along with the prepared sauce. Toss the noodles and shrimp together until they are evenly coated in the sauce and start to absorb the flavor. This step usually takes about 3-4 minutes. |
| Step 6: Add Peanuts, Sprouts, and Scallions | Stir in the chopped peanuts, bean sprouts, and scallions. Continue tossing the mixture until everything is well combined and heated through. The noodles should be tender by this point, and the sauce should have thickened slightly. |
| Step 7: Garnish and Serve | Once everything is well combined, add the cilantro leaves for a fresh burst of flavor. Toss everything one last time and serve immediately. Enjoy your Shrimp Pad Thai while it’s hot and flavorful! |
Tips and Serving Suggestions
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer your Pad Thai spicier, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Toppings: Serve your Pad Thai with additional lime wedges, extra cilantro, or even crushed peanuts on the side for an added crunch.
- Noodle options: Traditional Pad Thai is made with rice noodles, but you can experiment with different noodles or even use spiralized vegetable noodles for a low-carb version.
This Shrimp Pad Thai recipe brings the bright, tangy, and savory flavors of Thai street food straight to your kitchen. It’s quick to make, comes together in under 40 minutes, and is perfect for a family meal or dinner with friends.
