Shrimp Pad Thai

Shrimp Pad Thai

Shrimp Pad Thai is a classic Thai dish that beautifully balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors with a delightful combination of textures.

This popular street food is beloved worldwide, and for good reason: it’s delicious, quick to prepare, and can easily be customized to suit individual tastes.

The star of the dish, shrimp, provides a rich protein source, while rice noodles, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful sauce create a satisfying meal in just one bowl.

Pad Thai’s origins are somewhat debated, but it is thought to have emerged in Thailand in the 1930s and 1940s, during a national push to promote Thai nationalism.

Today, it is a staple in Thai cuisine and is often enjoyed in restaurants and homes alike. This recipe allows you to recreate that authentic taste in your kitchen, making it an excellent choice for dinner parties or a casual night in.

Ingredients

For the Pad Thai:

• Rice noodles – 8 ounces (about 225g), preferably flat rice noodles
• Shrimp – 1 pound (450g), peeled and deveined
• Vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Eggs – 2, lightly beaten
• Bean sprouts – 1 cup
• Green onions – 1/2 cup, chopped (both green and white parts)
• Red bell pepper – 1, thinly sliced
• Chopped peanuts – 1/4 cup (for garnish)
• Lime wedges – for serving
• Fresh cilantro – for garnish (optional)

For the Pad Thai Sauce:

• Fish sauce – 3 tablespoons
• Tamarind paste – 2 tablespoons (or substitute with lime juice if unavailable)
• Sugar – 1 tablespoon (palm sugar preferred)
• Sriracha or chili sauce – 1-2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)

How to Make Shrimp Pad Thai

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Begin by soaking the rice noodles in warm water for about 30 minutes or until they are soft but still firm. Drain and set aside. If using fresh noodles, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Make the Pad Thai Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, and Sriracha or chili sauce. Set aside. This sauce will be the flavor backbone of your dish.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 4: Scramble the Eggs

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the beaten eggs, swirling them around to coat the bottom of the pan. Scramble the eggs gently until just set, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Add the soaked rice noodles to the skillet, followed by the Pad Thai sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the noodles are coated evenly.

Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet along with the bean sprouts, chopped green onions, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer the Pad Thai to serving plates. Garnish with chopped peanuts, additional green onions, and fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Chef’s Note

To achieve the best flavor in your Shrimp Pad Thai, it’s essential to use fresh ingredients. Look for fresh shrimp that are firm and have a mild sea smell. If tamarind paste is difficult to find, lime juice can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will differ slightly.

Feel free to customize your Pad Thai by adding additional vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or bell peppers, or even incorporating proteins such as chicken or tofu. For a vegetarian version, replace shrimp with tofu or extra vegetables and use soy sauce in place of fish sauce.

When stir-frying, ensure your pan is sufficiently hot to achieve the signature char that gives Pad Thai its distinct flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, adjust the amount of Sriracha or add fresh chili slices.

Storage Tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help moisten the noodles.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Cholesterol: 250mg
• Sodium: 800mg

Shrimp is an excellent source of protein, low in calories, and packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium. The combination of rice noodles and vegetables provides carbohydrates and dietary fiber, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.

Conclusion

Shrimp Pad Thai is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine. With its balanced flavors and delightful textures, it is sure to become a favorite in your household.

This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit your preferences. Gather your ingredients, embrace the cooking process, and enjoy a hearty meal that brings a taste of Thailand right to your table!

Thanks for visiting Seafoods Recipe