Shrimp Pad Thai is a delightful and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Thai cuisine in a quick and easy meal. This stir-fried noodle dish combines tender shrimp with rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sauce made from tamarind, fish sauce, and lime juice. Topped with crushed peanuts and fresh herbs, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and sour flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Thailand. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this Shrimp Pad Thai is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, and lime juice. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the beaten eggs, scrambling until cooked through. Then, add the cooked noodles, shrimp, bean sprouts, and green onions. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss everything together, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the Pad Thai to serving plates, and top with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this classic Thai dish!
This Shrimp Pad Thai is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with fresh ingredients and aromatic spices, making it a delightful dish for any occasion!
