Shrimp Pad Thai
Classic street food flavors of sweet, sour, and savory come together in this quick stir-fry. Tender shrimp, chewy rice noodles, and a tangy tamarind sauce, all topped with crunchy peanuts. A restaurant favorite you can make at home in under 35 minutes!
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Noodles and Sauce
- b.Place the rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with warm water (not hot or boiling). Let them soak for 20-30 minutes, or until they are flexible but still firm to the bite (al dente). Drain completely and set aside.
- c.While the noodles soak, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. Taste and adjust if needed; it should be a balance of sour, salty, and sweet.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook Tofu and Shrimp
- b.Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once shimmering, add the cubed tofu and cook, turning occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- c.Add the shrimp to the hot wok in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook. Remove from the wok and set aside with the tofu.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Scramble Egg
- b.Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the wok. Add the sliced shallots, minced garlic, and minced preserved radish. Stir-fry for about 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- c.Push the aromatics to one side of the wok. Pour the beaten eggs onto the empty side. Let them set for 30 seconds, then gently scramble until just cooked through. Break the egg into smaller pieces and mix with the aromatics.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish the Pad Thai
- b.Add the drained noodles to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles. Using tongs, toss constantly for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated and absorb the sauce. The noodles should become tender and slightly chewy.
- c.Add the cooked tofu and shrimp back to the wok. Add the garlic chives and 1.5 cups of the bean sprouts. Continue to toss for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. The chives should be wilted but still vibrant.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Immediately divide the Pad Thai among four serving plates.
- c.Garnish each plate with a generous sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts, the remaining fresh bean sprouts, and a pinch of crushed red pepper if desired.
- d.Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the noodles just before eating.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For authentic flavor, use palm sugar and sweet preserved radish, which can be found at most Asian grocery stores.
- 2Do not oversoak the noodles. They should be pliable but still firm, as they will finish cooking in the hot wok.
- 3Prepare all your ingredients (mise en place) before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a very fast process.
- 4Use a large wok or skillet. This prevents overcrowding, which steams the ingredients instead of frying them, and makes tossing easier.
- 5Get your wok very hot before adding ingredients to achieve the signature 'wok hei' (breath of the wok) flavor.
- 6Adjust the sauce to your personal preference before adding it to the wok. Some may prefer it sweeter, more sour, or spicier.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Omit the shrimp. For a vegan version, also omit the egg and substitute the fish sauce with an equal amount of soy sauce or vegan fish sauce. You can add more tofu or other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli.
Chicken Pad ThaiChicken Pad Thai
Replace the shrimp with 1 lb of thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh. Stir-fry the chicken until cooked through before proceeding with the recipe.
Extra SpicyExtra Spicy
Add 1-2 sliced Thai bird's eye chilies along with the garlic and shallots for a significant heat boost.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Omit the roasted peanuts for garnish. You can substitute with toasted sesame seeds or crispy fried shallots for a crunchy texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Shrimp, tofu, and eggs provide high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Source of Essential Minerals
Shrimp is an excellent source of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, and iodine, which is crucial for healthy thyroid function.
Flavorful Aromatics with Benefits
Garlic and shallots contain beneficial compounds like allicin, which have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular health properties.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of this homemade Shrimp Pad Thai contains approximately 620 calories. The exact number can vary based on the amount of oil, sugar, and peanuts used.