If you’re craving a quick, flavorful meal, you’ve come to the right place. My Easy Pad Thai with Shrimp is not just simple—it’s packed with taste! In just one skillet, you’ll transform fresh ingredients into a delightful dish. With shrimp, rice noodles, and a tangy sauce, this recipe brings an authentic taste of Thailand to your kitchen. Let’s dive into the easy steps to create this delicious meal!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 clove garlic, minced
For this Easy Pad Thai with Shrimp, the essential ingredients bring the dish to life. Rice noodles form the base, giving it that chewy texture we love. Fresh shrimp adds protein and a sweet flavor. Garlic enhances the taste, creating a nice aroma.
Sauce Ingredients
– 3 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 lime, juiced
The sauce is key to a great Pad Thai. Fish sauce adds a salty umami flavor. Tamarind paste brings a tangy note that balances sweetness. Brown sugar adds depth, while lime juice brightens the dish. Together, they create a wonderful flavor blend.
Optional Ingredients
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 3 green onions, chopped
– Chopped peanuts for garnish
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
– Red pepper flakes (optional)
You can customize your Pad Thai with optional ingredients. Bean sprouts give a nice crunch and freshness. Green onions add a mild onion flavor. Peanuts and cilantro make great garnishes, adding texture and color. If you like heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes works well.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Noodles
First, cook the rice noodles. Follow the package instructions for the best results. Once cooked, drain them. Rinse the noodles under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps them from getting mushy. Set the noodles aside. They will soak up all the flavors later.
Cooking the Shrimp
Next, let’s sauté the garlic and shrimp. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and be cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set them aside.
Combining the Ingredients
Now, scramble the eggs in the same skillet. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook until fully set. Push the eggs to one side of the skillet. Add the cooked rice noodles back into the skillet, along with the shrimp, bean sprouts, and chopped green onions. Stir everything together.
To make the sauce, whisk the fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, and lime juice in a small bowl. Pour this sauce over the noodle mixture. Toss everything to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat it all through. If you like it spicy, add red pepper flakes to taste.
Finally, serve the Pad Thai on plates. Top it with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. Enjoy your easy Pad Thai with shrimp!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Pad Thai
To keep your noodles just right, cook them until they are al dente. This means they should be a bit firm in the middle. After cooking, rinse the noodles with cold water. This stops the cooking. It also helps the noodles stay separate. If you skip this step, the noodles might clump together.
Flavor Enhancements
You can adjust the sauce to make your Pad Thai taste perfect. Start with fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, and lime juice. Taste the sauce before adding it to the noodles. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. If you want it tangier, squeeze in more lime juice. This way, you can make the dish match your taste.
Cooking Techniques
Using a wok instead of a skillet can give you better results. A wok heats up faster and has more space to toss the ingredients. This helps everything cook evenly. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will work too. Just make sure to keep the heat high and stir often. This keeps the shrimp and noodles from sticking.
Variations
Vegetarian Pad Thai
You can easily make a vegetarian Pad Thai. Just swap the shrimp for tofu or extra veggies. Tofu adds protein and absorbs flavors well. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Add bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for more color and crunch. This change keeps the dish fresh and tasty.
Gluten-Free Options
For a gluten-free Pad Thai, choose the right noodles. Look for rice noodles that are labeled gluten-free. Some brands also offer brown rice noodles. These options give you the same great taste without gluten. Always check the package to ensure they fit your diet.
Spice Adjustments
Want more heat? You can add chili peppers or chili sauce to your Pad Thai. Fresh Thai bird chilies pack a punch. If you like it milder, use fewer peppers or leave them out. Red pepper flakes are another option, perfect for sprinkling on top. Adjust the spice to match your taste!
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
To keep your Pad Thai fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Refrigerated Pad Thai is best eaten within three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just take it out and reheat.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save some for later, freezing Pad Thai works well. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat your Pad Thai on the stove for the best taste. Add a splash of water or oil to keep it moist. Heat it over medium-low until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to stir it halfway through to heat evenly. Enjoy your delicious meal again without losing quality!
FAQs
How long does it take to make Easy Pad Thai with Shrimp?
Making Easy Pad Thai with Shrimp takes about 30 minutes. You need 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. This quick meal gives you a tasty dish in no time.
Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for 15 minutes. This helps them cook evenly. Pat them dry before adding to your dish. This way, they won’t release extra water.
What can I substitute for tamarind paste?
If you don’t have tamarind paste, use lime juice and brown sugar. Mix one tablespoon of lime juice with one tablespoon of brown sugar. This combo gives you a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors. You can also try lemon juice if you want a different taste.
You learned the essential ingredients for an easy Pad Thai with shrimp. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through cooking. Tips helped you perfect the dish, while variations showed you how to customize it. You can store leftovers and reheat them properly. Enjoy making this dish your own! With these steps, you’ll create delicious Pad Thai every time. Keep experimenting and have fun in the kitchen!
