If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that transports you straight to the bustling street markets of Thailand, this Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy with a bit of crunch from peanuts and freshness from green onions and carrots. Whether you’re a weekday warrior looking for a quick dinner or hosting friends and want to impress without hours in the kitchen, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. The tender shrimp combined with perfectly cooked rice noodles soaked in a luscious homemade sauce will have you coming back for seconds every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by this dish—it relies on simple yet essential ingredients that each play a key role in creating the authentic taste, perfect texture, and beautiful colors that make this Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe so irresistible.
- 4 oz uncooked rice noodles: These absorb the sauce beautifully and give the dish its characteristic chewy texture.
- 2 tsp sesame oil (divided): Adds a subtle roasted aroma and depth to the stir-fry.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Brings a natural sweetness that balances out the salty and tangy elements.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: A rich, salty foundation for the sauce.
- 2 tbsp water: Helps to thin the sauce just enough for even distribution.
- As desired sriracha sauce (optional): For those who love a little heat, it adds a spicy kick.
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts: Adds a toasty crunch that’s signature to Pad Thai.
- ¼ lb shrimp (cleaned and shell-free): Protein-packed and quick to cook; makes this dish feel special.
- ¼ cup carrots (shredded): Adds a touch of sweetness and bright orange color.
- 1 green onion (sliced): Brings freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- 1 egg (whisked): Coats everything with richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (minced): Essential for that fragrant, savory punch in every bite.
- As desired sesame seeds: Optional garnish for an extra nutty note and pretty presentation.
How to Make Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking the rice noodles according to the package directions. This is a crucial step because rice noodles can go from tender to mushy very fast. Once cooked, drain and set them aside so they’re ready to soak up all the delicious flavors later.
Step 2: Combine the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, water, and if you like a bit of heat, sriracha sauce. This sauce is where all the magic happens—it’s perfectly balanced with sweet, salty, and spicy notes. Make sure the sugar dissolves fully so the sauce blends beautifully into the noodles and shrimp.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Vegetables
Heat a sauté pan with a bit of oil over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic. The aroma that fills your kitchen here is simply unbeatable. Quickly add the chopped peanuts, green onions, and shredded carrots so they get lightly toasted and tender while maintaining their crunch.
Step 4: Cook the Egg
Push the veggies to the side of your pan, pour in the whisked egg, and scramble gently until fully cooked. Combining the egg with the vegetables infuses the dish with extra flavor and texture, making it incredibly satisfying.
Step 5: Combine and Cook Shrimp with Noodles
Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and toss everything to coat. Add the cooked noodles next, gently mixing them in so they soak up the delicious sauce. Finally, add the shrimp and toss together with tongs, cooking until the shrimp are just pink and tender, which usually takes only a few minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
Before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish for brightness and sprinkle with extra chopped peanuts and sliced green onions. Optionally, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delightful finishing touch.
How to Serve Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes do more than pretty up your plate—they add layers of texture and flavor that elevate your Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe to a whole new level. Fresh lime wedges bring zing, extra chopped peanuts provide crunch, and green onions lend a fresh bite. Don’t skip the sesame seeds either; they add the final nutty note everyone loves.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, serve it alongside crisp cucumber salad or a light papaya salad. These refreshing sides contrast perfectly with the warm, saucy noodles and create a more complete dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider plating the Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe in shallow bowls, allowing your guests to mix in their garnishes. You can also serve it family-style on a large platter with lime wedges and peanuts on the side so everyone can customize to their liking. Little touches like edible flowers or fresh herbs elevate the presentation even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that rice noodles may continue to soften, so it’s best to enjoy leftovers relatively soon for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While freezing Pad Thai is possible, it’s not generally recommended because the noodles can become mushy after thawing. If you do freeze it, separate shrimp and noodles and freeze them individually for better quality. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, toss your leftover Pad Thai in a hot skillet with a splash of water or oil to revive the noodles’ texture and keep everything from drying out. Warm it just until heated through to avoid overcooking the shrimp and vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water in your dish. Frozen shrimp work just fine and make this Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe even more convenient.
What if I’m allergic to peanuts?
You can skip the peanuts or substitute with toasted cashews or pumpkin seeds for crunch. The dish will still be delicious, just missing that traditional peanut flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, omit the shrimp and replace it with tofu or extra vegetables. For vegan, skip the egg or use a plant-based egg substitute. Adjust the sauce accordingly to ensure it’s free from animal products.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level depends on how much sriracha you add. You can keep it mild by skipping the hot sauce altogether or kick it up with extra sriracha or fresh chilies. It’s customizable to your spice preference.
What kind of noodles work best for Pad Thai?
Rice noodles are the classic choice because of their texture and ability to absorb sauce. Flat, thin to medium-width rice noodles work best—avoid fresh noodles as they can get too soft when cooked this way.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe at home. It’s one of those dishes that’s full of bold flavors yet surprisingly simple to make, and it always impresses family and friends. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again, and maybe even experimenting with your own twists. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Easy Shrimp Pad Thai is a quick and flavorful Thai-inspired stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender shrimp, savory and slightly sweet sauce, fresh vegetables, and crunchy peanuts. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it combines classic ingredients like rice noodles, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a hint of sriracha for spice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 oz uncooked rice noodles
- 1/4 lb shrimp (cleaned and shell free)
- 1/4 cup carrots (shredded)
- 1 green onion (sliced)
- 1 egg (whisked)
- 2–3 cloves of garlic (minced)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tsp sesame oil (divided)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp water
- as desired sriracha sauce (optional)
Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- as desired sesame seeds
- lime juice (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the rice noodles according to the package directions, typically soaking or boiling until tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, water, and sriracha sauce to taste. Stir until the sugar dissolves fully.
- Sauté aromatics and veggies: Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add the chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, and shredded carrots, stirring to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Cook the egg: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, pour in the whisked egg on the other side, and scramble it gently until fully cooked. Mix the egg together with the vegetables.
- Combine with noodles and shrimp: Pour the prepared sauce over the egg and vegetable mixture and stir well. Add the cooked noodles, then the shrimp. Toss everything together with tongs or a spatula, stirring until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and noodles are evenly coated, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with additional chopped peanuts, sliced green onion, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- Adjust the level of sriracha sauce for your preferred spice heat.
- Soak rice noodles in warm water if you prefer a softer texture.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
