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
Scale
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.
