If you’re craving the vibrant flavors of Thailand but want something quick, satisfying, and downright delicious, this Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe is your new best friend. It perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes with tender shrimp, crunchy peanuts, and fresh veggies all tossed with silky rice noodles. Whether you’re a weeknight warrior or just eager to impress without fuss, this dish delivers complex taste with simple steps and everyday ingredients. Get ready to fall in love with a homemade take on a classic street food favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in creating the perfect harmony of tastes and textures. From the luscious seafood to the crisp vegetables and the sweet-savory sauce, these essentials bring the dish to life.
- 4 oz uncooked rice noodles: These noodles soak up the sauce beautifully and provide that signature Pad Thai texture.
- 2 tsp sesame oil (divided): Adds a wonderful nutty aroma and richness to the stir fry and sauce.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds a deep caramel sweetness.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Provides the essential umami backbone for the dish’s flavor.
- 2 tbsp water: Helps thin the sauce, ensuring every noodle and ingredient is coated just right.
- Sriracha sauce (optional): For those who like a spicy kick to brighten up the flavors.
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts: Brings crunch and a delightful earthiness to each bite.
- ¼ lb shrimp (cleaned and shell-free): Tender and juicy, they’re the star protein that cooks quickly.
- ¼ cup carrots (shredded): Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- 1 green onion (sliced): Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and crisp texture.
- 1 egg (whisked): Creates a silky coating and adds richness throughout the stir fry.
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with fragrant depth and warmth.
- Sesame seeds (as desired): Optional garnish to add little bursts of nuttiness.
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 key because perfectly cooked noodles are springy and ready to soak up all the amazing flavors later. Once done, set them aside so they’re ready to go when the sauce and other ingredients are sizzling.
Step 2: Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, water, and sriracha if you want some heat. This balanced blend delivers that classic Pad Thai zing — sweet and savory with a hint of spice. Having this sauce prepped before cooking makes tossing everything together a breeze.
Step 3: Sauté the aromatics and veggies
Heat a sauté pan with a touch of oil and gently cook the minced garlic until fragrant and golden, about a minute. Then add the chopped peanuts, sliced green onion, and shredded carrots. These add layers of texture and crunch, giving every mouthful a lovely contrast that keeps things exciting.
Step 4: Cook the egg
Push the veggies to the side and pour in the whisked egg. Stir and scramble the egg gently, mixing it into the veggies. This step adds gorgeous silkiness and binds the flavors together, creating a comforting base for your noodles and shrimp.
Step 5: Combine sauce, noodles, and shrimp
Pour in your prepared sauce and stir well to coat the egg and veggies. Then toss in the cooked noodles, folding them gently into the mix. Finally, add the shrimp and continue stirring until they turn pink and are cooked through, usually just a few minutes. This ensures everything is warm, flavorful, and perfectly melded.
Step 6: Garnish and finish
Once everything is combined and heated through, turn off the heat and finish with a squeeze of lime juice, extra chopped peanuts, and some sliced green onion for brightness and crunch. For a special touch, sprinkle on sesame seeds if you love that nutty pop.
How to Serve Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh lime wedges, more crushed peanuts, green onion slices, and sesame seeds elevate this dish to restaurant quality. They add freshness, texture, and that final pop of flavor that makes every bite memorable.
Side Dishes
Pad Thai is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, light and refreshing sides work best. Think crisp cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or a simple green salad with a tangy Asian-style dressing. These complements balance the richness and keep the meal lively.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your shrimp Pad Thai in hollowed-out pineapple halves or sturdy lettuce cups. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil to add a fragrant lift. Using colorful bowls or plates really makes this vibrant dish shine on your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garnishes like peanuts and green onions separate until you’re ready to reheat to maintain their crunch and freshness.
Freezing
Freezing Pad Thai is possible but not ideal, as the noodles can become mushy. If you do choose to freeze, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
Reheat your Shrimp Pad Thai in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or a drizzle of oil to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the noodles from getting rubbery, and refresh with fresh garnishes once hot.
FAQs
Can I use dried shrimp instead of fresh shrimp?
Fresh shrimp is best for this recipe because it cooks quickly and stays tender. Dried shrimp has a very different texture and stronger flavor that might overpower rather than complement the dish.
What if I don’t have rice noodles?
Rice noodles are traditional for Pad Thai, but thin spaghetti or linguine can be a substitute in a pinch. Cook them slightly less than usual so they don’t become mushy when stir-fried with the sauce and shrimp.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the shrimp and add extra tofu or vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas. Use a vegetarian soy sauce and skip the fish sauce if you modify the recipe for authenticity.
How spicy is the dish with sriracha?
The amount of sriracha you add controls the heat, so you can adjust it to your liking. Start with a small drizzle if you’re unsure and add more for a spicy kick that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop the veggies, whisk the egg, and make the sauce in advance to save prep time on cooking day. Cooking the shrimp last keeps them juicy, so it’s best to add them fresh as you finish the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a home-cooked Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe that delivers both flavor and comfort without hours in the kitchen. With its bright sauce, tender shrimp, and perfect texture contrasts, it’s a dish that brings joy every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a go-to favorite in your meal rotation!
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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 Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
A quick and delicious Easy Shrimp Pad Thai recipe that combines tender rice noodles, succulent shrimp, crunchy peanuts, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful homemade sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish brings authentic Thai flavors to your table with simple ingredients and stovetop cooking.
Ingredients
Noodles and Sauce
- 4 oz uncooked rice noodles
- 2 tsp sesame oil (divided)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp water
- As desired sriracha sauce (optional)
Protein and Vegetables
- ¼ lb shrimp (cleaned and shell-free)
- ¼ cup carrots (shredded)
- 1 green onion (sliced)
- 1 egg (whisked)
- 2–3 cloves garlic (minced)
Garnishes
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- As desired sesame seeds
- Fresh lime juice (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, water, and sriracha sauce if using. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat a sauté pan over medium heat and add 1 tsp sesame oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, and shredded carrots to the pan and cook for a minute until slightly softened.
- Cook Egg: Push the vegetables to the side and pour in the whisked egg. Stir and scramble it, mixing it with the vegetables until fully cooked.
- Add Sauce and Combine: Pour the prepared sauce over the egg and vegetable mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Then add the cooked noodles and shrimp to the pan. Toss with tongs continuously until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through and the noodles are coated in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh lime juice, extra chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use medium-sized rice noodles for best texture.
- Sriracha sauce is optional; adjust heat level based on your preference.
- Make sure shrimp are fully cooked and opaque before serving.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute tofu or omit shrimp entirely.
- Fresh lime juice brightens up the final dish, so don’t skip the garnish.
