Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe

Shrimp Pad Thai is a beloved dish known for its delightful balance of flavors and textures. This recipe combines fresh shrimp, rice noodles, and a savory sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand. Follow these steps to create a delicious homemade version of this classic dish.

Ingredients

For the Pad Thai:

• 8 ounces dried Pad Thai noodles (225g)
• 8 ounces shrimp (about 12 large, peeled and deveined)
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ block extra firm tofu, cut into thin rectangles
• 2 cups mung bean sprouts, washed and drained
• 2 cups Chinese garlic chives, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2/3 cup water (160 ml)
• White pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles:
   • Soak the dried Pad Thai noodles in warm water for about 20 minutes until softened. Drain in a colander, and if the noodles are long, cut them into 10 to 12-inch lengths to prevent clumping during cooking.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok over high heat until just smoking. Add the shrimp and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until they turn bright pink and opaque. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced shallot and minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add Tofu and Vegetables:
   • Push the shallots and garlic to one side of the wok. Add the tofu and stir-fry for another minute. Then add the mung bean sprouts and garlic chives, mixing all ingredients together.
5. Scramble Eggs:
   • Push everything to one side again and pour in the beaten eggs on the empty side of the wok. Stir gently until they are just set, then mix with the other ingredients.
6. Combine with Noodles:
   • Add the drained noodles to the wok along with the prepared sauce (fish sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, and water). Toss everything together for about 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through.
7. Serve:
   • Serve immediately, garnished with additional bean sprouts, lime wedges, or crushed peanuts if desired.

Pro Tips

• Noodle Texture: Ensure you don’t over-soak or overcook your noodles; they should be al dente to maintain a good texture.
• Adjusting Spice: If you prefer a spicier Pad Thai, consider adding some Sriracha or red pepper flakes during cooking.
• Variations: Feel free to customize your Pad Thai by adding other proteins like chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.

This Shrimp Pad Thai recipe is not only easy to follow but also allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home! Enjoy your cooking!