Shrimp Pad Thai: Restaurant Quality, Kitchen Easy!
Table of Contents
- Craving Shrimp Pad Thai ? Let's Make It!
- Why This Best Pad Thai Recipe Rocks
- Ingredients for Your Delish Recipes
- Ingredients & Equipment
- Let's Get This Show on the Road: Prep Steps
- Stir-Fry Magic: Step-by-Step Process
- Pad Thai Tips & Tricks: It's Snack Diy Time
- Ace Serving Ideas
- Storage Sorted
- Remix it! – Variations
- Nutrition Nitty-Gritty
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Alright, let's dive into the amazing world of shrimp pad thai ! ever find yourself craving that perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory? honestly, who doesn't? this pad thai recipe hits all the right notes.
Craving Shrimp Pad Thai ? Let's Make It!
This isn't your average takeaway muck. this recipe gives you restaurant quality shrimp pad thai right in your kitchen. we're talking about a classic thai dish.
It blends tangy tamarind, delicious fish sauce, and crunchy peanuts. and, of course, it features succulent shrimp and perfectly chewy noodles.
The origin of pad thai is quite interesting. it was invented in thailand during world war ii. it aimed to create a national dish.
This version isn't too difficult to make. you'll need about 35 minutes. the recipe yields around four servings.
Why This Best Pad Thai Recipe Rocks
One of the great things about this thai recipe is that it's packed with protein. you know, from the shrimp.
It's also a fantastic source of various nutrients. this easy shrimp dinner is also perfect for a weeknight meal. or, it's great for impressing your mates at a dinner party.
What makes this recipe shrimp special? the sauce, of course!
It’s all about nailing that perfect balance of flavors. Now, let’s get to the bits and bobs you'll need, shall we?
Ingredients for Your Delish Recipes
Here's a rundown of what you’ll need to create your masterpiece :
- For the Shrimp : We're talking shrimp, oil, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic powder.
- For the Noodles : Flat rice noodles are a must.
- For That Sauce : Fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sriracha are vital.
- Pad Thai Proper : You'll need oil, garlic, eggs, bean sprouts, green onions, peanuts, and limes.
Time to get cooking and impress everyone with your Snacks Diy . You know they will love it!
Alright, let's get stuck into making some amazing shrimp pad thai ! You know, that takeaway favourite? It's easier than you think! Let's talk about the bits and bobs you'll need.
Ingredients & Equipment
Honestly, the right ingredients make all the difference. Don't skimp!
Main Ingredients
- Shrimp: 1 pound (450g). Go for large ones! Fresh is best, obviously, but frozen works fine too. Just make sure they smell, well, shrimpy and not fishy. The "Recipe Shrimp" starts here!
- Rice Noodles: 8 ounces (225g) dried, flat ones. These are the star of any good pad thai recipe .
- Fish Sauce: 1/4 cup (60 ml). It's stinky, I know, but it's the soul of the dish. No compromises.
- Tamarind Paste: 1/4 cup (60 ml). Tangy and amazing!
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup , packed (50g). This balances the sourness.
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Adds that extra zing.
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) for both the shrimp and the sauce!
- Vegetable Oil: For cooking. We don't need Best Pad Thai Recipe to fail at the first hurdle!
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. You know, for that garlicky goodness.
- Eggs: 2 large. Lightly beaten.
- Bean Sprouts: 1 cup (100g). For that fresh crunch.
- Green Onions: 1/2 cup chopped (50g).
- Roasted Peanuts: 1/4 cup chopped (30g). Don’t skip these!
- Lime Wedges: Loads!
- Optional Garnish: fresh cilantro leaves.
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens! Think of this as your Thai Recipe flavour base.
- Essential Spice Combinations: Fish sauce + tamarind paste + brown sugar. That’s the holy trinity of shrimp pad thai .
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Garlic is non-negotiable! And maybe a tiny bit of sriracha (optional, of course).
- Quick Substitution Options: No tamarind paste? Mix equal parts of lime juice, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce! I learned that one the hard way after a supermarket run gone bad. The peanuts could be cashews or sunflower seeds. And for the rice vinegar you can use white wine vinegar.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah? No need to get fancy!
- Essential Tools Only: A large wok or skillet. Honestly, a big frying pan will do the trick.
- Common Household Alternatives: A large bowl for soaking the noodles. And a small saucepan for the sauce, but you can totally do it in the wok too.
Now, i remember once, i tried making this with spaghetti because i ran out of rice noodles. don't do that! the texture is all wrong.
Trust me on this one. we are making delish recipes here, and not spag thai ! these snacks diy are better with the correct noodle.
So, there you have it! Everything you need to get started on the best easy shrimp shrimp pad thai ever. Let's get cooking!
Okay, let's dive into making some Shrimp Pad Thai . This Pad Thai Recipe is easier than you think. I promise! Forget ordering in. We're making something delish !
Let's Get This Show on the Road: Prep Steps
Honestly, the secret to any good thai recipe is getting everything prepped. it’s called mise en place, sounds fancy, but it is only being organised.
Trust me, it makes life so much easier.
Essential Mise en Place:
First up, peel and devein your shrimp. marinate your 1 pound of shrimp with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
Set this aside. get your 8 ounces of rice noodles soaking in warm water. it takes about 15- 20 minutes till they're soft but still firm.
Don't let them get mushy. big no-no! whisk your sauce together. you’ll need 1/4 cup fish sauce, 1/4 cup tamarind paste, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and a dash of sriracha (if you are feeling brave).
Chop 1/4 cup roasted peanuts. mince two cloves of garlic and chop 1/2 cup of green onions.
Time Saving Organization Tips:
Right, while the noodles are soaking, get that sauce ready. You can even make the sauce earlier in the day. This Best Pad Thai Recipe becomes even easier if you do this.
Safety First!
Just a quick one: watch out for the oil splatters when you're cooking. Trust me, you do not want an oil burn. And keep those peanuts away from anyone with allergies!
Stir Fry Magic: step-by-step Process
Right, here comes the fun bit!
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in your wok over medium high heat. Sauté your marinated shrimp for about 2- 3 minutes per side , until they're pink and cooked through. Remove them from the wok and set aside. You don't want rubbery shrimp.
- Add another tablespoon of oil. Scramble two lightly beaten eggs. Get them lightly scrambled, then move them to the side of the wok.
- Chuck in your minced garlic and cook till fragrant. Be careful not to burn it. This should only take about 30 seconds .
- Add the drained noodles and the sauce. Toss everything together to coat. This Recipe Shrimp and noodle action is where it gets good!
- Add the shrimp back in. Throw in 1 cup of bean sprouts and 1/2 cup of green onions. Toss gently to combine and heat through.
Pad Thai Tips & Tricks: It's Snack Diy Time
Listen up!
Expert Techniques or Shortcuts:
High heat is essential . You want that wok hei flavour, that slight smokiness. Don’t overcrowd the wok. Cook in batches if you need to.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Overcooking the shrimp is a classic mistake. Nobody likes rubbery shrimp. And soggy noodles? Another disaster. Make sure you drain them properly.
make-ahead Options:
You can make the sauce a day ahead. This Easy Shrimp Pad Thai comes together really fast if you do this.
So there you have it, my friends. restaurant quality shrimp pad thai in your own kitchen. forget the takeaways. this is way better.
Garnish with those chopped peanuts and lime wedges and get stuck in. i reckon this pad thai recipe will become a firm favourite.
This will be one of your favourite delish recipes ! honestly, give it a go! you will not regret it.
Enjoy!
Alright, let's dive into some Recipe Notes for our smashing Shrimp Pad Thai . Honestly, this isn't just a Pad Thai recipe , it's an experience! You know?
Ace Serving Ideas
Think of plating as the final flourish. Pile your delish recipes high. Then, scatter those chopped peanuts like confetti! A lime wedge is essential for that zesty squirt. Seriously, don't skip it.
For sides? I reckon some fresh spring rolls would be champion. Or, how about a cucumber salad to cool things down? A frosty Thai iced tea seals the deal.
Storage Sorted
Leftover Shrimp Pad Thai ? Don't bin it! Pop it in the fridge pronto. Use an airtight container. It'll keep happily for up to 3 days.
Freezing? It's not ideal, tbh. The noodles can get a bit sad. But, desperate times call for desperate measures. Make sure you cool completely first. Then, thaw it slowly in the fridge.
Reheating? A quick zap in the microwave works. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Or, give it a toss in a hot wok.
Remix it! Variations
Feeling adventurous? Let's adapt the Pad Thai recipe .
- Veggie Vibes: Ditch the easy shrimp . Swap it for tofu or extra veg like broccoli or carrots. Use veggie fish sauce for that authentic flavour.
- Spice It Up: Add a cheeky dash more sriracha or some chili flakes. Always be careful.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Let's keep it simple. one serving of our shrimp pad thai clocks in around 450 calories. it's a good source of protein (about 35g).
However, watch the sodium content. fish sauce can be a bit salty.
The Best Pad Thai Recipe is not only yummy but also offers some health benefits. Shrimp delivers omega-3s. Veggies add fibre. It’s a win-win, innit?
So, there you have it! these notes should sort you right out. now, get cracking on that shrimp pad thai .
And hey, don't be afraid to experiment. after all, cooking should be fun. you might even discover your new favourite thai recipe ! don't forget to try the vegetable noodles for snacks diy .
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My shrimp pad thai is too sweet. How do I fix it?
Crikey, that's easily done! Pad Thai relies on a balance of sweet, sour, and salty. If it's too sweet, add a squeeze more lime juice or a splash of rice vinegar to the dish. A dash more fish sauce can also help bring back the savoury notes. Just taste as you go, you don't want to end up going the other way!
Can I make shrimp pad thai ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also cook the shrimp and soak the noodles separately. When you're ready to eat, just toss everything together in a wok and heat through.
Keep in mind the noodles might get a bit softer when reheated.
What's the best way to store leftover shrimp pad thai?
Store leftover Shrimp Pad Thai in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the noodles and prevent them from drying out. Microwaving is the easiest method, but a quick toss in a hot pan can also work wonders, provided you keep an eye on it.
I can't find tamarind paste! What's a good substitute for making shrimp pad thai?
No worries, mate! Tamarind paste can be tricky to find sometimes. You can substitute it with a mix of equal parts lime juice, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. This will mimic the sweet and sour flavour profile that tamarind brings to the shrimp pad thai sauce.
It won't be exactly the same, but it'll do the trick in a pinch.
Is shrimp pad thai healthy?
Shrimp Pad Thai can be part of a balanced diet, but it's worth considering the nutritional content. It provides protein from the shrimp and carbohydrates from the noodles. However, it can be high in sodium due to the fish sauce, and some recipes use a fair amount of sugar.
To make it healthier, use less sugar, opt for whole wheat noodles if you can find them, and load up on extra vegetables like bean sprouts and carrots.
Can I make shrimp pad thai vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the shrimp or substitute it with tofu. To make it vegan, you'll also need to find a vegan alternative to fish sauce (many brands are available) and ensure your rice noodles are egg-free. You can also use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey.
Load up on extra veggies for a truly satisfying meat free pad thai.
Shrimp Pad Thai Restaurant Quality Kitchen Easy
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 0g |