Shrimp Pad Thai with Peanuts and Lime

Shrimp Pad Thai is one of those unforgettable dishes that balances sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy flavors all in one bite. Originating from Thailand, this world-famous noodle stir-fry is known for its silky rice noodles, juicy shrimp, crunchy peanuts, fresh vegetables, and bright lime finish. The sauce—made from tamarind, fish sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness—sets Pad Thai apart from all other noodle dishes.

Homemade Shrimp Pad Thai tastes fresh, vibrant, and authentic, yet it’s surprisingly easy once you have the ingredients ready. It’s satisfying enough to serve as a full meal and elegant enough to impress guests at the dinner table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because:

• The flavors are bold, fresh, and beautifully balanced.
• It cooks quickly—most of the magic happens in under 15 minutes.
• It feels like takeout but fresher, lighter, and customizable.
• The textures—from tender shrimp to crunchy peanuts—keep every bite exciting.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try because:

• It’s a classic Thai restaurant dish you can now make at home.
• Shrimp cooks quickly, making this a fast weeknight dinner.
• It’s customizable—swap proteins, noodle sizes, spice levels, or toppings.
• Pad Thai proves that simple ingredients can create deeply developed flavors.

Time & Yield

Category	Time
Preparation Time	20 minutes
Cooking Time	10–12 minutes
Total Time	30–35 minutes

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Thai / Asian Fusion

Ingredients

For the Pad Thai

• 8 oz (225 g) dried rice noodles
• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• ½ cup carrots, julienned (optional)
• ¼ cup green onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Pad Thai Sauce

• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2–3 tbsp brown sugar (to taste)
• 2 tbsp tamarind paste (or 1 tbsp lime juice if unavailable)
• 1 tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional)

Toppings

• ¼ cup crushed roasted peanuts
• Fresh lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro
• Extra chili flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

1. Soak rice noodles in warm water for 15–20 minutes until softened but not fully cooked.
2. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, tamarind paste, and sriracha.
2. Adjust sweetness or tang to taste.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
3. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Aromatics

1. Add remaining oil to the skillet.
2. Add garlic and sauté 20 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Cook Eggs

1. Push garlic to one side and pour beaten eggs into the skillet.
2. Scramble lightly until set.

Step 6: Combine

1. Add softened noodles to the skillet.
2. Pour sauce over noodles and toss until evenly coated.
3. Add shrimp, bean sprouts, carrots, and green onions.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

• Stir-fry until noodles are glossy and sauce is absorbed—about 2–3 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve Shrimp Pad Thai hot and garnish with:

• Crushed peanuts
• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro
• Extra chili flakes for heat

Optional sides include Thai iced tea, cucumber salad, or miso soup.

Recipe Tips

✔ Don’t overcook noodles—they should be soft but not mushy.
✔ Prepare ingredients beforehand—Pad Thai cooks quickly.
✔ Taste and adjust sauce balance: more lime for tang, more sugar for sweetness, more fish sauce for umami.

Variations

Variation	How to Modify
Chicken Pad Thai	Replace shrimp with sliced chicken breast.
Vegetarian Pad Thai	Omit shrimp and fish sauce; add tofu and soy sauce.
Spicy Pad Thai	Add extra chili paste or Thai bird’s eye chilies.
Peanut Butter Pad Thai	Whisk 1–2 tsp creamy peanut butter into the sauce for richness.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Not recommended (noodles become mushy).
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet with 1–2 tbsp water or oil.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs or stir-fry spatula

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q: Can I make it without tamarind paste?
Yes—use lime juice and a little extra sugar as a substitute.

Q: Why are my noodles sticking?
They may be oversoaked. Add extra sauce or a splash of oil during stir-frying.

Conclusion

Shrimp Pad Thai with Peanuts and Lime is a flavorful, vibrant, and satisfying dish that proves homemade restaurant-quality meals are absolutely within reach. With its irresistible combination of textures and flavors, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or already a fan, this recipe is sure to impress—every single time.