Shrimp Pad Thai: A Classic Thai Dish Made Simple
Shrimp Pad Thai is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s a staple in Thai cuisine. It combines stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp and a mix of other ingredients, all tossed in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s a great meal for anyone looking to explore the tastes of Thailand from the comfort of their own kitchen. Here’s how to make a basic Shrimp Pad Thai that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. of rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of bean sprouts
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
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Method:
- Prepare the Noodles: Start by soaking the rice noodles in warm water for about 20–30 minutes until they are soft but not too mushy. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili powder. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. This mixture will give your Pad Thai its signature flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Scramble the Eggs: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Crack the eggs directly into the pan and scramble them until fully cooked. Then, push the eggs to one side of the pan.
- Combine Everything: Add the soaked noodles to the pan with the eggs. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything together. Cook for about 2 minutes, then add the cooked shrimp, bean sprouts, and most of the green onions (save some for garnish). Keep tossing everything for another 2-3 minutes until well mixed and heated through.
- Serve: Transfer your Shrimp Pad Thai to a serving dish. Garnish with crushed peanuts, the remaining green onions, and lime wedges on the side. Squeeze the lime over the dish before eating to add an extra zing.
Shrimp Pad Thai is a colorful and tasty dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something exotic. Its combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, along with the freshness of the lime and crunch of the peanuts, makes it a satisfying meal that’s sure to please. Enjoy your homemade Pad Thai!
