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Pad Thai with shrimp is one of the most famous Thai dishes, combining rice noodles, fresh seasonal vegetables, shrimp and its characteristic sweet-sour-umami sauce. Crunchy peanuts, fresh lime and a hint of chili create the perfect balance of flavors. The dish is quick to prepare, filling, and brings the authentic taste of Thailand right to your plate.
Ingredients for Pad Thai with shrimp (serves 4)
- 250 g rice noodles (flat)
- 300 g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 eggs
- 1 small red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 small zucchini or carrot, cut into thin strips
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons peanuts, roughly crushed
- 2 tablespoons oil (peanut or sunflower)
- 1 lime (for juice and wedges when serving)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste (or lime juice as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- a pinch of chili flakes (to taste)
- spring onion or coriander for garnish
Method
1Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, drain and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Reserve some cooking water.
2In a large pan or wok, heat the oil. Add the chopped garlic and fry briefly until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
3Push the shrimp to one side of the pan and crack the eggs into the center. Lightly scramble until just set, then mix everything together.
4Add the noodles, bell pepper and zucchini, then pour in the sauce (soy sauce, fish sauce, tamarind paste, sugar and a little water). Stir well to combine.
5Add the peanuts and chili. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat and serve immediately with fresh lime and a sprinkle of spring onion or coriander.
Tips for the perfect Pad Thai
• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor – they can also be replaced with chicken or tofu.
• Tamarind paste gives the signature tang – if you don’t have it, add extra lime juice.
• Peanuts should be roasted and roughly crushed to add crunch.
• Don’t overcook the noodles as they will soften further when stir-fried.
• Pad Thai is best served fresh – avoid making it too far in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?
Yes, Pad Thai can also be made with chicken, pork, beef or tofu. The base recipe remains the same.
What can I serve with Pad Thai?
Pad Thai is a complete dish on its own, but it pairs well with a light Thai Tom Yum soup or a simple fresh vegetable salad.
Can Pad Thai be vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the shrimp with tofu or extra vegetables. Substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce to make it fully vegetarian.
