Recipe Pad Thai with Shrimp

Pad Thai is one of the most beloved and well-known dishes in Thai cuisine, celebrated worldwide for its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture. Originating from China but perfected by the Thais, Pad Thai translates to “Thai stir-fry” and typically features rice noodles, vegetables, eggs, and a choice of proteins, all cooked together in a hot wok with aromatic herbs and traditional sauces. Here’s how you can make this classic dish at home.

Ingredients

• Rice noodles: 250 g
• Shrimp: 15 pieces, peeled and deveined
• Carrot: 1 medium, julienned
• Cabbage: 1 small wedge or 2 handfuls of shredded cabbage
• Green bean sprouts: 2 handfuls
• Green beans: 2 handfuls (fresh or frozen)
• Egg: 1
• Thai bird chili: 1, sliced (or to taste)
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
• Thai shallots: 3-4, thinly sliced
• Tamarind paste: 3 tablespoons
• Oyster sauce: 4 tablespoons
• Honey or palm sugar: 2 teaspoons
• Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Vegetable oil: for stir-frying
• Peanuts: crushed, for garnish
• Cilantro: for garnish
• Lime or lemon: for serving
• Teriyaki sauce: optional, for extra flavor
• Green onions: for garnish (optional)

Method

1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the tamarind paste, oyster sauce, honey or palm sugar, fish sauce, and salt. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Shrimp: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Add the garlic, Thai bird chili, and shallots. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through.
4. Add Vegetables: Add the carrot, cabbage, and green beans to the skillet. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but remain crisp.
5. Scramble the Egg: Push the vegetables and shrimp to one side of the skillet. Crack the egg into the empty space and scramble it until cooked through. Mix the egg with the vegetables and shrimp.
6. Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Final Touches: Stir in the bean sprouts and cook for another minute or until everything is heated through.
8. Serve: Transfer the Pad Thai to serving plates. Garnish with crushed peanuts, cilantro, and green onions if using. Serve with lime or lemon wedges on the side. For extra flavor, drizzle with a bit of teriyaki sauce if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Pad Thai with shrimp!