GET IN TOUCH
Never miss a recipe again
Shrimp Pad Thai SERVES : 2 | PREPARATION TIME 30 MINUTES | COOKING TIME 10 MINUTES
Pad Thai, a renowned Thai dish, is a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. This iconic stir-fried noodle dish showcases a harmonious combination of rice noodles, succulent shrimp or chicken, crunchy bean sprouts, tangy tamarind sauce, and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts. With its vibrant colours and bold flavors, Pad Thai embodies the essence of Thai cuisine, offering a delightful culinary experience that satisfies both the eyes and the palate.
It all starts in the Paddy Fields where rice is grown.
Rice, a staple food for millions, undergoes a remarkable journey from seed to plate. It all begins with carefully selected seeds, soaked and nurtured until they sprout. These sprouts are then transplanted into flooded paddy fields, providing the ideal environment for growth. As the rice plants flourish, they require constant care, with farmers managing water levels, controlling pests, and ensuring optimal nutrition. Patiently, the rice heads mature, gradually transforming from vibrant green to golden yellow. Finally, the harvest arrives, and the fields come alive with activity. The rice is harvested, threshed, and processed, ready to nourish and sustain communities around the globe.
Rice's versatility extends beyond its traditional form, transforming into delightful noodles cherished in many cuisines. The process begins by soaking and grinding rice into a smooth batter. For thin noodles like rice vermicelli, the batter is spread thinly and steamed before being cut into delicate strands. Thicker rice noodles, such as pad Thai noodles, are made by spreading a slightly thicker batter onto a cloth and steaming it into a flexible sheet. This sheet is then rolled and sliced into wide ribbons. From thin strands to wide ribbons, rice's metamorphosis into noodles adds a unique texture and flavor to countless dishes worldwide.
Cooking rice noodles is a simple yet crucial process in ensuring their perfect texture. These delicate strands are typically soaked in warm water to soften before being briefly boiled until tender. Once cooked, they can be added to stir-fries, soups, or salads, absorbing flavors and becoming a delightful component of numerous Asian dishes.
Traditional Pad Thai typically includes shrimp, chicken, or tofu, stir-fried with rice noodles, eggs, bean sprouts, and a combination of tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar. However, there are endless possibilities for customization. Some prefer it spicier by adding chili flakes or Sriracha, while others enhance the flavors with garlic, ginger, or lime juice. Vegetarians can opt for vegetable-based Pad Thai with colorful veggies and tofu. From the classic recipe to inventive adaptations, exploring different Pad Thai variations allows you to craft a dish that perfectly satisfies your taste preferences.
In the bustling streets of Thailand, one can find skilled hawkers who specialize in the art of Pad Thai. These dedicated culinary craftsmen create mouthwatering dishes, solely focusing on perfecting this iconic street food. With their sizzling woks and agile hands, they expertly stir-fry rice noodles, shrimp, chicken, or tofu, infusing them with an exquisite blend of tangy tamarind sauce, palm sugar, and fish sauce. Each plate is adorned with vibrant garnishes of crushed peanuts, fresh lime, and sprightly bean sprouts. These Pad Thai specialists have honed their skills through generations, delighting locals and tourists alike with their flavorful creations, capturing the essence of Thai street food culture.
More fantastic recipes for you to try
Singapore Fried Rice
Serves : 2
Preparation : 5 minutes
Cooking : 8 minutes
Crispy Mini Spring Rolls
Serves : 4
Preparation : 20 minutes
Cooking : 15 minutes
Spicy Hoi Sin Chicken
Serves : 2
Preparation : 5 minutes
Cooking : 10 minutes
Shrimp Pad Thai SERVES : 2 | PREPARATION TIME 20 MINUTES | COOKING TIME 10 MINUTES
INGREDIENTS
225g or 8 oz rice noodles (thick or thin)
12 large shrimp (king prawn), peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup bean sprouts
2 green onions (spring onions), sliced
1/4 cup crushed unsalted roasted peanuts
Lime wedges, for serving
For the Pad Thai Sauce:
2 tablespoons tamarind paste
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
METHOD
Prepare the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, soy sauce, and red chili flakes (if using). Set the Pad Thai sauce aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the pan and cook until pink and cooked through, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Push the shrimp and garlic to one side of the pan, and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked through.
Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan, followed by the Pad Thai sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring that the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce.
Stir in the bean sprouts and sliced green onions. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the bean sprouts have slightly softened.
Remove the pan from heat and garnish with crushed peanuts. Serve the Shrimp Pad Thai with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Pad Thai!
Most popular recipes
Shredded Crispy Chilli Beef
Serves : 2
Preparation : 10 minutes
Cooking : 15 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Hong Kong Style
Serves : 2
Preparation : 10 minutes
Cooking : 15 minutes
Chicken and Cashew Nuts
Serves : 2
Preparation : 5 minutes
Cooking : 7 minutes
Never miss a recipe ever again by subscribing to my Newsletter, plus you can download your FREE copy of my Chinese Soul Food Cookbook
Leave a comment
Hi, I'm Kwoklyn
I literally grew up in the kitchens of my parent's Chinese takeaways and restaurants.
I’m pretty sure if you cut me in half it would say “10 minute” (in a broad Chinese accent), which is pretty much what we told every customer who asked how long their order would be.
Never miss a recipe ever again by subscribing to my Newsletter, plus you can download your FREE copy of my Chinese Soul Food Cookbook