A vibrant and flavorful Thai stir-fry featuring tender rice noodles tossed in a tangy-sweet tamarind sauce, served with grilled shrimp, crunchy peanuts, and fresh vegetables for the ultimate balance of texture and taste. This dish captures the essence of traditional Thai street food, combining savory, sweet, and tangy notes with a satisfying medley of textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Shrimp Pad Thai offers an authentic taste of Thailand with ingredients you can easily find at your local market. The dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for a weekend dinner. With its customizable components and vibrant flavor profile, it caters to various dietary preferences and spice levels. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises a rewarding and delicious experience.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sauce:

tamarind paste
fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
palm sugar or brown sugar
rice vinegar
chili flakes (optional)

For the Pad Thai:

rice noodles
vegetable oil
garlic, minced
eggs, lightly beaten
bean sprouts
green onions, sliced
crushed peanuts
large shrimp, peeled and deveined
lime, halved
fresh garlic chive buds (optional for garnish)

directions

Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes or until softened. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, mix tamarind paste, fish sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. Set aside.
Heat oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add shrimp and cook until just pink and cooked through, approximately 2–3 minutes. Remove from the pan.
Pour the beaten eggs into the pan and scramble lightly.
Add the softened noodles and sauce. Toss well to combine and cook for 2–3 minutes until noodles are tender and coated.
Stir in bean sprouts, green onions, and half of the crushed peanuts. Mix thoroughly and remove from heat.
Plate the Pad Thai and top with grilled shrimp. Garnish with remaining peanuts, extra green onions, garlic chives (if using), and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories per serving: 490 kcal

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace shrimp with tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
Spicier Pad Thai: Add more chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
Nut-Free Option: Omit peanuts and substitute with toasted sesame seeds for crunch.
Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles in place of rice noodles.
Chicken Pad Thai: Substitute shrimp with thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or additional sauce to restore moisture. Avoid microwaving for best texture retention.

FAQs

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply replace the shrimp with tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce in the sauce.

Can I use store-bought Pad Thai sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce offers a fresher, more balanced flavor. Use store-bought only as a convenient alternative.

How spicy is this Pad Thai?

It’s mildly spicy due to the optional chili flakes. Adjust to taste for more or less heat.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and chop the ingredients ahead, but for best results, cook fresh before serving.

What kind of noodles should I use?

Use flat rice noodles, typically labeled as “Pad Thai noodles” or “rice stick noodles.”

Is Pad Thai gluten-free?

It can be, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Toss noodles in a little oil after soaking, and make sure they’re not overcooked before stir-frying.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended as the noodles tend to lose their texture when thawed.

What can I use instead of tamarind paste?

A mix of lime juice and brown sugar can substitute, but it won’t be as authentic in flavor.

What garnish works best?

Chopped peanuts, fresh lime, green onions, and garlic chive buds enhance flavor and presentation.

Conclusion

Homemade Shrimp Pad Thai is a quick, satisfying, and versatile dish that brings authentic Thai flavors to your kitchen. Its perfect balance of textures and tastes makes it a favorite for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. With a few pantry staples and simple steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home.