A classic Thai street food dish, this Spicy Shrimp Pad Thai is packed with bold flavors, featuring tender shrimp, rice noodles, crunchy peanuts, and a tangy, slightly spicy sauce. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, making it an irresistible meal!
Origin of Spicy Shrimp Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a famous Thai stir-fried noodle dish, popular worldwide for its bold flavors and quick preparation. Traditionally made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu, or shrimp, and a flavorful tamarind-based sauce, this dish is a staple of Thai street food culture.
What We Love About This Recipe
- Authentic Thai flavors in a quick 30-minute meal.
- Customizable spice level—adjust chili flakes to taste.
- Perfect balance of flavors—sweet, tangy, salty, and spicy.
Spicy Shrimp Pad Thai
4
servings30
minutes20
minutes620
kcalIngredients
3 tbsp tamarind paste (or lime juice for substitute)
2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian option)
1 ½ tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
8 oz (225g) rice noodles
1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup bean sprouts
¼ cup chopped peanuts
2 green onions, chopped
1 tbsp lime juice
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Noodles: Soak rice noodles in warm water for 10-15 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, Sriracha, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add remaining oil, garlic, onion, and bell pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Scramble the Eggs: Push veggies to one side and pour in beaten eggs. Scramble lightly, then mix with veggies.
- Combine Everything: Add softened noodles, cooked shrimp, and sauce to the pan. Toss everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is absorbed.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in bean sprouts, peanuts, green onions, and lime juice. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- Use tofu or chicken instead of shrimp for variety.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing Sriracha and chili flakes.
