Speedy Shrimp Pad Thai Delight
This Speedy Shrimp Pad Thai Delight is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Thailand to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. With a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes, this recipe features tender shrimp tossed with soft rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and a creamy peanut sauce that's sure to impress. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish can easily be customized with chicken for those who prefer poultry. Enjoy the delightful textures and flavors of this beloved Thai classic without the fuss!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
pad Thai rice noodles
1/2 lb (soaked in hot water for 20 minutes)
crunchy peanut butter
1/3 cup (whisked with sauce ingredients)
sambal oelek chili paste
2 tablespoons (whisked with sauce ingredients)
lime
1 (zest and juice divided)
fish sauce
1/4 cup (plus additional, to taste)
dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon (whisked with sauce ingredients)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing shrimp)
shrimp (16-20 count, peeled and deveined)
1 lb (cooked in skillet)
cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup (halved)
bean sprouts
1 1/4 cups (added to the mixture)
cilantro
3/4 cup (roughly chopped, plus additional for serving)
roasted peanuts
to taste (coarsely chopped for garnish)
lime slices
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Speedy Shrimp Pad Thai Delight?
It is a vibrant Thai-inspired noodle dish featuring shrimp, rice noodles, and a creamy peanut sauce.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be completed in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick meals.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Yes, you can easily customize this dish by using chicken instead of shrimp.
How should the rice noodles be prepared?
The pad Thai rice noodles should be soaked in hot water for 20 minutes before being added to the dish.
What gives the sauce its creamy texture?
The creaminess comes from whisking crunchy peanut butter with the other sauce ingredients.
Is this Pad Thai recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick from the sambal oelek chili paste, which can be adjusted to your preference.
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
It is recommended to use 1 lb of 16-20 count shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.
What are the primary flavor notes of this dish?
The dish features a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe uses 13 ingredients including garnishes like peanuts and lime.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes cherry tomatoes, bean sprouts, and cilantro.
What is the purpose of the fish sauce?
Fish sauce provides a traditional savory and salty umami depth to the Thai sauce.
Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy?
Yes, but crunchy peanut butter adds a desirable texture to the final dish.
What is sambal oelek?
It is a spicy chili paste used to add heat and depth to the peanut sauce.
How is the lime used in this recipe?
The lime zest and juice are whisked into the sauce, while extra slices are served on the side.
What kind of sugar should I use?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of dark brown sugar for a rich sweetness.
How should the cherry tomatoes be prepared?
The cherry tomatoes should be halved before being added to the mixture.
What is the best oil for sautéing the shrimp?
Vegetable oil is recommended for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
How do I garnish the Pad Thai?
Garnish the dish with coarsely chopped roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime slices.
Are bean sprouts cooked or raw?
The bean sprouts are added to the mixture at the end to maintain their fresh texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, its vibrant appearance and complex flavors make it a great choice for casual gatherings.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
While rice noodles are gluten-free, you should check your fish sauce and peanut butter labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
What size should the cilantro be chopped?
The cilantro should be roughly chopped before being mixed in and used as a garnish.
Can I add extra lime juice at the end?
Yes, you can serve with additional lime slices so diners can adjust the tanginess to their taste.
What if I don't have dark brown sugar?
Light brown sugar or palm sugar can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile may change slightly.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
It contains lean protein and fresh vegetables, though the peanut butter and noodles add significant carbohydrates and fats.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, as long as they are completely thawed and patted dry before sautéing.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp are cooked when they turn opaque and pink in the skillet.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but ensure you use a large enough skillet or wok to prevent overcrowding the ingredients.
What is the best way to serve this?
Serve it hot immediately after tossing the noodles with the sauce and shrimp.
Does this recipe require a wok?
While a wok is traditional, a large skillet works perfectly for this speedy version.