Shrimp Pad Thai

Introduction

Shrimp Pad Thai is an incredibly flavorful and popular Thai dish. It is made with rice noodles, shrimp, garlic, fish sauce, brown sugar, tamarind paste, lime juice, red pepper flakes, peanuts, cilantro, and green onions. This dish is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. It is also a great way to introduce Thai cuisine to those who are unfamiliar with it. 

Ease of preparation

Shrimp Pad Thai is a relatively easy dish to prepare. All of the ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores, and the dish can be made in under 30 minutes. The most time-consuming part of the preparation is cooking the noodles, but once that is done, the dish comes together quickly. 

Nutritional information

Shrimp Pad Thai is a nutritious dish that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. One serving of Shrimp Pad Thai provides approximately 350 calories, 12 grams of fat, 40 grams of carbohydrates, and 25 grams of protein. It also contains a good amount of vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as calcium, iron, and magnesium. 

Ingredients

– 8 ounces uncooked rice noodles

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/4 cup fish sauce

– 2 tablespoons brown sugar

– 1/4 cup tamarind paste

– 2 tablespoons lime juice

– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

– 1/2 cup chopped peanuts

– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

– 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

– Lime wedges, for garnish

Preparation Method

To make Shrimp Pad Thai, begin by preparing the noodles according to package instructions. Once the noodles are cooked, drain and set aside. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and garlic and cook until the shrimp are just cooked through about 3 minutes. Add the fish sauce, brown sugar, tamarind paste, lime juice, and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute. Add the cooked noodles and stir to combine. Cook for another minute, stirring to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Remove from heat and stir in the peanuts, cilantro, and green onions. Serve with lime wedges for garnish. 

Cooking Tips

When making Shrimp Pad Thai, it is important to cook the noodles al dente so they don’t become too mushy. It is also important not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and chewy. If you are not a fan of spicy food, you can omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount. 

Flavour/Taste

Shrimp Pad Thai is a flavorful and delicious dish. The combination of the fish sauce, tamarind paste, lime juice, and brown sugar creates a sweet and savoury flavour that is balanced by the heat of the red pepper flakes. The peanuts and cilantro add a nutty and herbal flavor, while the shrimp add a subtle sweetness. 

Best dishes paired with

Shrimp Pad Thai pairs well with a variety of dishes. It can be served as a main course with steamed white rice or as a side dish with other Thai dishes such as Tom Yum Soup or Thai Green Curry. It also pairs well with salads, grilled meats, and stir-fries. 

Origin of dish and history

Shrimp Pad Thai is believed to have originated in the 1940s in Thailand. The dish was created as a way to use up leftovers and quickly became a popular street food. Today, it is one of the most popular Thai dishes and can be found in restaurants and homes all over the world. 

Popular alternatives

If you are looking for a different take on Shrimp Pad Thai, there are several variations of the dish that can be made. Some popular alternatives include Chicken Pad Thai, Tofu Pad Thai, and Vegetable Pad Thai. These variations can be made with the same ingredients as the original dish but with different proteins or vegetables substituted in.