How to Make Shrimp Pad Thai | @cooksmarts

shrimp

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: tofu

Tofu is plant-based and often more affordable.

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: soy sauce

Soy sauce is easier to find and lower in sodium.

tamarind paste

🥗Healthier: lime juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lime juice adds acidity with lower cost.

peanuts

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: cashews

Sunflower seeds are nut-free and budget-friendly.

Soak flat rice noodles in boiling water for about 5 to 8 minutes until soft and chewy, then drain and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Defrost shrimp in lukewarm water, preferably using shrimp with tails on for extra flavor.

Chop green onions, keeping the green parts and white parts separate.

Mince garlic and chop peanuts.

Whisk together 2 to 4 eggs, depending on desired protein amount.

Prepare the sauce by mixing chicken stock, brown sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, tamarind paste, and minced garlic.

Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of the sauce over the shrimp to marinate.

Heat a wok over medium-high heat and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil.

Add shrimp to the hot oil and sear for about 2 minutes on each side until caramelized, then set aside.

Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok, then add the white parts of the green onions with a little salt and sauté.

Add the whisked eggs to the wok and scramble until cooked, then set aside.

Add the soaked noodles to the wok with the remaining sauce and let them absorb the flavors.

Return the shrimp to the wok, add the green onions, and squeeze in lime juice to taste.

Taste the dish and adjust sweetness with brown sugar, salt with fish sauce or soy sauce, and sourness with tamarind or lime juice as needed.

Add peanuts and garnish with lime wedges before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens