Shrimp Pad Thai with Peanut Sauce

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Shrimp Pad Thai with Peanut Sauce is full of simply irresistible flavors. It’s creamy, nutty, and filling with common ingredients that are easy to find. This is the easiest and fastest takeout you can make at home.

Thai shrimp pad thai in a pan with chopsticks.

Shrimp Pad Thai with Peanut Sauce

The aroma of sizzling stir-fried noodles while this is cooking wafts through the air, and your taste buds tingle with anticipation. Pad Thai, the quintessential Thai street food, is a flavor explosion that combines sweet, savory, and a hint of spice. Now, add succulent shrimp and a rich peanut sauce to the mix, and you have a dish that’s simply irresistible.

We like these with potstickers and Edamame Salad.

Thai shrimp pad thai in a bowl with limes and chopsticks.

Shrimp Pad Thai what to expect

Here’s a tantalizing description of what to expect:

  • Savory and Sweet: The sauce combines the umami flavors of soy sauce with a hint of sweetness from the peanut butter and lime juice. It’s a harmonious balance that dances on your palate.
  • Succulent Shrimp: The plump, juicy shrimp bring a delightful seafood flavor to the dish. Their tender texture is a perfect complement to the chewy rice noodles.
  • Crunchy Vegetables: The shredded carrots and green onions add a refreshing crunch to the dish. They not only provide a contrast in texture but also a burst of freshness in each bite.
  • Nutty Creaminess: The creamy peanut butter imparts a rich, nutty essence that binds the whole dish together. It creates a comforting and slightly earthy undertone that will have you craving more.
  • A Hint of Lime: The lime juice cuts through the richness with a zesty, citrusy note. It balances the dish’s richness with a touch of acidity, elevating the overall experience.
  • Aromatic Cilantro: The chopped cilantro brings an aromatic component, adding a fragrant dimension to the dish that’s a true hallmark of Thai cuisine.
Ingredients for shrimp noodle soup.
Shrimp in a frying pan on a marble countertop.

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces rice noodles ( 283 g). You can sub any noodles.
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 lb shrimp, deveined and peeled (453 g)
  • 1 cup shredded carrot (3.9 oz | 110 g)
  • 1 cup green onions (3.45 oz | 98 g)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro (0.14 oz | 4 g)
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter (4.23 oz | 120 g)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Garnish
  • Crushed peanut
  • Sesame
  • Chopped cilantro

Fried shrimp in a frying pan on a marble countertop.
A skillet filled with shrimp and noodles.

How to store leftovers

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

How to reheat

Reheat in the microwave on medium heat or in a skillet on medium low heat.

You’ll enjoy these Asian inpired recipes too: Sheet Pan Honey Soy Cashew Chicken, Slow Cooker Hoisin Chicken, Sausage Egg Roll Skillet, One Pot Spicy Thai Noodles, Lo Mein, Ground Beef Mongolian Noodles, and Easy Chili Garlic Noodles.

Shrimp and rice in a pan with lime wedges.

Shrimp Pad Thai with Peanut Sauce FAQ

Is there a substitute for peanut butter for those with allergies?

Yes, you can use almond butter or cashew butter as a peanut butter alternative. This will give the sauce a similar creamy consistency and nutty flavor.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this dish?

Of course! You can add a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce to increase the spiciness if you enjoy a little heat, or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder version.

Are there any variations of Pad Thai with different ingredients?

Pad Thai is a versatile dish. You can experiment with various ingredients such as different proteins and vegetables. Traditional Pad Thai often includes bean sprouts and crushed peanuts as toppings.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.

Can I use a different type of protein instead of shrimp?

Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or even just vegetables if you prefer a different protein or are a vegetarian.

Thai shrimp fried rice in a bowl with chopsticks.

Overall, Shrimp Pad Thai with Peanut Sauce is a beautifully orchestrated medley of flavors that strikes a balance between sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy, making every bite an adventure for your taste buds.

In summary, Shrimp Pad Thai with Peanut Sauce is a captivating Thai dish that tantalizes your senses with its rich and harmonious combination of flavors. The savory-sweet peanut sauce, succulent shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and aromatic cilantro create a taste experience that’s hard to forget. Whether you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or a first-time adventurer, this dish is bound to leave you craving for more.

A pan full of shrimp and noodles with chopsticks.
Thai shrimp pad thai in a pan with chopsticks.

Shrimp Pad Thai Peanut Sauce

Simple, filling and nutty with all ingredients which is easy to find. The easiest and fastest takeout you can make in your kitchen.
Author: Paula
5 from 45 votes
Print Rate
Save To Your Recipe Box
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Garnishes

  • Crushed peanut, Sesame, Chopped cilantro

Instructions

  • Prepare noodles as instructed on the packaging.
  • Heat a large skillet on medium high heat. Add shrimps, carrot and green onions. Cook for 3 minutes then add garlic and cilantro. Stir and cook for another minute.
  • Add noodles with peanut butter, soy sauce and lime juice. Stir. Adjust salt if needed. I used salted peanut butter, I did not have to adjust. Cook for 2 minutes until noodles are hot.
  • Remove. Garnish with crushed peanut, sesame and cilantro.
  • Serve.
  • Store 5 days in the refrigerator

Nutrition

Calories: 494kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 523mg | Potassium: 294mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 319IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are important to you, I recommend calculating them yourself.

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8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is my go to order when we go out for Thai but now that we live 45 minutes from the nearest restaurant, making it at home is a must! This recipe is easy but nails it on flavor. I’ve now made it with all sorts of different protein and it comes out great every time.

  2. 5 stars
    No joke, I could happily eat this dish every single day and be totally happy. I love this recipe because it doesn’t have any added sugary or sweet stuff.

  3. 5 stars
    The peanut sauce is to die for! It’s a great balance of sweet, savory, and a little spicy. Love Asian cuisine!! thank you!

  4. 5 stars
    My kids and I have “International Night” once a month where we cook foods from all over the world. Last week was Thai food and your Pad Thai Recipe was on the menu. We all loved it! The peanut sauce was a great addition. Thanks for the inspiration.

5 from 45 votes (40 ratings without comment)

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Your email address will not be published. Have you tried this recipe? Consider giving it 5 stars!