This authentic Pad Thai recipe combines tender rice noodles, juicy shrimp, scrambled eggs, crisp bean sprouts, and a perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and tangy sauce. Ready in about 35 minutes, it's an easy restaurant-quality dinner the whole family will love.
Soak the rice noodles in warm water according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
Pro Tip: Slightly undercook the noodles since they'll continue cooking in the wok.
Time: 10 minutes
Avoid: Over-soaking, which can make the noodles mushy.
Whisk together tamarind paste, fish sauce, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sriracha until smooth.
Pro Tip: Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity before cooking.
Heat vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
Avoid: Overcooking the shrimp, which can make them rubbery.
Add the beaten eggs to the wok and gently scramble until just set.
Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the noodles and prepared sauce. Toss continuously until the noodles are evenly coated.
Return the shrimp to the wok and stir in the bean sprouts and green onions.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Transfer to serving plates and top with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve immediately while hot.
Servings 4
Serving Size 1 plate (about 14 oz / 400 g)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate promptly after cooling.
Not recommended, as the noodles can become soft after thawing.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water.
Serve with Thai iced tea, fresh spring rolls, cucumber salad, or mango sticky rice for dessert.
Prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables up to 24 hours in advance for faster cooking.
Nutrition Disclaimer: These values are estimates based on standard ingredient databases and may vary depending on the specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes used.
