Cooking at home is one of the best things you can do for your health and your wallet. Sometimes you really want those bold flavors from your favorite takeout spot, but you do not want to wait for delivery or pay the high cost. Tonight, we are going to make a classic Thai dish that is much easier to cook than you might think.
This shrimp pad Thai is bright, savory, and a little bit sweet. It hits every part of your taste buds. If you want something even heartier, you can check out this recipe for Super Tasty Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Sweet Potatoes later in the week. For now, let us focus on getting these fresh noodles ready for your dinner table.
Ingredients Needed
You can find all of these items at any normal grocery store. Make sure your shrimp are peeled and cleaned before you start cooking.
- 8 ounces of flat rice noodles
- 1 pound of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup of fresh bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup of chopped peanuts
- 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons of tamarind paste or lime juice
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro for topping
Step By Step Making
1. First, soak your rice noodles in a bowl of warm water for about 20 minutes until they are soft but still firm. Drain the water and set the noodles aside while you prep your other ingredients.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together your fish sauce, tamarind paste or lime juice, and brown sugar. This mixture will give the dish that famous signature flavor. Set the sauce aside.
3. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or a wok over medium high heat. Add your shrimp and cook them for about two minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Take the shrimp out of the pan and set them on a plate.
4. Add the rest of the oil to the same pan. Add your minced garlic and stir it for thirty seconds until it smells good. Do not let the garlic burn.
5. Pour your beaten eggs into the pan. Scramble them quickly until they are just set. Add the drained noodles to the pan and toss them around with the eggs.
6. Pour your sauce mixture over the noodles. Use tongs to mix everything together so every noodle is coated. If the pan looks a little too dry, add a tiny splash of water.
7. Add the cooked shrimp and the bean sprouts back into the pan. Toss everything together for one or two minutes until the sprouts are slightly wilted but still crunchy.
8. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the green onions and half of your chopped peanuts. Serve it immediately with the rest of the peanuts and some cilantro on top.
Nutritional Value
This dish is a great balanced meal for a weeknight. Please note that these numbers are estimates for one serving.
Protein: 25 grams. This comes mainly from the shrimp and the eggs, which helps keep you full.
Calories: 450 calories per serving. This makes it a filling but not overly heavy dinner option.
Carbs: 65 grams. The rice noodles provide the energy you need after a long day of work.
Health Benefits
Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein. It is very low in fat compared to red meat, which makes it a smart choice for your heart health. You get a nice dose of selenium and vitamin B12 from the seafood as well.
Bean sprouts are another great part of this meal. They are high in water content and fiber, which helps your digestion stay on track. By making this at home, you also control the amount of sugar and sodium that goes into your body.
Cooking your own food is a huge step toward a healthier lifestyle. If you ever need more kitchen inspiration, you can always head back to Azeely to see what is new. Eating fresh ingredients that you prepared yourself is always better than eating processed frozen meals. Enjoy your homemade shrimp pad Thai tonight with your family or friends.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
