Shrimp Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish that combines stir-fried noodles with shrimp, eggs, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, making it a beloved choice for many. This is an easy recipe and the dish is made with simple ingredients, so you won’t need to buy sauces especially for this recipe.
What is the meaning of shrimp pad Thai?
“Shrimp Pad Thai” refers to a specific dish in Thai cuisine that combines shrimp (a type of seafood) with “Pad Thai,” which is a style of stir-fried rice noodles. Let’s break down the meanings of each component:
- Shrimp: Shrimp are a type of small, marine crustaceans commonly used in cooking. They have a delicate and slightly sweet flavor. Shrimp is a commonly eaten seafood including Pad Thai and a lean source of protein.
- Pad Thai: “Pad” in Thai cuisine means “stir-fry,” and “Thai” refers to the style of cuisine from Thailand. “Pad Thai” is a specific type of stir-fried noodle dish that has become iconic in Thai cuisine. It typically includes stir-fried rice noodles with various ingredients such as shrimp, tofu, eggs, and a flavorful sauce.
So, when you hear “Shrimp Pad Thai,” it means a dish where shrimp is a prominent ingredient in the Pad Thai stir-fry. It’s a flavorful and popular Thai dish enjoyed worldwide, known for its blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
What is shrimp pad thai made of?
Shrimp Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish made primarily of stir-fried rice noodles, shrimp, eggs, and a flavorful sauce. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:
- Noodles: These are the main component of Pad Thai.
- Shrimp: Shrimp is a common protein used in Pad Thai. It’s peeled and deveined, then stir-fried until pink and cooked through.
- Eggs: Eggs are often scrambled into the dish, providing both texture and flavor.
- Sauce: The sauce is crucial to the flavor profile of Pad Thai. Traditional ingredients for the sauce include vinegar, fish sauce (for saltiness and depth of flavor), soy sauce (for more umami), and often a bit of sweetness from sugar.
- Vegetables: While variations exist, common vegetables include chopped green onions, and a coleslaw mix of shredded cabbage and carrots.
- Flavorings: Garlic and onion are used for aroma and flavor. Peanuts are added for crunch and nuttiness.
- Garnishes: Fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges are often used as garnishes to add a burst of freshness and brightness.
- Optional Additions: In some versions, tofu, bell peppers, and other vegetables can be added for additional textures and flavors.
Remember, Pad Thai is a versatile dish, and the exact ingredients can vary based on personal preferences and regional variations. The core components, however, remain the noodles, shrimp, eggs, sauce, and a mix of vegetables and flavorings.
Is pad thai junk food?
Shrimp Pad Thai is not typically considered junk food. It is a popular Thai dish made with noodles, shrimp, vegetables, eggs, and a flavorful sauce. While it can vary in terms of nutritional content depending on how it’s prepared and the specific ingredients used, it generally contains protein from the shrimp and eggs, carbohydrates from the noodles, and various vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
However, like any dish, the nutritional profile can be influenced by factors such as portion size, cooking methods, and the ingredients used. Some versions of Pad Thai might include excessive amounts of oil, sugar, or sodium, which could impact its overall healthiness. If you’re concerned about the nutritional content, you can consider making modifications, such as using less oil, choosing whole-grain noodles, and adding more vegetables.
Ultimately, Shrimp Pad Thai is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. It’s a good idea to be mindful of portion sizes and ingredient choices to ensure that it aligns with your dietary preferences and goals.
How to make shrimp pad Thai?
Begin by cooking the noodles according to the instructions on the package. Once done, drain them and set them aside.
Prepare the sauce by whisking together vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce (if used), and hot sauce in a small bowl. Set the sauce aside.
In a spacious nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat, warm a tablespoon of oil. Introduce the shrimp and stir-fry them until they attain a pink hue. Transfer the cooked shrimp from the skillet and keep them aside.
Utilize the same skillet to heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Incorporate the chopped onion and minced garlic, stir-frying until their fragrance is released. Shift the onion and garlic to the edges of the skillet, forming a well at the center. Crack the egg into the well and scramble it until it is thoroughly cooked.
Add the coleslaw mix and sliced green onions to the skillet, thoroughly combining all the ingredients. Pour the sauce mixture over the coleslaw and egg blend in the skillet, stirring everything together until thoroughly heated.
Reintroduce the cooked shrimp into the skillet, integrating them with the other ingredients. Gently incorporate the cooked noodles into the skillet, ensuring they are evenly mixed with the rest of the components.
Divide the Pad Thai mixture evenly onto two serving plates. Sprinkle the servings with chopped peanuts and adorn them with fresh cilantro leaves. Enjoy!
If you like Shrimp Pad Thai, check out these recipes:
- Stir-fry Noodles with Shrimp and Vegetables
- Thai Peanut Shrimp
- Sweet and Sour Sauce Fish
- Glass Noodle Salad
Shrimp Pad Thai – Easy recipe
Ingredients
- 4 oz. noodles
- 1 cup medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp oil (such as vegetable or canola)
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 cup coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1 tbsp green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp fish sauce (optional)
- ½ tsp sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp chopped peanuts
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and hot sauce. Set aside.
- In a large nonstick skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and stir-fry until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Push the onion and garlic to the sides of the skillet, creating a well in the center. Crack the egg into the well and scramble it until fully cooked.
- Add the coleslaw mix and sliced green onions to the skillet. Mix everything together.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the coleslaw and egg mixture in the skillet. Stir-fry until everything is heated through.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and mix everything together.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and gently toss them with the other ingredients.
- Divide the Pad Thai mixture between two serving plates. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over each serving and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Shrimp Pad Thai – Simple recipe