Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe

I absolutely love shrimp. Maybe it’s because I grew up surrounded by the ocean. Or maybe it’s because shrimp is just delicious. This shrimp Pad Thai recipe features those large, raw shrimp that you can buy in a big bag on sale at the local grocery store. But you can use any kind of shrimp, prawn, or even scallops, either raw or cooked, frozen or fresh. Regardless of your choice, the seafood adds a wonderful flavor and texture to the dish, complementing the tangy flavors of the Pad Thai.

Why I Love This Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe

Shrimp occasionally goes on sale at our local grocery store, and I can eek three or four meals out of one large bag. That significantly cuts down our the grocery bill. Plus, it give a taste of seafood without the exorbitant seafood prices.

I thought that perhaps putting it in Pad Thai might make it a bit rubbery, but the trick is to not overcook the shrimp. Just make sure to toss it with the onions and garlic until just pink, then take it off the stove and let it rest until the noodles are done.

Shrimp can stay frozen, too. So you don’t have to pre-defrost them. Just stick them in a bowl in lukewarm water while you prepare the rice noodles, chop the onions, mince the garlic, and sauté. They will be ready to peel and devein and then you can toss them into the pan.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Wok or large skillet
• Cooking utensils
• Cutting board and knife
• Mixing bowls
• Serving plates

Health Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp is not only a popular seafood choice but also brings along several health benefits, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.

Shrimp isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with nutrients and surprisingly low in calories. You get a bunch of essential vitamins and minerals without the guilt. One standout is selenium, a big deal because it helps repair DNA, fights off damage from free radicals, and boosts your immune system. Plus, there’s a good dose of vitamin D in there, helping everything from your metabolism to your blood pressure stay on track.

Now, about that cholesterol in shrimp—turns out, it’s not the villain it was made out to be. Eating shrimp might actually be good for your heart, improving things like your bad-to-good cholesterol ratio and keeping those triglyceride levels in check, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids it’s loaded with.

When it comes to protein, shrimp is a champ. It offers more protein per 100 grams than many meats and eggs, but with fewer calories. So, it’s a smart pick if you’re trying to up your protein intake without going overboard on calories.

Mercury in seafood can be a concern, but shrimp is on the safer side with some of the lowest mercury levels around. Plus, shrimp has this handy selenium to mercury ratio that helps counteract mercury’s toxic effects.

Shrimp is also a great source of iodine, which is key for making thyroid hormones. Regularly eating shrimp can help keep your thyroid happy.

Then there’s astaxanthin, an antioxidant in shrimp that might just be your skin’s best friend, helping to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture. It could even help lower blood pressure, though we need more research to be sure.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, though, it’s best to stick to two servings of shrimp a week. This fits within the general seafood guidelines for pregnancy, just to be safe.

Pairing Suggestions

• How about some Thai Iced Coffee? OMG. So good.
• Hazelnut Mocha Coffee Recipe
• Moroccan Mint Green Tea
• Or if you want something a little adult … The Decadent Brandy Alexander Recipe With Vanilla Ice Cream

FAQs

1. How should I store leftovers? Pop your Shrimp Pad Thai into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. Aim to eat it within 3-4 days for the best flavor. When you reheat it, adding a bit of water or chicken broth can keep the noodles from turning into a dry mess.
2. What are some good pairing suggestions? To round out your meal, throw in some crispy tofu, chicken lettuce wraps, or a fresh Asian cucumber salad. These sides play nice with the flavors of the Pad Thai and keep your taste buds dancing.
3. What are some gluten-free substitutions? If gluten’s a no-go for you, grab some gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Also, check your fish sauce and rice noodles to make sure they’re in the clear, gluten-wise.
4. Can I make this dairy-free? Good news, this Shrimp Pad Thai doesn’t have a drop of dairy, so it’s all systems go for those avoiding lactose.
5. Can I use a different type of noodle? Sure, rice noodles are the norm, but feel free to experiment with other Asian noodles or even spaghetti types like linguine or fettuccine. Just note, the vibe of the dish might shift a bit.
6. Is Shrimp Pad Thai spicy? The spice level’s totally up to you. Dial it down by easing up on the peppers, or crank it up with some chili oil or extra chili powder for those who like it hot.
7. Can it be made in advance? Pad Thai tastes best fresh, but if you’re pressed for time, you can prep the ingredients beforehand. Just cook it up when you’re ready to serve.
8. What about using chicken or beef instead of shrimp? Feel free to swap in chicken or beef if shrimp isn’t your thing. Just make sure whatever you choose is cooked through before you throw in the rest.
9. What are traditional toppings or garnishes? To top off your Pad Thai, go for lime wedges, chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of Thai seasoning. They add that extra oomph and make the dish pop.
10. How do I properly thaw frozen shrimp? The slow-and-steady way is to let them thaw overnight in the fridge. In a hurry? Run them under cold water until they’re no longer icy.
11. What are some tips for cooking shrimp? For an easier life, pick shrimp that’s already been cleaned. They cook fast, so once they’re pink, they’re good to go. Leaving tails on is up to you, but taking them off can make eating simpler.
12. Can I add vegetables to the dish? Tossing in veggies like red bell peppers, matchstick carrots, and snow peas not only makes your Pad Thai prettier but also ups the health factor.
13. Can I make this recipe nut-free? If nuts are a no-go, just leave them out. You’ll still end up with a tasty dish without messing with anyone’s allergies.
14. Are there any tips for the perfect Pad Thai noodles? To get those noodles just right, soak them in lukewarm water to avoid them turning into mush when you cook. If you’re in a rush, hot water can work, but watch them like a hawk to avoid overdoing it.

 

The Final: Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe