Pad Thai is a beloved Thai street food dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and textures. This version, featuring fresh shrimp, tender squid, crunchy cashew nuts, refreshing lemongrass, and crisp bean sprouts, is a delicious twist on the classic recipe. Balanced with a tangy, savory sauce and served with a squeeze of lime, this Pad Thai is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Let’s bring the flavors of Thailand to your kitchen with this easy recipe!
Preparation time ⏰:
Total Time: 40 minutes
Number of Portions 🍽:
Serves 2
Ingredients:
For the Pad Thai:
- 8 ounces (225g) rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 8-10 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup squid rings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup cashew nuts, roughly chopped
- 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
For the pad thai Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For Garnish:
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Extra cashew nuts
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on portion sizes and specific brands of ingredients used.
Instructions:
Prepare the Noodles for pad thai:
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the pad thai Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, tamarind paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, and lime juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Cook the Shrimp and Squid:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the shrimp and squid, cooking until the shrimp turn pink and the squid is tender, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Aromatics and Egg:
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté the garlic and lemongrass until fragrant. Push them to one side, add the beaten eggs, and scramble them lightly.
Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, followed by the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated.
- Add the shrimp, squid, bean sprouts, cashew nuts, and green onions. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve pad thai:
- Plate the Pad Thai, garnish with lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and additional cashew nuts if desired.
Serving Tip 💡:
Serve your Pad Thai with an extra wedge of lime for a burst of tangy freshness. Pair it with a light Thai iced tea or a sparkling water infused with citrus for a complete meal that transports you straight to Thailand!
