Name: Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 3 ounces packaged rice noodles (or rice sticks); 8 ounces medium-sized shrimp (shelled and deveined); 2 ounces fried firm tofu (cut into slices, optional); 1 large egg; 1 large egg white (or use the whole egg if preferred); 5 ounces bean sprouts; 1 ounce Chinese chives (or scallions, cut into 2-inch lengths); 1 tablespoon crushed peanuts; Lime wedges (for serving); Basil (optional for garnish); 2 teaspoons oil (such as peanut oil or avocado oil); 1 clove garlic (finely minced); 1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce (Thai Kitchen brand for gluten free); 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or more, to taste)

If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a satisfying bite, you’re in for a treat. This Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something delicious but without too much fuss. It’s lighter than the restaurant version yet still packed with the authentic flavors that make Pad Thai so irresistible. Plus, once you try this, you’ll see why my family goes crazy for it!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: You can whip this up in about 25 minutes — perfect for weeknight dinners.
Balanced Flavors: That classic sweet-tangy kick combined with tender shrimp and crunchy veggies is spot-on.
Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein from shrimp, tofu, and eggs, but still light enough to enjoy guilt-free.
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a mix of light beige noodles and bright pink cooked shrimp that have a slightly shiny texture. Scattered throughout the noodles are fresh green leaves and green onion pieces, adding vibrant splashes of color. On one side of the plate, a wedge of lime with a bright green skin and juicy, pale green inside leans against the noodles. Light brown crushed nuts are sprinkled over the dish, adding texture. Brown chopsticks with black tips rest across the right side of the plate. Nearby, a small white bowl holds more whole peanuts. A few lime wedges and green leaves are placed on the white marbled surface, enhancing the fresh look of the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Shrimp Pad Thai, Shrimp Pad Thai recipe, quick Pad Thai, healthy shrimp stir-fry, authentic Thai Pad Thai

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to give you that authentic Pad Thai experience without requiring exotic pantry items. I recommend looking for good quality rice noodles and fresh shrimp to really elevate the dish.

Flat lay of a small bundle of soft, translucent rice noodles (rice sticks), a few glistening medium-sized raw shrimp with shells removed, several pale yellow slices of fried firm tofu, a large whole egg with a clean shell, a small handful of fresh, white bean sprouts with green tips, a few stalks of dark green Chinese chives cut into 2-inch lengths, a small mound of light brown crushed peanuts, two bright green lime wedges, one small clove of fresh garlic, a few fresh basil leaves, and three small white ceramic bowls containing clear light golden oil, a white granulated sugar, and a light amber liquid (fish sauce), placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Shrimp Pad Thai, Shrimp Pad Thai recipe, quick Pad Thai, healthy shrimp stir-fry, authentic Thai Pad Thai

Rice noodles: These are the heart of Pad Thai; look for thin to medium-width rice sticks for the best texture.
Oil: Peanut or avocado oil works great because they handle high heat and have neutral flavors.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a fragrant base that’ll fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aroma.
Shrimp: Medium-sized, peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and stay juicy.
Fried firm tofu (optional): Adds a lovely texture contrast and extra protein.
Eggs: A mix of whole egg and egg white keeps it light but still silky.
Bean sprouts: They provide that fresh, crunchy bite in every mouthful.
Chinese chives or scallions: Adds a gentle onion flavor and pops of color.
Crushed peanuts: For toasty crunch and a nutty finish.
Lime wedges: The essential acidity that brings the whole dish to life.
Fish sauce: Look for gluten-free Thai Kitchen brand to keep the dish authentic yet allergy-friendly.
Sugar: Balances out the savory and sour notes perfectly.
Water: Helps blend the seasonings evenly.
Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and brightness.
Chili powder: Adjust this to your heat preference. I like a touch of kick but not overpowering.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Pad Thai feels so versatile to me — like a canvas! I’ve tried different versions depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family’s craving. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the basics and make it your own.

Protein swaps: If you’re not into shrimp, chicken, tofu-only, or even tempeh work just as well. I’ve swapped shrimp for chicken for a family dinner and everyone loved it.
Vegetarian version: Leave out the shrimp and fish sauce; use soy sauce and extra tofu instead — surprisingly tasty!
Spice level: Play around with more chili powder or add fresh sliced chilies if you like it fiery.
Veggie additions: Baby corn, bell peppers, or snap peas add extra crunch and color. I love adding bell peppers for a subtle sweetness.

How to Make Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe

Step 1: Prep the noodles and sauce

Start by following the package instructions to cook the rice noodles. The goal is soft but still with a little chew—like al dente pasta. Once done, rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking and keep them from sticking together. While the noodles are draining, mix your sauce ingredients—fish sauce, sugar, water, rice vinegar, and chili powder—in a small bowl until the sugar dissolves. This sauce is where the magic happens, so tasting and balancing it to your liking is key!

Step 2: Cook garlic, shrimp, and tofu

Heat a large skillet or wok on high and add your oil. When it’s nice and hot, toss in the minced garlic. Stir it quickly—once you catch that amazing garlic aroma, add the shrimp and tofu (if using). Keep everything moving; shrimp cooks fast. When the shrimp turns pink and opaque, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 3: Add noodles and eggs

Throw the noodles into the skillet and stir continuously to get them warmed through, about 30 seconds or so. Push the noodles to one side of the pan, and crack the eggs onto the empty space. I usually use one whole egg plus an egg white to keep it light, but go with whatever you prefer. Scramble the eggs gently until they start to set, then mix it all together.

Step 4: Combine with sauce and veggies

Pour the seasoning sauce over the noodles and stir well so every strand is coated with that sweet-savory goodness. Toss in the bean sprouts and Chinese chives, continuing to stir until the bean sprouts are just cooked but still crunchy. Right before turning off the heat, sprinkle in the crushed peanuts for that signature texture burst.

Step 5: Serve immediately

Pad Thai waits for no one! Serve it straight from the pan with lime wedges on the side—squeezing a fresh wedge over really brightens the flavors. If you want, add some fresh basil leaves for an herbal lift that takes it next-level. Trust me, you’ll want to eat this right away.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe

Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and sauce mixed before you start cooking to keep things moving quickly.
Don’t Overcook Noodles: Over-soaking rice noodles can make them mushy; aim for that tender but firm texture.
Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat ensures you get the perfect stir-fry texture without steaming your ingredients.
Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste your sauce before adding it all; you can always add more sugar, chili, or fish sauce to fit your palate.

How to Serve Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe

A white plate filled with stir-fried noodles as the base layer, light brown and slightly glossy, mixed with four pink-orange cooked shrimps placed evenly on top. Scattered throughout the noodles are green onion pieces and fresh green basil leaves giving contrast. On the upper left edge of the plate, a bright green lime wedge rests. Alongside the plate, wooden chopsticks with black tips are placed diagonally on the right side. There is a small white bowl filled with pale tan peanuts in the background on a white marbled surface with scattered peanut pieces around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Shrimp Pad Thai, Shrimp Pad Thai recipe, quick Pad Thai, healthy shrimp stir-fry, authentic Thai Pad Thai

Garnishes

I love topping my Pad Thai with a handful of crushed peanuts for extra crunch and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice for just the right brightness. Sometimes I add fresh Thai basil or cilantro if I have it on hand, which adds a fragrant, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the noodles.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with this dish—something light like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame works perfectly to complement the flavors without overpowering them. I’ve also enjoyed serving this alongside some crunchy Asian slaw for a fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when hosting, try serving this Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe in individual banana leaf bowls or lettuce wraps. It adds a tropical flair that’s sure to impress your guests. Another idea I’ve done is plating it with a decorative wedge of lime and fresh herbs for a restaurant-style finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The noodles might soak up a bit of the sauce, so give it a quick toss with a drizzle of water or a touch of oil before reheating to bring back that fresh texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze leftover Pad Thai, it’s not my favorite because the texture of the noodles changes after thawing. If you must freeze it, separate the shrimp and vegetables from the noodles and freeze in portions — this helps reduce sogginess when reheated.

Reheating

I prefer reheating Pad Thai in a hot skillet over medium heat to bring back the stir-fried texture. Add a splash of water or oil, toss often to prevent sticking, and heat until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch but can make the noodles a bit gummy.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the shrimp and fish sauce, then substitute soy sauce or tamari for the fish sauce. Increase the tofu portion for protein and load up on veggies like bell peppers or carrots for added flavor and texture.
What type of noodles works best for Pad Thai?

Rice stick noodles are the traditional choice. I find medium-thin noodles (about 1/8 inch wide) are easiest to cook to that perfect chewy texture and absorb all the sauce flavors without getting mushy.
How do I prevent Pad Thai noodles from sticking together?

After boiling, rinse the noodles well under cold water and toss them lightly with a bit of oil if you’re not cooking immediately. Be careful not to soak them too long, or they’ll become too soft and stickier.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes! Chop the garlic, slice tofu, and prep the sauce ahead of time to make the actual cooking process go much faster. You can also soak the noodles in hot water earlier but avoid over-soaking to keep their texture intact.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it combines comfort, flavor, and speed in a way that feels truly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, I promise it’ll impress without leaving you overwhelmed. Give it a try—you’ll find that the balance of sweet, sour, and spicy with tender shrimp and crunchy peanuts is simply unbeatable. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!