Authentic Thai Shrimp Pad Thai with Tamarind

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky, tangy stir-fried noodle dish with plump shrimp, tamarind, and a hint of palm sugar, served with fresh lime and crushed peanuts for crunch. This thai-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs rice noodles, (peeled and deveined) shrimp, tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 460 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 12 oz shrimp and cook for 3 minutes until pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp palm sugar, and 1 tbsp fish sauce. Cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  4. Step 4: Add the soaked rice noodles and 1 cup bean sprouts. Toss for 3-4 minutes until the noodles are tender and coated in the sauce. Push the noodles to one side and pour the beaten eggs into the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until just set, then mix into the noodles.
  5. Step 5: Divide into serving bowls. Top with 1/4 cup crushed peanuts, a squeeze of lime juice, and additional fish sauce if desired. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Thai Shrimp Pad Thai with Tamarind take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Thai Shrimp Pad Thai with Tamarind?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rice noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Thai Shrimp Pad Thai with Tamarind?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Thai Shrimp Pad Thai with Tamarind for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Thai Shrimp Pad Thai with Tamarind?

Thai seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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