Pad Thai Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp and Tamarind Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic Thai stir-fried rice noodles tossed with succulent shrimp, crunchy peanuts, and tangy tamarind sauce. This thai-inspired curry ready in about 30 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, vegetable oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Thai cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 3 tbsp fish sauce, and 2 tbsp grated palm sugar until sugar dissolves; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 peeled shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and just cooked through; push shrimp to one side.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 beaten eggs and scramble gently until just set, then mix with shrimp.
  5. Step 5: Add drained 8 oz soaked rice noodles and pour the tamarind sauce over them; toss vigorously for 2-3 minutes until noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 cup bean sprouts and 3 sliced green onions, cooking for another 1 minute until slightly wilted.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts and 1 tsp red chili flakes if using. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pad Thai Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp and Tamarind Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Pad Thai Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp and Tamarind Sauce?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pad Thai Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp and Tamarind Sauce?

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 Pad Thai Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp and Tamarind Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Pad Thai Stir-Fried Noodles with Shrimp and Tamarind Sauce?

Thai curry 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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