Pad Thai Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Shrimp and Tamarind Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic Pad Thai with tender rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp, eggs, and a tangy tamarind sauce topped with crushed peanuts. This thai-inspired noodles ready in about 40 minutes pairs dried rice noodles, shrimp, eggs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 200 g dried rice noodles in warm water for 25 minutes until soft but still firm; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 3 tbsp fish sauce, and 2 tbsp grated palm sugar until sugar dissolves.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 300 g peeled shrimp and cook for 2 minutes until pink and opaque.
  5. Step 5: Push shrimp to one side and crack 2 large eggs into the wok, scrambling quickly until just set.
  6. Step 6: Add the drained noodles and the tamarind sauce mixture; toss everything together vigorously for 2-3 minutes until noodles are coated and warmed through.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1 cup bean sprouts and 3 sliced green onions, cooking for another minute.
  8. Step 8: Serve immediately garnished with 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts, lime wedges, and 1 tsp dried chili flakes if desired for heat.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (30 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 Rice 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 dried rice noodles from drying out.

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

Thai noodles 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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