Perfect Authentic Pad Thai with Shrimp and Tofu

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

A vibrant Thai stir-fry featuring rice noodles, succulent shrimp, and firm tofu, tossed in a tangy tamarind sauce with bean sprouts and peanuts for a dish that captures the essence of Thai street food. This thai-inspired asian ready in about 40 minutes pairs rice noodles, vegetable oil, peeled and deveined shrimp for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 2, 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: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Thai cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a wok or large skillet, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over high heat. Add 2 garlic cloves, minced, and 1 red chili, sliced (if using), stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 oz tofu, cubed, and 1/2 cup shrimp, stir-frying for 2 minutes until the shrimp turns pink.
  4. Step 4: Push the tofu and shrimp to one side, then crack in 2 eggs and scramble until set.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained rice noodles and toss to combine. Add 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 3 tbsp fish sauce, 2 tbsp palm sugar, and 1 tbsp lime juice; toss for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the noodles.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 cup bean sprouts and 1/2 cup chopped scallions, cooking for 1 minute until the sprouts are wilted.
  7. Step 7: Transfer to a plate and top with 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Perfect Authentic Pad Thai with Shrimp and Tofu take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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 Perfect Authentic Pad Thai with Shrimp and Tofu?

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 Perfect Authentic Pad Thai with Shrimp and Tofu?

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 Perfect Authentic Pad Thai with Shrimp and Tofu for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Perfect Authentic Pad Thai with Shrimp and Tofu?

Thai asian 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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