Stir-Fried Pad Thai with Tamarind and Roasted Peanuts

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Thai noodle dish featuring rice noodles stir-fried with tamarind sauce, fresh shrimp, and crunchy roasted peanuts for a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors. This thai-inspired thai ready in about 35 minutes pairs rice noodles, shrimp, peeled and deveined, vegetable oil 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until pliable, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 thinly sliced shallots, stir-frying for 1 minute until fragrant and golden.
  3. Step 3: Push the aromatics to one side, crack in 2 large eggs and scramble gently for 1 minute until just set.
  4. Step 4: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp to the wok, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the drained noodles, 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 3 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp palm sugar, and 1 tsp red chili flakes. Toss constantly for 3-4 minutes until noodles are coated and heated through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh bean sprouts, 3 sliced green onions, and 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately garnished with 1/4 cup cilantro leaves and 4 fresh lime wedges for squeezing over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Pad Thai with Tamarind and Roasted Peanuts take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Stir-Fried Pad Thai with Tamarind and Roasted Peanuts?

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 Stir-Fried Pad Thai with Tamarind and Roasted Peanuts?

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 Stir-Fried Pad Thai with Tamarind and Roasted Peanuts 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 Stir-Fried Pad Thai with Tamarind and Roasted Peanuts?

Thai thai 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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