Top Health Benefits of Pad Thai with Shrimp You Need to Know

Pad Thai is a nutrient-rich dish that offers a balanced combination of macronutrients, especially when prepared with shrimp. It is particularly high in protein due to the inclusion of shrimp and eggs, which support muscle maintenance and satiety. The dish also contains moderate amounts of healthy fats from peanuts and cooking oil, as well as essential micronutrients like vitamin B12, iron, selenium, and omega-3s from the shrimp. The rice noodles provide a good source of quick energy through carbohydrates, while the addition of vegetables such as bean sprouts, green onions, and garlic enhances the fiber and antioxidant content. The lime juice contributes vitamin C, aiding in immune health and iron absorption. Overall, Pad Thai delivers a wholesome, satisfying meal with diverse nutritional benefits, especially when portion-controlled and not overloaded with added sugar or oil.

Ingredients :

Rice Noodles : 250 g

Shrimp : 300 g

Chicken Egg : 2 Piece

Green onions : 4 Piece

mung bean sprouts : 1 Cup

Garlic : 2 clove

Peanut : 4 Tablespoon

Lemon : 2 Piece

Cooking Oil : 4 Tablespoon

fish sauce : 4 Tablespoon

Brown Sugar : 2 Tablespoon

Tamarind paste : 2 Tablespoon

Red Pepper : to taste

Carrot : 1 Piece

Master the art of cooking authentic Pad Thai at home in just 30 minutes – a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Thailand!

Recipe :

For 4 people

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Soak 200g of flat rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes until soft, then drain.
Peel and devein 300g of shrimp.
Chop 2 cloves of garlic and 1 small shallot finely.
Cut 1 carrot into thin strips and prepare bean sprouts and green onions for garnish.

Step 2: Make the Pad Thai Sauce

In a bowl, mix 4 tablespoons fish sauce, 2 tablespoon tamarind paste, 2 tablespoon sugar, and 1 tablespoon lime juice.
Stir until sugar is dissolved and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat 2 tablespoon oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until pink and cooked through.
Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed.
Sauté the chopped garlic and shallot until fragrant.

Step 5: Cook the Eggs

Push the garlic and shallot to one side of the pan.
Crack in 2 eggs and scramble until just set.

Step 6: Combine the Noodles and Sauce

Add the drained noodles to the pan and pour the prepared sauce over them.
Toss well to coat the noodles evenly and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Add Shrimp and Vegetables

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan.
Add shredded carrot and a handful of bean sprouts, mixing gently.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Divide the Pad Thai onto 4 serving plates.
Garnish with crushed roasted peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh green onions.

Enjoy your flavorful homemade Pad Thai!

Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Pad Thai with Shrimp

When preparing Pad Thai, it’s essential to balance flavors and textures to achieve an authentic result. One of the key steps is soaking the rice noodles just enough so they become pliable without becoming mushy—over-soaking can ruin the texture. Cooking should be done on high heat, ideally in a wok, to create that characteristic slight smokiness and caramelization known as “wok hei.” The sauce must strike a perfect harmony between sweet (palm sugar), sour (tamarind), salty (fish sauce), and umami (shrimp or tofu). Always prepare your ingredients in advance and cook quickly in stages to prevent overcooking, especially the eggs and shrimp. Toss the noodles gently to avoid clumping, and add garnishes like lime wedges, crushed peanuts, and bean sprouts right before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.

Nutritional Information and Diet Compatibility of Pad Thai with Shrimp

Pad Thai, in its traditional form, is not suitable for all dietary plans. It contains rice noodles which are high in carbohydrates, making it unsuitable for ketogenic and low-carb diets unless substituted with zoodles or shirataki noodles. The inclusion of fish sauce and shrimp makes it inappropriate for vegan and vegetarian diets unless plant-based alternatives like tofu and soy sauce are used. Due to added sugar and sodium in the sauce, individuals on strict DASH or diabetic diets should moderate their intake or adapt the recipe. However, Pad Thai can be a good fit for high-protein and pescatarian diets and may be included in low-calorie diets with reduced oil and portion control. It's not naturally gluten-free, but gluten-free tamari and rice noodles can make it compliant for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Careful customization allows Pad Thai to be enjoyed in a variety of health-conscious eating patterns.