Name: Easy Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 oz linguine pasta; 2 cups broccoli, cut into small pieces; 1 cup peas, frozen and thawed; ¼ cup peanut butter, creamy; 3 tbsp soy sauce; ¼ cup hot water; 1 tsp Sriracha, or more to taste; 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tsp garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, minced; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 3 tbsp green onion, diced; ¼ cup cilantro, chopped; ¼ cup peanuts, finely chopped; 4 lime wedges

Introduction

This Easy Shrimp Pad Thai is a flavorful and satisfying meal you can make quickly on a busy weeknight. Combining tender shrimp, a creamy peanut sauce, and fresh vegetables, it’s a delightful twist on a classic Thai dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned home cooks.

This dish shows a white bowl filled with three main layers: at the bottom, light golden cooked noodles are loosely piled; the middle layer has orange-pink shrimp mixed evenly with bright green peas and small broccoli florets, adding fresh texture; on top, small pieces of chopped nuts and fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered, giving color contrast and a crunchy look. Black chopsticks rest on the edge of the bowl, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz linguine pasta

2 cups broccoli, cut into small pieces

1 cup peas, frozen and thawed

¼ cup creamy peanut butter

3 tbsp soy sauce

¼ cup hot water

1 tsp Sriracha (adjust for heat preference)

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tsp garlic, minced

1 tsp ginger, minced

3 tbsp green onion, diced

¼ cup cilantro, chopped

¼ cup peanuts, finely chopped

4 lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the linguine noodles according to package instructions. Meanwhile, place the broccoli and peas in a large bowl and set aside.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, hot water, and Sriracha until smooth. Set this sauce aside for later.

Step 3: Place a colander over the bowl containing broccoli and peas. Drain the cooked pasta into the colander, allowing the hot pasta water to quickly soften the vegetables. Let everything sit in the hot water until you’re ready to cook the shrimp.

Step 4: Heat sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and curl. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 5: Pour the prepared peanut sauce into the wok and stir quickly to combine. Add the drained noodles and vegetables, tossing everything together to coat well with the sauce.

Step 6: Serve the pad thai warm, garnished with chopped cilantro, green onions, peanuts, and lime wedges for squeezing on top.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free option, substitute linguine with rice noodles and use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Add extra crunch and color by including thinly sliced carrots or bell peppers in the vegetable mix.

If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the Sriracha sauce.

Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu to suit your dietary preferences.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?

Yes, while linguine works well, you can also use rice noodles, spaghetti, or even soba noodles depending on your preference and what you have on hand.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?

Cook shrimp until they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking.