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Spicy Tamarind Prawn Pad Thai with Crispy Shallots
Thai·non-vegetarian·medium

Spicy Tamarind Prawn Pad Thai with Crispy Shallots

Imagine the bustling streets of Bangkok, where the smoky aroma of wok-fried noodles mingles with the tang of tamarind and the heat of fresh chilies. This pad thai is my love letter to that energy—a delicate balancing act of sweet, sour, and salty, brought together with plump, juicy prawns and a riot of textures. You'll get the satisfying chew of rice noodles coated in a glossy, umami-rich sauce, the crunch of bean sprouts and roasted peanuts, and a final flourish of crispy shallots that add a golden, savory crunch. It's a dish that feels both familiar and exciting, perfect for a weeknight indulgence or a special dinner that transports you straight to Thailand. Trust me, once you master the sauce, this will become your go-to comfort food.

40 min(prep 25 + cook 15)
2 servings
650 kcal
0

Ingredients

  • flat rice noodles (pad thai style)150g
  • large raw prawns, peeled and deveined200g
  • tamarind paste3 tbsp
  • fish sauce3 tbsp
  • palm sugar2 tbsp
  • sriracha or chilli garlic sauce2 tsp
  • dried shrimp, finely chopped2 tbsp
  • shallots, thinly sliced (for sauce)2
  • garlic, minced3 cloves
  • eggs2
  • firm tofu, cut into small cubes100g
  • bean sprouts100g
  • garlic chives, cut into 3 cm lengths30g
  • roasted peanuts, crushed50g
  • crispy shallots (for garnish)3 tbsp
  • lime wedges1
  • vegetable oil3 tbsp
  • Thai bird's eye chillies, chopped (optional, for heat)2

Nutrition

650 kcalper serving
Protein15g19%
Carbs35g45%
Fat15g19%
Fiber4g5%
Sugar8g10%

Directions

  1. 1

    Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 30 minutes, or until pliable but not fully soft. Drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    Make the pad thai sauce: in a small bowl, mix tamarind paste, fish sauce, palm sugar, and sriracha. Whisk until the sugar dissolves. Adjust to your taste—it should be sour, sweet, and salty.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat. Add shallots and garlic, stir-fry until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add prawns and cook until they turn pink (1-2 minutes per side). Remove prawns from the wok and set aside.

  4. 4

    Add remaining oil to the wok. Crack eggs into the center and scramble them quickly until just set. Add tofu and dried shrimp, then add noodles, tossing constantly to combine.

  5. 5

    Pour the sauce over the noodles and keep tossing. If it looks dry, add a splash of water. Add bean sprouts and garlic chives, then return the prawns to the wok. Stir for another minute until everything is well coated.

  6. 6

    Plate immediately, topped with crushed peanuts, crispy shallots, fresh lime wedges, and optional chopped chilies. Serve hot with extra fish sauce and sugar on the side if needed.

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