Go Back
Homemade Better Than Takeout Garlic Butter Shrimp Pad Thai. recipe photo

Better Than Takeout Garlic Butter Shrimp Pad Thai.

A quick, garlicky shrimp pad thai tossed in a sweet-savory sauce and finished with crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz wide rice noodles cook according to package directions
  • 3-4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce use more or less to taste
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp chili flakes plus more for serving
  • 1 lb raw jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp peanut oil or extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4-6 cloves garlic finely chopped or grated
  • 3 tbsp salted butter
  • 2-3 eggs beaten
  • 2 cups bean sprouts or chopped baby bok choy or other greens
  • 4 green onions chopped, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts chopped
  • Thai or regular basil and limes for serving

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok
  • Medium Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice noodles according to the package directions until just tender, drain, and set aside.
  2. Whisk the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: soy sauce, fish sauce, white vinegar, honey (or maple), and chili flakes; set aside.
  3. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. Add the shrimp and sear until pink on both sides, about 2–3 minutes total.
  5. Stir in the butter, then add the garlic, a pinch of chili flakes, and a grind of black pepper; cook until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes.
  6. Add the cooked noodles and the prepared sauce to the skillet and toss to combine; cook about 1 minute until noodles are warmed and start to absorb the sauce.
  7. Push the noodles to one side of the skillet and pour the beaten eggs into the empty side; let set about 1 minute, then scramble and mix the eggs into the noodles.
  8. Remove from heat, then toss in the bean sprouts and chopped green onions until combined.
  9. Divide between plates and top with basil, extra green onions, chopped peanuts, extra chili flakes, and a squeeze of lime to serve.

Notes

  • Use wide rice noodles for authentic texture.
  • Adjust soy and fish sauce to taste for saltiness.
  • Swap honey for maple to make it vegan-friendly except for shrimp and butter.
  • Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid toughness.
  • Grate garlic for a smoother texture.