Name: Chicken & Shrimp Pad Thai
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons fish sauce; ½ tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon tamarind paste; 2 tablespoons hot sauce; 4 ounces flat rice noodles; 3 tablespoons oil; 2–3 cloves garlic, chopped; 4 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 ounces chicken breast, cut into small pieces; 1 egg; ¼ cup fresh bean sprouts; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped; ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 lime, cut into wedges; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken & Shrimp Pad Thai is a flavor-packed, quick, and satisfying meal that hits all the right notes. The combination of shrimp, chicken, and a tangy tamarind sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. The rice noodles are the perfect base for soaking up the sauce, while the fresh vegetables and herbs add a crunchy, refreshing contrast. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, this Pad Thai will become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pad Thai Sauce:

2 tablespoons fish sauce
½ tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon tamarind paste
2 tablespoons hot sauce

For the Noodles:

4 ounces flat rice noodles
3 tablespoons oil
2–3 cloves garlic, chopped
4 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 ounces chicken breast, cut into small pieces
1 egg
¼ cup fresh bean sprouts
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Prepare the noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. If the noodles are sticky, rinse them under cold water and set aside.
Make the Pad Thai sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, light brown sugar, tamarind paste, and hot sauce. Set the sauce aside.
Cook the proteins: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and chicken pieces to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and the chicken is fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the cooked shrimp and chicken from the pan and set them aside.
Scramble the egg: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Crack the egg into the pan and scramble it for 1-2 minutes until fully cooked.
Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan with the egg. Pour the prepared Pad Thai sauce over the noodles and toss to coat evenly.
Add the vegetables and proteins: Stir in the cooked shrimp, chicken, bean sprouts, and chopped green onions. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Serve: Divide the Pad Thai into serving bowls. Top each bowl with chopped roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a wedge of lime. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add more vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the stir-fry for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken and shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Spicy variation: Increase the amount of hot sauce or add some chopped chili peppers for a spicier Pad Thai.
Substitute peanuts: If you have a peanut allergy, try using cashews or almonds as a substitute for roasted peanuts.

Storage/Reheating

Pad Thai is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to help loosen the noodles and sauce. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use other noodles instead of rice noodles?

While rice noodles are traditional for Pad Thai, you can substitute them with other noodles like soba, udon, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Pad Thai is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the proteins ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the noodles and combine everything together.

Can I use a different protein besides chicken and shrimp?

Yes! You can use other proteins like beef, pork, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

What can I use if I don’t have tamarind paste?

If you don’t have tamarind paste, you can substitute it with a combination of lemon or lime juice mixed with a bit of brown sugar to mimic the tangy-sweet flavor of tamarind.

Can I make Pad Thai without fish sauce?

Yes, you can make Pad Thai without fish sauce by substituting it with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative for a vegetarian version.

How do I make my Pad Thai more flavorful?

For a more intense flavor, you can add a little extra tamarind paste or hot sauce, or even include a splash of lime juice to balance the flavors.

Can I freeze Pad Thai?

Pad Thai is best eaten fresh, as the noodles can become soggy when frozen and reheated. However, you can freeze the cooked proteins and sauce separately, and then cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to serve.

Can I add an egg in a vegan version of Pad Thai?

For a vegan version, you can skip the egg or use a scrambled tofu alternative for a similar texture and flavor.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar, depending on your taste preference.

Conclusion

Chicken & Shrimp Pad Thai is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s easy to make at home and rivals takeout versions. With a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami, this Pad Thai is loaded with protein and fresh ingredients, making it a delicious and nutritious option for any meal. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Chicken & Shrimp Pad Thai

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Chicken & Shrimp Pad Thai is a flavorful, homemade version of the classic dish, featuring a tangy tamarind sauce, rice noodles, and a combination of shrimp and chicken. With fresh vegetables, peanuts, cilantro, and lime, this dish is a delicious and customizable meal.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Thai

Instructions

Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. If sticky, rinse under cold water.
In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, tamarind paste, and hot sauce. Set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add shrimp and chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turns pink and chicken is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.
Add the remaining oil to the pan and scramble the egg for 1-2 minutes until fully cooked.
Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan with the egg. Pour the Pad Thai sauce over the noodles and toss to coat.
Stir in shrimp, chicken, bean sprouts, and green onions. Toss everything together until heated through.
Serve in bowls, topped with peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges. Enjoy!