Garlic Butter Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe

If you’re craving something fast, flavorful, and downright addictive, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe is hands down one of my favorites to whip up on a busy weeknight. I absolutely love how the rich garlic butter mingles with the tender shrimp and tangy-sweet pad thai sauce – it feels like restaurant-quality food but without the fuss. Stick with me, and I promise you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in about 30 minutes that’s full of layers of flavor and just the right hit of spice.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe plays a key role in bringing authentic flavors with an irresistible twist. When possible, I like to grab fresh shrimp and fresh garlic to really make a difference, and picking quality fish sauce and rice noodles will take your dish from good to fantastic.

• Wide rice noodles: The foundation of the dish; soak or boil them according to package directions for that perfect chewy texture.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Balances saltiness while letting other flavors shine without overpowering the dish.
• Fish sauce: Adds that classic umami punch essential for authentic pad thai flavor.
• White vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that brightens the richness.
• Honey or maple syrup: Sweetens the sauce naturally, balancing the salty and sour notes.
• Chili flakes: Add heat; adjust to your spice tolerance—plus a little extra for serving for those who like it fiery.
• Raw jumbo shrimp: The star protein here—peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and soak up all the garlicky butter goodness.
• Peanut oil or extra virgin olive oil: Use peanut oil for a neutral flavor or EVOO if you prefer a fruitier note.
• Garlic cloves (finely chopped or grated): Fresh garlic is a must; it caramelizes beautifully in butter to infuse the dish.
• Salted butter: Makes it rich and luscious—don’t be shy with it!
• Eggs (beaten): Add texture and that classic scramble you expect in pad thai.
• Bean sprouts or chopped baby bok choy (or other greens): Tossed in at the end for crunch and freshness.
• Green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor and nice color contrast.
• Roasted peanuts (chopped): Essential for that satisfying crunch and nutty flavor on top.
• Basil (Thai or regular) and limes: Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice brighten every bite.

Variations

I love making this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or how adventurous I’m feeling — don’t hesitate to tweak it.

• Vegetarian Variation: Swap shrimp for firm tofu or extra veggies like bell peppers and snap peas, and skip fish sauce or use a vegan alternative like tamari.
• Spice Level: Increase chili flakes or toss in fresh chopped Thai chilies if you like it super hot – just be careful not to overpower the garlic butter goodness.
• Greens Substitution: If you can’t find bean sprouts or bok choy, shredded cabbage or spinach works beautifully too and adds a fresh crunch.
• Noodle Swap: Try thinner rice noodles for a lighter bite or even soba for a nutty twist if you want something different.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Rice Noodles Perfectly

Start by cooking the wide rice noodles according to their package instructions—usually soaking or a quick boil. I’ve found timing is everything here: undercook slightly if you plan to toss them later in the skillet so they don’t turn mushy. Drain and set aside with a drizzle of oil to keep them from sticking together.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Sauce

Mix the soy sauce, fish sauce, white vinegar, honey, and chili flakes in a small bowl. This sauce is where balance happens — salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy — it’s the heart of the dish. Taste it and adjust any component to suit your personal preference before cooking.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp in Garlic Butter Bliss

Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the shrimp and sear until they’re pink and just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Then toss in the butter and garlic — this is where magic happens! Stir frequently as the garlic softens and caramelizes lightly, coating the shrimp in that gorgeous garlicky butter sauce. Don’t rush; letting the garlic turn golden brown here adds depth and sweetness.

Step 4: Toss Noodles, Sauce, and Eggs Together

Add the prepared noodles and sauce into the skillet with shrimp. Toss well so the noodles soak up all the buttery garlicky sauce. Push everything to one side of the pan and pour your beaten eggs into the empty space. Let the eggs cook undisturbed for about a minute until the edges set, then scramble gently and mix into the noodles.

Step 5: Fresh Veggies and Final Toss

The last step is adding in your crunchy bean sprouts and green onions. Toss everything together just till combined—you want to keep the veggies crisp to balance out the soft noodles and shrimp. Then remove from heat and it’s time to plate.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish to Impress

Divide your Garlic Butter Shrimp Pad Thai onto plates and top with handfuls of chopped roasted peanuts, extra green onions, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you want a little extra heat. Don’t forget to squeeze fresh lime juice right before digging in—that bright citrus note takes this dish over the edge every single time.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe

Garnishes

I never skip fresh basil and a big handful of chopped roasted peanuts on top — it gives the dish that perfect fresh, aromatic lift paired with crunch. A sprinkle of extra chili flakes adds color and heat, but most importantly, a bright squeeze of lime juice finishes everything with that tangy pop that wakes up your taste buds beautifully.

Side Dishes

To keep things light, I usually serve this Garlic Butter Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe with a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame on the side. Crispy spring rolls also make an amazing accompaniment if you’re feeling like a full Thai feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, try serving the noodles in individual banana leaf-lined bowls or even hollowed-out pineapples for a tropical flair. Setting out the garnishes family-style lets your guests customize their plates which always sparks great conversation and excitement around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them within 2 days. The noodles might absorb more sauce as they sit, so you might want to add a splash of water or extra lime juice when reheating to refresh the texture.

Freezing

Freezing this pad thai works, but I recommend freezing the shrimp and noodles separately if possible. The noodles can get a bit mushy after thawing, so it’s better for short-term freezer storage only. I personally prefer making it fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I lightly warm it in a skillet with a small splash of oil or water to loosen the noodles and keep the shrimp tender. Microwaving works too but with a shorter time and a quick stir halfway through, so you don’t end up with rubbery shrimp or dried-out noodles.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe has become one of those reliable meals I reach for when I want something comforting yet vibrant without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of garlic butter richness with classic pad thai flavors is such a winning combo – it’s no wonder my family keeps asking me to make it again and again. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and I’m confident you’ll fall in love with it just like I did.

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