Under 20-Minute Prawn Pad Thai
Craving takeout but too tired to wait? This shortcut Pad Thai hits the spot in under 20 minutes.
When you want that hit of salty, sweet, and tangy flavor but your energy levels are hitting zero, this Pad Thai is your best friend. We've stripped away the complicated prep to focus on what makes the dish iconic: those big, bold flavors and perfectly chewy noodles. By using a quick-cooking rice noodle and a streamlined sauce, you get that authentic street-food vibe without spending an hour in the kitchen. The prawns sear beautifully in the pan, giving them a nice snap while the sauce coats every strand of noodle with a glossy finish. It smells incredible as it hits the heat—think toasted peanuts and zesty lime. It's the ultimate 'I need something special but I want to sit down immediately' dinner choice.
Ingredients
- 8 oz prawns — peeled and deveined
- 4 oz rice noodles — thin variety (like rice sticks)
- 3 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic — minced
- 1 tsp ginger — grated
- 2 tbsp oil — neutral oil like avocado or canola
- 2 tbsp peanuts — crushed
- 1 pinch red chili flakes — optional for heat
Method
- 1 Soak the rice noodles in boiling water for 8-10 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
- 2 In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce (or tamari), lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to make your base sauce.
- 3 Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the prawns and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.
- 4 Add the drained noodles into the pan with the prawns.
- 5 Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss vigorously for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are coated and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- 6 Stir in the crushed peanuts and chili flakes. Serve immediately topped with extra lime if you're feeling extra zesty.
Variations
- Vegetarian Swap — Replace the prawns with extra-firm tofu cubes or tempeh.
- Crunchy Twist — Add a handful of raw bean sprouts and chopped cilantro at the very end for extra crunch.
Notes
If your noodles are very thick, soak them for an extra 2 minutes. The sauce should look glossy; if it looks too dry, add a splash of water.
Equipment that helps
- Large Skillet — Allows you to sear the prawns and toss the noodles evenly in one go.
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