If you're craving something bright and flavorful, look no further than this Zesty Citrus Pad Thai. It’s a delightful twist on a classic dish, bringing in the vibrant notes of lime and orange to liven up your meal.
Start by cooking your **rice noodles** according to the package instructions. Once they're tender, drain them and set them aside. You'll want them ready to go for when we mix everything together.
Next, heat up your **vegetable oil** in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the **shrimp** and cook until they're pink and opaque—this should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Once done, scoop them out of the wok and set them aside for later.
In the same wok, toss in the **minced garlic** and let it sizzle just until it becomes fragrant—around 30 seconds should do it. Quickly pour in the beaten **eggs** and scramble them. The eggs will add a lovely texture to our dish.
Now, add the drained **noodles**, **bean sprouts**, **carrots**, and **green onions** to the wok. Give everything a good toss so that the veggies and noodles are nicely mixed.
In a small bowl, whisk together the **lime juice**, **orange juice**, **fish sauce**, **soy sauce**, **tamarind paste**, **brown sugar**, and **red pepper flakes**. Pour this zingy sauce over the noodle mixture and toss again, ensuring everything gets well-coated and flavorful.
Return the cooked **shrimp** to the wok, and give it all another toss to combine. Let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors meld beautifully.
Serve your delightful Pad Thai hot, garnished with **chopped peanuts** and a scattering of fresh **cilantro** leaves for that final fresh touch.
This Zesty Citrus Pad Thai pairs wonderfully with a crisp cucumber salad or a simple Asian slaw. If you're entertaining, consider serving it alongside some spring rolls or dumplings for a complete feast.
The star of this dish is, of course, the **rice noodles**, which serve as a neutral base, soaking up all the saucy goodness. **Vegetable oil** is used for frying and bringing everything together smoothly. **Shrimp** adds a succulent, protein-rich element, perfectly complementing the citrus notes. **Garlic** provides a fragrant depth, while **eggs** add richness and texture. The **bean sprouts**, **carrots**, and **green onions** offer a fresh, crunchy contrast.
For our zesty sauce, the **lime** and **orange juices** are key players, giving the dish its distinctive bright flavor. **Fish sauce** and **soy sauce** bring that essential umami, while **tamarind paste** adds a tangy depth. A touch of **brown sugar** balances the flavors, and **red pepper flakes** add a hint of heat. Finally, **roasted peanuts** and **fresh cilantro** are the perfect finishing touches, adding crunch and a burst of freshness.
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