Coconut Lime Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe

If you are craving a vibrant, tangy, and slightly sweet dish that perfectly balances the flavors of Southeast Asia, this Coconut Lime Shrimp Pad Thai is your new best friend in the kitchen. The tender shrimp, silky rice noodles, and that luscious coconut lime sauce create a symphony of tastes that feels like a tropical getaway with every bite. It’s comfort food with a fresh, exciting twist, bringing brightness and richness together in a way that will have you coming back for seconds, no questions asked.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Coconut Lime Shrimp Pad Thai lies in its carefully chosen, simple ingredients that work harmoniously, giving the dish a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory elements. Each ingredient adds a crucial layer—whether it’s the crunch from peanuts, the sweetness from bell peppers, or the zing from fresh lime juice.

• Rice noodles, 8 oz (225g): The soft, chewy base that soaks up all the sauces beautifully.
• Large shrimp, 1 lb (450g): Peeled and deveined for ease, they add a lovely seafood flavor and meaty texture.
• Coconut oil, 2 tablespoons: Brings a subtle tropical aroma and richness to the stir-fry.
• Garlic, 2 cloves minced: Essential for that fragrant and slightly pungent flavor kick.
• Red bell pepper, 1 small thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and a pop of vivid color.
• Green onions, 2 sliced: Provides freshness and a gentle onion finish.
• Eggs, 2 lightly beaten: For a silky, slightly fluffy texture that complements the noodles.
• Crushed peanuts, 1/4 cup: For garnish, delivering an irresistible crunch.
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges: To brighten the dish with herbaceous and citrus notes.
• Coconut milk, 1/4 cup (for the sauce): The creamy backbone of the sauce with subtle sweetness.
• Fish sauce or soy sauce, 2 tablespoons: Adds salty, umami depth—fish sauce if you want that authentic kick.
• Lime juice, 1 tablespoon: Gives the dish its signature zesty punch.
• Brown sugar or honey, 1–2 tablespoons: Balances the acidity with gentle sweetness.
• Sriracha or chili paste, 1 teaspoon: To taste; introduces a mild spicy warmth that wakes up the palate.

How to Make Coconut Lime Shrimp Pad Thai

Step 1: Cook the Rice Noodles

Begin by preparing the rice noodles according to the package instructions, usually soaking or boiling until tender but still slightly chewy. This texture is key to the dish as it allows the noodles to soak up the sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside to keep warm.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the coconut milk, fish sauce (or soy sauce), fresh lime juice, brown sugar or honey, and sriracha. Whisk these ingredients until the sugar dissolves completely and the sauce has a silky, well-incorporated texture. This sauce is where all the classic flavors of Coconut Lime Shrimp Pad Thai come alive, creating the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, salty, and spicy notes.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn bright pink and are just opaque inside. Removing the shrimp promptly keeps them tender and juicy. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside for adding back later.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Eggs

Add the remaining tablespoon of coconut oil to the pan, then toss in the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for about two minutes until everything is fragrant and slightly softened but still vibrant. Next, push the veggies to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the open space. Scramble the eggs gently until they’re just set — this combination brings both color and a delightful texture contrast to the dish.

Step 5: Combine Noodles, Shrimp, and Sauce

It’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked rice noodles and shrimp back into the skillet with the vegetables and eggs. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the top. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients, allowing the noodles to soak up the luscious Coconut Lime Shrimp Pad Thai sauce. Finish by stirring in the sliced green onions for a fresh bite.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Serve this vibrant dish hot straight from the skillet, ready for its last special touches of garnish. The aroma alone is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!

How to Serve Coconut Lime Shrimp Pad Thai

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes here. Crushed peanuts add an addictive crunch and earthy depth, while fresh cilantro brings a bright, herby lift that cuts through the creamy tropical flavors. Lime wedges are essential—they invite you to squeeze bright bursts of citrus that elevate every bite, perfectly complementing the creamy coconut and savory shrimp.

Side Dishes

To keep things light and fresh, a simple cucumber salad or crisp Asian slaw pairs wonderfully with Coconut Lime Shrimp Pad Thai. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside grilled vegetables or light, steamed jasmine rice. These sides add balance and keep the meal feeling complete without overpowering the vibrant flavors of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, try serving the Coconut Lime Shrimp Pad Thai in small, individual cast iron skillets or atop banana leaves to enhance the exotic feel. Adding edible flowers or thinly sliced red chilies as a topping gives a colorful flourish. You can also offer a small dish of extra sauce and lime wedges for people to customize their flavors as they eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Coconut Lime Shrimp Pad Thai keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the texture of the shrimp and noodles, store garnishes like peanuts and cilantro separately and add fresh when serving.

Freezing

While you can freeze Coconut Lime Shrimp Pad Thai, it’s best to do so without the fresh garnishes and lime juice, which could get watery on thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pad thai gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking and to warm everything evenly. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the peanuts and herbs crunchy by adding them fresh after warming.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime juice instead of fresh lime for Coconut Lime Shrimp Pad Thai?

Fresh lime juice is definitely best because it adds bright, fresh acidity that cuts through the richness of the coconut milk. Bottled lime juice can work in a pinch but may taste less vibrant, so adjust the amount according to your taste.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the shrimp with tofu or extra vegetables, and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative. Use a plant-based egg substitute or omit eggs entirely for a vegan-friendly version without losing any flavor.

What kind of rice noodles should I use?

Look for flat, thin to medium-thickness rice noodles, sometimes labeled as Pad Thai noodles. These cook quickly and have the perfect chewiness to absorb the sauce. Avoid very thick noodles or vermicelli, which behave differently when stir-fried.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

Yes! The sriracha or chili paste in the sauce can be dialed back or up to your preferred heat level. Starting with less and adding more toward the end of cooking lets you control the spice perfectly.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

After cooking, rinse the rice noodles under cold water to stop cooking and rinse off excess starch. Tossing them with a small drizzle of oil before adding to the skillet also helps keep them from clumping in the pan.

Final Thoughts

Making Coconut Lime Shrimp Pad Thai at home is one of those delightful cooking experiences that rewards you instantly with a dish that tastes both exotic and comforting. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, it will undoubtedly become a go-to whenever you want a meal that’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare. So grab those ingredients, invite a friend over, and enjoy the sunshine on a plate together!