Shrimp Pad Thai

Ingredients

8 ounces rice-stick noodles
1/4 cup tomato-based chili sauce
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons light-brown sugar
1 tablespoon anchovy paste
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound peeled and deveined medium shrimp
3 cups bean sprouts, plus more for garnish
8 scallions, trimmed, halved lengthwise, and cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Assorted Garnishes (Optional)
1/3 cup chopped dry-roasted peanuts
Pinch of red-pepper flakes
Bean sprouts
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
Lime wedges

Rice noodles are very delicate; for best results, have the other ingredients cut and measured before you begin, and make sure to undercook the noodles in the first step. The combination of anchovy paste and soy sauce is a good substitution for Asian fish sauce, which is used to flavor many Thai dishes.

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil; remove from heat. Stir in noodles; let soak until softened (but still undercooked), 3 minutes. Drain; rinse under cold water until cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together chili sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and anchovy paste. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add shrimp; cook, tossing often, until just opaque throughout, about 3 minutes. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
Return skillet to medium-high heat. Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil along with the noodles and chili-sauce mixture; cook, tossing, until combined, about 1 minute. Add bean sprouts, scallions, and shrimp. Pour in egg; toss until noodles are coated and cooked through, about 2 minutes. Serve, topped with garnishes, if desired.

Serving Size: Makes 6 large portions