Shrimp Pad Thai & The Shrimp Plant
Home renovations continue here at Chez Lori Lynn. The Brazilian granite counter is installed. Painting the walls and final electrical are all that are left of this project. Meanwhile however, the exterior of the house is being painted, along with the perimeter white picket fence. So, all the plants along the fence had to be trimmed back, including the shrimp plants. Rather than let those lovely branches go to waste, I saved them for arrangements. To my surprise they make striking centerpieces, which will definitely show up at parties in the future. And then the night’s dinner was inspired by those plants…
Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe
Pad Thai Sauce:
- 2/3 c. chili sauce
- 1/4 c. brown sugar
- 2 T. tamarind juice (mix tamarind paste with warm water)
- 2 T. fish sauce
- 1 T. low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 t. grated ginger
- 1 small serrano chile, seeded & chopped
Combine ingredients in a bowl, set aside.
Shrimp Pad Thai:
- shrimp ~ 21-25 size, cooked (peeled, tail-on, deveined)
- 1 package Thai rice noodles ~ cooked, rinsed, drained well
- 2 eggs, beaten
- peanut oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 c. bean sprouts
- 4 scallions, sliced on a wide angle
- 1/2 c. chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 c. coarsely chopped roasted peanuts
- lime wedges
- thinly sliced serrano pepper
- thinly sliced red pepper (Thai or jalapeño)
Briefly sauté garlic in a bit of oil, add egg and scramble lightly, then set aside. Heat a small amount of oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok. Add noodles, bean sprouts and chili sauce. Toss gently and heat through. Add chopped cilantro and half the sliced scallion, toss again. Plate the noodle mixture on a platter. Top with peanuts, scrambled egg, scallion, chiles, cilantro leaves. Arrange shrimp and lime wedges around the platter. To serve: use tongs to toss everything together, serve in bowls with lime on the side.
Justicia brandegeeana ~ Mexican Shrimp Plant
Justicia brandegeeana (Mexican Shrimp Plant or Shrimp Plant) is an evergreen perennial shrub native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. The flowers are white, extending from reddish bracts which look a lot like shrimp, hence the shrub’s common name. The species is named after Townshend Stith Brandegee (1843–1925) botanist and expert on the Cape flora of Baja California. The shrimp plant, a common ornamental shrub, thrives in the shade in tropical areas. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. A number of cultivars are available, with different flower bract colors, including yellow, pink and dark brick-red. (from wikipedia)
The shrimp plant is quite aptly named but it was only after I looked at the photos side-by-side that I realized how similar the colors, textures, and shapes of Pad Thai resemble the Shrimp Plant too. Pad Thai Plant?
They do make a beautiful centerpiece!
I don’t think I’ve seen those flowers before. Aren’t they pretty! And your new benchtop is magnificent ~ wow. {The recipe looks great, as always.}
I have to try this pad thai recipe. it sounds amazing. These pictures and flowers are also amazing! 🙂
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve considered working the shrimp plant into a post. Bravo! Also bravo on that counter top, so elegant. GREG
Absolutely love the colours of the Brazilian granite . . . and thank you for a lovely variation on the pad thai!
Thank you Eha ~ and I have two more versions of Pad Thai to share in the next few days ~ mushroom vegan-style and lobster elegant-style. Please stop by and let me know what you like best 🙂
LL
Pad Thai is my favorite! This looks so very delicious! Gorgeous pictures, beautiful flowers and a fabulous meal!
What a beautiful Brazilian granite counter! I already love your home. 🙂 You have such a beautiful taste in anything (home, food, props…). Your pad thai looks very simple and delicious. And what amazing photos!! Anyone will be starving for this after seeing the pictures.