Okay, I've got a bag of shrimp left over from the 'holidays'

[jeanarrett]

that we didn't get around to eating.

1 pound, raw, unpeeled (but I plan on peeling them). Probably need to eat these tonight as I can't refreeze them--other than the usual scampi suspects (which I do love), anybody got any different ideas or a really good scampi recipe? Not too time consuming?

Thanks!

[Shakespeare]

1. Well, what are you in the mood for?

Pad thai was the first thing that popped into my head (and man, does that sound like a great idea for lunch....).

[jeanarrett]

2. I've never made anything Thai--but would love to learn--I just

don't want to drive all over picking up ingredients I don't have. I won't be home from work until 6:30 or so--but if you think it's doable, tell me how, I'm game.

[Shakespeare]

3. Here's the quick & easy way....

I've made this from scratch, and it can be rather involved. HOWEVER, the Thai Kitchen line of products has a pad thai "package" that includes the rice noodles and seasoning packet (Trader Joe's also has this, made by Thai Kitchen but as a Trader Joe's private label item). To make it fast, it's not bad at all, and you should be able to pick up everything in one supermarket stop.

The only other things you'd need are an egg or two (you toss in scrambled egg at the end), a lime, bean sprouts, some crushed peanuts and finely minced basil for garnish (and they do add to the flavor of the dish, but I guess you could leave them off if it's too much trouble). If you like your food hot, you might want to add a dash or three of chili sauce.

Basic instructions are to scramble an egg and set aside, get your noodles going and saute the shrimp in a separate skillet (or wok, if you choose). Just as the shrimp are approaching "done," toss in the sprouts and sauce mix to heat them, then combine everything with the drained noodles and scrambled egg. Squeeze a bit of lime juice on top (and garnish with peanuts and basil), and you've got pad thai.

[jeanarrett]

4. Sounds good -- I love this dish, just haven't ever made it.

And there is a Trader Joe's in Ann Arbor! Thanks for your help.

BTW -- Can fish boullion be used in place of fish sauce or are these totally different animals?
I have fish boullion in my pantry and can't remember why (maybe clam linguine).

[Shakespeare]

5. I'm not sure, but....

...the sauce package that comes in the pad thai thingie has everything in it already (including the fish sauce). That's why it's one of my favorite convenience foods to grab, because I don't have to reach for 18 different sauces, and it still comes out tasting pretty darn good. :-)

[The empressof all]

6. I'm making shrimp cakes with my leftovers tonight

Just shrimp, breadcrumbs, an egg, hot sauce and a smidge of mayo. Formed into patties and baked in the oven. Yummmm.

[jeanarrett]

7. Are you chopping the shrimp up first to make the patties or

using them whole?

[The empressof all]

9. I rough chop them

I like to be able to see hunks of shrimp. This is also a great quick meal to make when those little shrimpies are on sale. I don't care for them any other way.

[politicat]

8. Strifried with broccoli and rice noodles and double black soy sauce.

Something sort of like a pad si yew. Egg is optional.

That's what I'd do.

A shrimp salad would be nice too, if you like such things. Stuff a couple tomatoes with a mix of chopped shrimp, mayo, chopped basil, some almonds, maybe (if you like it) peanut sauce.