Description
Pad Thai is a beloved Thai street food known for its delicious balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. This vegetarian version swaps out traditional meat or seafood for tofu and adds a variety of vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe will bring the vibrant flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
- 2 large eggs (optional, omit for vegan version)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (optional, for a richer flavor)
Instructions
Step 1:
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Set aside.
Step 2:
- In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove tofu from the pan and set aside.
Step 3:
- In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil.
- Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the sliced bell pepper and julienned carrots.
- Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 4:
- Push the vegetables to one side of the wok.
- If using, crack the eggs into the empty side and scramble until cooked through.
- Mix the eggs with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles, tofu, and sauce to the wok.
- Toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5:
- Remove from heat and stir in the bean sprouts and chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately, garnished with crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side.
Equipment
300 Vegan/Plant Based Recipe Cook Book
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Buy Now →Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the eggs.
- Customize the vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability. Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy work well.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the chili sauce.
- Pressing the tofu helps remove excess moisture, allowing it to crisp up nicely during cooking.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 20minutes
- Category: Special Diets,Vegetarian