Vegetarian Pad Thai: Thai-style Stir-Fried Rice Noodle Dish
Vegetarian Pad Thai is a vibrant and aromatic Thai-style stir-fried rice noodle dish, offering the perfect balance of flavors from savory, tangy, and spicy ingredients. As a popular choice on Thai street food menus, this dish brings together tofu, fresh vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a tangy homemade soy sauce mixture. The dish is further complemented with the delightful crunch of roasted peanuts, topped with a squeeze of lemon for an added zest.
This Vegetarian Pad Thai is a delectable meal that is light, yet hearty, making it the ideal dinner for those seeking an Eggetarian dish full of flavor and nutrients. The recipe is easily customizable, and whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this one-pan meal can be prepared in less than an hour. Paired with a bowl of Sweet Corn Vegetable Soup, it makes for an incredibly wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Pad Thai
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tofu (extra firm) | 100 grams |
| Rice noodles (dry) | 100 grams |
| Onion | 1, diced |
| Garlic | 1 teaspoon, minced |
| Spring onion greens | 1 small bunch, roughly chopped |
| Bean sprouts | 100 grams |
| Whole eggs | 2, scrambled separately with salt and pepper |
| Sesame (gingelly) oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon | 1, cut into wedges |
| Roasted peanuts (moongphali) | 1/3 cup, coarsely chopped |
| Coriander (dhania) leaves | A handful, chopped for garnish |
| Salt | As needed |
| Pepper | As needed |
For the Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Red chili flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 2-3 people
Instructions
-
Prep the Tofu:
- Begin by draining the tofu. Place it on a plate, then top it with another plate and a heavy weight to remove excess moisture. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the tofu to drain completely.
-
Cook the Rice Noodles:
- In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add the dry rice noodles and turn off the heat. Let the noodles soak in the hot water for about 7 minutes until they are soft. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, and red chili flakes. Set the sauce mixture aside for later use.
-
Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Tofu:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sautรฉ the diced onion until it turns golden brown and slightly crispy.
- While the onion cooks, cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes. Add the tofu to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly browned.
-
Add Garlic and Vegetables:
- Stir in the minced garlic, spring onions, and bean sprouts. Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the vegetables cook while still retaining their crunch.
-
Incorporate the Scrambled Eggs:
- In a separate pan, scramble the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper until fully cooked. Once done, add the scrambled eggs to the vegetable-tofu mixture in the skillet and stir to combine.
-
Combine the Sauce and Veggies:
- Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture over the vegetable and tofu stir-fry, tossing everything together to ensure even coating. Once combined, transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
-
Stir-Fry the Noodles:
- In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the cooked rice noodles and stir-fry them for 2 minutes until they begin to crisp slightly and are well-coated in the oil.
-
Final Mixing:
- Add the reserved vegetable and tofu mixture back into the skillet with the noodles. Stir everything together for a minute or two, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce and combine with the veggies and tofu.
-
Serve the Vegetarian Pad Thai:
- Transfer the completed dish into a serving bowl. Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the noodles for a tangy kick. Garnish with coarsely chopped roasted peanuts and fresh coriander leaves for an added burst of flavor and texture.
-
Enjoy!
- Serve your Vegetarian Pad Thai hot and enjoy a wholesome, Thai-inspired dinner. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a bowl of Sweet Corn Vegetable Soup.
Tips:
- For a spicier version, you can increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a fresh chopped chili along with the garlic.
- If you prefer a firmer tofu texture, press the tofu for a longer time to remove more moisture.
- Feel free to adjust the quantity of soy sauce and sugar based on your preference for sweetness or saltiness.
This Vegetarian Pad Thai recipe will not only satisfy your cravings for a savory, Thai-inspired meal, but it will also introduce a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures in every bite. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering, this dish is a crowd-pleaser thatโs both delicious and healthy.
Enjoy the magic of Thai cuisine, right from your own kitchen with this delightful Vegetarian Pad Thai!
