Vegetarian Pad Thai Recipe
Description
Vegetarian Pad Thai is a delightful, quick, and simple dish that brings a burst of flavor and freshness with every bite. It’s a perfect combination of vegetables, tofu, and rice noodles, all stir-fried on high heat to achieve the perfect texture and authenticity. The balance of tamarind, soy sauce, sriracha, and brown sugar, paired with fresh vegetables and crunchy peanuts, makes this Thai-inspired dish both satisfying and wholesome. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a flavorful weekend treat, this dish is a must-try!
Cuisine: Thai
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For Pad Thai
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice Noodles (Flat) | 350 grams |
| Tofu | 1 cup (cut into pieces) |
| Garlic | 2 cloves (grated) |
| Onion | 1 (thinly sliced) |
| Bok Choy | 4 heads (roughly chopped) |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1 (sliced into wedges) |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1 (cut into wedges) |
| Broccoli | 10 florets |
| Bean Sprouts | 1 cup |
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | 1 cup (sliced) |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | Small bunch (finely chopped) |
| Roasted Peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/2 cup (pounded) |
| Fresh Red Chillies | A few (thinly sliced) |
| Oil | 3 tablespoons (for stir-frying) |
| Lemon wedges | For serving |
For Pad Thai Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tamarind Water | 1/2 cup |
| Soy Sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Sriracha Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 1/4 cup |
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Noodles:
Begin by preparing the rice noodles for your Vegetarian Pad Thai. Boil a pot of water and remove it from the heat. Soak the rice noodles in the hot water for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they soften but still retain a bit of firmness. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to allow any excess water to drain.Tip: The noodles should feel soft yet slightly βal dente,β which means they should still have a little bite to them. They will continue cooking when you fry them later.
-
Prepare the Vegetables and Tofu:
While the noodles soak, prepare your vegetables and tofu. Thinly slice the onion, slice the carrot into wedges, chop the bok choy, and cut the green bell pepper into wedges. Break the broccoli into florets, and slice the spring onions into thin rounds. Chop the coriander leaves finely. Set all the vegetables and herbs aside.Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces and set it aside as well. You can press the tofu lightly to remove any excess moisture, which will help it crisp up when fried.
-
Make the Pad Thai Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the tamarind water, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is well-mixed. This sauce is the heart of the dish and will give your Pad Thai its signature tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Set the sauce aside. -
Stir-Fry the Pad Thai:
Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the edges. Remove the tofu from the wok and set it aside.In the same wok, add the grated garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the onion, bok choy, carrot, green bell pepper, and broccoli. Stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. The high heat will help retain their vibrant color and texture.
-
Combine the Noodles and Sauce:
Add the soaked and drained rice noodles to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the Pad Thai sauce over the noodles and vegetables. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles are coated with the sauce. Add the bean sprouts, spring onions, and tofu back into the wok. Stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until everything is well combined and heated through. -
Garnish and Serve:
Once your Vegetarian Pad Thai is cooked, remove it from the heat. Plate the Pad Thai and garnish with fresh coriander leaves, sliced red chilies, and pounded roasted peanuts. Serve the dish with lemon wedges on the side for an extra tangy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Vegetarian Pad Thai hot, ideally with a side of extra lime wedges or chili flakes for those who enjoy more spice. Pair it with a chilled Thai iced tea or a refreshing cucumber salad for a full meal experience.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1 portion, approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
Tips for the Perfect Pad Thai
- Noodles: Don’t overcook the rice noodles. They should remain slightly firm, as they will finish cooking when stir-fried.
- Heat: Stir-frying on high heat is essential for achieving the signature smoky flavor of Pad Thai.
- Customizations: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms, or switch up the tofu for tempeh for a different protein source.
- Make it Spicy: For those who enjoy extra heat, add more sriracha or fresh chilies to the sauce.
Vegetarian Pad Thai is a flavorful, vibrant dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. With its balance of tangy, sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, this quick and easy recipe will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand. Enjoy every bite!
