If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that’s quick to make, look no further than this delicious Veg Pad Thai inspired by the popular recipe on coleadamrd.blogspot.com! This classic Thai street food dish has won hearts worldwide with its sweet, tangy, and savory flavors all tossed together in a tangle of rice noodles and crisp veggies.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and customizable, making it easy to recreate authentic Pad Thai flavors right in your own kitchen.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or to impress friends at a gathering, Veg Pad Thai is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover veggies and satisfy your takeout cravings without compromising on nutrition or taste.
Read on to discover why this Veg Pad Thai recipe should become a staple in your meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Use whatever veggies you have on hand. Pad Thai is all about flexibility!
- Healthy and Balanced: Loaded with colorful vegetables, protein-rich tofu, and gluten-free rice noodles.
- Better Than Takeout: Control the ingredients and adjust flavors to your liking for a fresher, healthier meal.
- Vegan-Friendly: Easily make it vegan by swapping out eggs for more tofu or veggies.
- Family Approved: Kids and adults alike will love the familiar flavors and fun textures.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Rice noodles | 8 oz (225g) | Flat, ÂĽ-inch wide. Soaked according to package instructions. |
Extra-firm tofu | 14 oz (400g) | Pressed and cut into ½-inch cubes |
Carrot | 1 large | Julienned or shredded |
Red bell pepper | 1 medium | Thinly sliced |
Bean sprouts | 1 cup | Fresh, for topping and stir-fry |
Green onions | 4 stalks | Sliced diagonally |
Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
Eggs (optional) | 2 | Leave out for vegan version |
Peanuts | â…“ cup | Roughly chopped, for topping |
Fresh cilantro | ÂĽ cup | Chopped, for garnish |
Lime wedges | To serve | For squeezing over the dish |
Oil | 2 tbsp | Peanut or vegetable oil recommended |
Pad Thai Sauce: | ||
Tamarind paste | 2 tbsp | Found in Asian markets or international aisles |
Soy sauce | 3 tbsp | Use tamari for gluten-free |
Brown sugar | 2 tbsp | Or coconut sugar |
Rice vinegar | 1 tbsp | |
Sriracha or chili sauce | 1-2 tsp | Optional, for heat |
Equipment
- Large nonstick skillet or wok
- Pot for soaking noodles
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Small bowl for sauce
- Paper towels (for pressing tofu)
Instructions
-
Soak the rice noodles:
Place the rice noodles in a large bowl and cover with hot water. Soak for 8-10 minutes or according to package instructions, until just tender but not mushy.
Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using). Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.
-
Press and cook the tofu:
Press the tofu between paper towels to remove excess water. Cut into cubes.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in your skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
Remove tofu and set aside.
-
Sauté vegetables:
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add carrot and bell pepper.
Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
-
Add eggs (optional):
If using eggs, push the veggies to one side of the pan. Crack eggs into the empty space and scramble until just set, then mix together with the vegetables.
For a vegan version, simply skip this step or use additional tofu or your favorite vegan egg substitute.
-
Combine noodles and sauce:
Add the drained noodles and cooked tofu to the skillet. Pour the Pad Thai sauce over everything.
Toss gently with tongs or a spatula until all ingredients are well coated and heated through (about 2-3 minutes).
-
Add fresh elements:
Stir in bean sprouts and most of the green onions, reserving a few for topping. Give everything a final toss.
-
Plate and garnish:
Divide the Pad Thai among serving plates. Top with chopped peanuts, cilantro, remaining green onions, and extra bean sprouts.
Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
-
Enjoy immediately!
Pad Thai is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the pan. Savor every bite!
Tips & Variations
-
Tip: If your noodles are sticking, add a splash of water or extra sauce while tossing everything together.
- Swap the veggies: Try snow peas, broccoli florets, zucchini, or mushrooms for a unique twist.
- Make it nut-free: Omit peanuts or substitute with toasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Add more protein: Toss in edamame, tempeh, or even chickpeas for extra plant-based protein.
- Spice it up: Add more sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.
- Meal prep: Prep the sauce and veggies ahead of time for super quick assembly during the week.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 recipe) |
---|---|
Calories | 420 |
Protein | 15g |
Carbohydrates | 60g |
Fat | 13g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sugar | 9g |
Sodium | 900mg |
Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your Veg Pad Thai with extra lime wedges and a side of chili flakes for those who like it spicy.
- Pair with a simple Asian cucumber salad or a bowl of Vegan Cabbage Soup for a refreshing meal.
- Make it part of a Thai-inspired feast alongside homemade Vegetarian Spring Rolls or Vegan Chipotle Bowls.
- Top with extra herbs like Thai basil or mint for a burst of freshness.
- Chill leftovers and enjoy cold the next day as a Pad Thai noodle salad!
Conclusion
Making Veg Pad Thai at home is a rewarding and flavorful experience. With its harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes, this dish truly celebrates the essence of Thai cuisine.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining friends, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s infinitely customizable to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
Remember, the best part about homemade Pad Thai is the freedom to adjust every ingredient to your liking. Try different vegetables, proteins, or garnishes each time for a new experience.
For more plant-based inspiration, explore dishes like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion, Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals, and Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your homemade Veg Pad Thai adventure!
đź“– Recipe Card: Veg Pad Thai
Description: A flavorful vegetarian Pad Thai with fresh vegetables and a tangy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty lunch.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz flat rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Cook rice noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and tofu; sauté until tofu is golden.
- Add bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in cooked noodles, soy sauce, tamarind paste, and brown sugar; toss well.
- Add bean sprouts and green onions; stir-fry for 1 minute.
- Serve topped with peanuts and lime wedges.
Nutrition: Calories: 390 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 55 g
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