Pad Thai Sauce Vegan Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

Updated On: September 30, 2025

If you’re craving a vibrant, tangy, and utterly delicious sauce to bring your vegan Pad Thai to life, you’re in the right place! Traditional Pad Thai sauce often includes fish sauce and eggs, but this vegan version captures all those irresistible flavors without any animal products.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, friends, or family, this sauce is packed with the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami notes that make Pad Thai so beloved around the world.

Making your own Pad Thai sauce at home is incredibly satisfying, giving you the freedom to adjust the flavors to your preference and ensure every ingredient is plant-based and wholesome. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up with pantry staples!

This recipe will help you create authentic Thai flavors in a compassionate and health-conscious way. Ready to transform your next stir-fry?

Let’s dive into this easy, flavorful, and vegan-friendly Pad Thai sauce recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic flavor without compromise: This vegan Pad Thai sauce perfectly mimics the classic taste of the beloved street food, using simple, plant-based ingredients.

Easy and quick to prepare: No complicated steps or hard-to-find items. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easily found in grocery stores.

Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or saltiness to your liking for a personalized taste experience.

Perfect for versatile cooking: Use this sauce not only for Pad Thai but also as a dipping sauce, marinade, or flavor enhancer for other Asian-inspired dishes.

And if you love experimenting with vegan sauces, be sure to check out my Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for another delicious plant-based sauce idea!

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity Purpose
Tamarind paste 3 tablespoons Provides the signature tangy sourness
Maple syrup or agave nectar 2 tablespoons Sweetens the sauce naturally
Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) 3 tablespoons Adds salty umami depth
Rice vinegar 1 tablespoon Enhances acidity and brightness
Water 3 tablespoons Adjusts consistency
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon Infuses savory flavor
Crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon (optional) Adds mild heat
Peanut butter 1 tablespoon (optional) For creamy, nutty richness

Equipment

  • Measuring spoons
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Spoon for tasting and adjusting
  • Jar or airtight container for storage

Instructions

  1. Combine the tamarind paste and warm water. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of tamarind paste with 3 tablespoons of warm water until smooth. This will create a tangy base for your sauce.
  2. Add the sweetener and soy sauce. Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup (or agave nectar) and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free). These ingredients balance the sour tamarind with sweetness and umami.
  3. Mix in the rice vinegar and garlic powder. Add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the bowl. These add complexity and a subtle kick of flavor.
  4. Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat. If you like a bit of spice, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust to your preferred heat level.
  5. Optional: Stir in peanut butter. For an extra creamy and nutty twist, add 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. Whisk until fully incorporated. This step is optional but highly recommended for richness.
  6. Taste and adjust. Sample your sauce and adjust sweetness, saltiness, or sourness by adding more maple syrup, soy sauce, or tamarind paste accordingly.
  7. Store your sauce. Transfer the sauce to a clean jar or airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Tips & Variations

Tip: If you can’t find tamarind paste, substitute with equal parts lime juice and a touch of brown sugar to mimic the sour-sweet flavor.

Variation: For a soy-free version, replace soy sauce with coconut aminos. The flavor will be a bit sweeter but still delicious.

Make it spicy: Add freshly minced chili or a dash of Sriracha for a vibrant heat kick.

Use other nut butters: Swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for different nutty flavors.

Looking for more vegan recipe inspiration? Try my Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat or check out these Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals to add fresh greens to your diet.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per 2 Tbsp Serving
Calories 50
Carbohydrates 12g
Protein 1g
Fat 1.5g
Sodium 700mg
Sugar 8g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant vegan Pad Thai sauce is the perfect companion to your favorite rice noodles and stir-fried vegetables. Toss it with sautéed tofu, bean sprouts, scallions, and crushed peanuts to create an authentic Pad Thai experience in your own kitchen.

Besides traditional Pad Thai, try using this sauce as a marinade for grilled vegetables or tempeh. It also works wonderfully as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or as a flavorful drizzle over roasted cauliflower or broccoli.

For more creative vegan dinner ideas, be sure to explore my Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas to simplify your weeknight cooking.

Conclusion

Creating a delicious vegan Pad Thai sauce at home has never been easier or more satisfying. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can bring the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors to your dish, all while keeping it plant-based and wholesome.

This sauce not only elevates your Pad Thai but also opens doors to creative cooking across a variety of Asian-inspired meals.

By making your own sauce, you avoid hidden animal products and customize the flavor exactly to your liking. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based cooking, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.

Don’t forget to check out my other recipes like the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to complement your meals or the Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals for more flavorful inspiration.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Pad Thai Sauce Vegan Recipe

Description: A tangy and slightly sweet sauce perfect for vegan Pad Thai. Made with simple ingredients to bring authentic flavor to your dish.

Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT5M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons tamarind paste
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together tamarind paste and water until smooth.
  2. Add soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
  3. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
  4. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste if needed.
  5. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition: Calories: 45 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 10g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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