Authentic Thai Vegetable Pad Thai Recipe
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Authentic Thai Vegetable Pad Thai Recipe

Devang Patiwala 0.0 (0) 62 views Thai

Make delicious Thai Vegetable Pad Thai at home with rice noodles, colorful vegetables, tofu, peanuts and a sweet, tangy and savory sauce.

Time 35 Min
Serves 4
Calories 460
Level easy

About

Pad Thai is one of the most popular Thai noodle dishes. It is known for its balanced combination of sweet, tangy, salty and savory flavors.

This vegetarian version combines rice noodles with tofu, vegetables, crunchy peanuts and a flavorful homemade Pad Thai sauce. The noodles are stir-fried quickly over high heat and finished with fresh lime, bean sprouts and coriander.

For the best result, prepare all the ingredients before starting because Pad Thai cooks quickly once the noodles are added to the pan.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 460
Fat 15.00g
Carbs 68.00g
Protein 17.00g
Fiber 6.00g
Sugar 14.00g

Ingredients

21 Items
Scale to:
For the Pad Thai Sauce
3 tablespoons tamarind paste
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon chili flakes, optional
For the Noodles
200 g flat rice noodles
Warm water for soaking
For the Stir-Fry
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
200 g firm tofu, cubed
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 small onion, sliced
1 small carrot, cut into thin strips
1 cup bean sprouts
3 spring onions, chopped
½ cup chopped cabbage
2 tablespoons soy sauce, if needed
For Garnishing
¼ cup roasted peanuts, crushed
Fresh coriander leaves
Lime wedges
Extra chili flakes, optional
Extra bean sprouts
Tags
pad thaivegetable pad thaithai noodlestofu pad thaivegetarian thai foodrice noodlesthai stir fry

Instructions

Follow along step-by-step.

Step:1 Prepare the Rice Noodles
1

Place the rice noodles in a large bowl. Pour warm water over the noodles. Allow them to soak according to the package instructions. The noodles should become soft enough to bend but should not become completely mushy. Drain the noodles. Keep them aside.

Step:2 Prepare the Pad Thai Sauce
2

Take a small bowl. Add tamarind paste. Add soy sauce. Add brown sugar. Add lime juice. Add chili flakes if using. Mix everything well until the sugar dissolves. Taste the sauce. It should have a balanced sweet, tangy and savory flavor. Keep the sauce aside.

Step:3 Prepare the Tofu
3

Pat the tofu dry. Cut it into small cubes. Remove excess moisture if possible. Dry tofu becomes slightly crispier during stir-frying.

Step:4 Heat the Wok
4

Place a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Allow it to become hot. Add vegetable oil. Swirl the oil around the pan.

Step:5 Cook the Tofu
5

Add the tofu cubes. Cook until the tofu becomes lightly golden on several sides. Stir gently to avoid breaking the cubes. Remove the tofu from the pan and keep it aside.

Step:6 Cook the Garlic and Onion
6

Add a little more oil if needed. Add chopped garlic. Stir for a few seconds until fragrant. Add sliced onion. Cook until slightly soft. Do not overcook the onion.

Step:7 Add the Vegetables
7

Add the carrot strips. Add chopped cabbage. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes. The vegetables should remain slightly crisp.

Step:8 Add the Noodles
8

Add the soaked and drained rice noodles to the pan. Toss them gently with the vegetables.

Step:9 Add the Pad Thai Sauce
9

Pour the prepared Pad Thai sauce over the noodles. Use tongs or two spatulas to toss everything together. Make sure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step:10 Cook the Noodles
10

Continue stir-frying over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of water if the noodles appear dry. Cook until the noodles become tender and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Avoid adding too much water.

Step:11 Return the Tofu
11

Add the cooked tofu back to the pan. Mix gently with the noodles. Allow the tofu to warm through.

Step:12 Add Bean Sprouts
12

Add most of the bean sprouts. Keep some bean sprouts for garnishing. Toss briefly. Do not cook the bean sprouts for too long. They should remain fresh and slightly crunchy.

Step:13 Add Spring Onions
13

Add the chopped spring onions. Toss everything together. Cook for approximately 30 seconds. Turn off the heat.

Step:14 Add Fresh Lime
14

Squeeze a small amount of fresh lime juice over the noodles. Mix gently. Taste and adjust the flavor if required.

Step:15 Plate the Pad Thai
15

Transfer the cooked noodles to serving plates. Arrange the noodles neatly.

Step:16 Add Garnishes
16

Sprinkle crushed roasted peanuts over the top. Add fresh coriander leaves. Add extra bean sprouts on the side. Sprinkle chili flakes if desired.

Step:17 Serve Immediately
17

Place lime wedges beside the Pad Thai. Serve immediately while the noodles are hot. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the noodles before eating if desired.

Notes & Tips
Cooking Tips:

Do not over-soak the rice noodles.
Prepare the sauce before starting the stir-fry.
Keep all ingredients ready because the cooking process is quick.
Use medium-high heat for stir-frying.
Do not overcook the vegetables.
Add bean sprouts near the end to maintain their crunch.
Taste the noodles before serving and adjust lime, soy sauce or sweetness if needed.

Storage:

Do not over-soak the rice noodles.
Prepare the sauce before starting the stir-fry.
Keep all ingredients ready because the cooking process is quick.
Use medium-high heat for stir-frying.
Do not overcook the vegetables.
Add bean sprouts near the end to maintain their crunch.
Taste the noodles before serving and adjust lime, soy sauce or sweetness if needed.

Serving:

Serve with fresh lime wedges.
Add crushed roasted peanuts.
Serve with extra chili flakes for a spicier version.
Add fresh bean sprouts on the side.
Pair with a light Thai soup or fresh salad.

Notes:

Traditional Pad Thai often includes different protein options.
This version uses tofu for a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
The balance of sweet, tangy and salty flavors is important.
Tamarind provides a distinctive tangy flavor.
The amount of chili can be adjusted according to personal preference.

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Questions about this recipe

What is Pad Thai made of?

Pad Thai is commonly made with rice noodles, a sweet and tangy sauce, vegetables, protein and toppings such as peanuts and lime.

Can I make Pad Thai vegetarian?

Yes. Tofu and vegetables can be used to make a delicious vegetarian Pad Thai.

Why are my Pad Thai noodles sticky?

The noodles may have been over-soaked or overcooked. Follow the soaking instructions and stir-fry them briefly.

Can I use another type of noodle?

Rice noodles are best for Pad Thai, but other noodles can be used for a different style of stir-fry.

Can I make the Pad Thai sauce ahead of time?

Yes. The sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What can I use instead of tamarind paste?

Tamarind gives Pad Thai its characteristic tangy flavor. Lime juice can add acidity, but the final flavor will be different.

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