Easy Vegan Pad Thai Recipe with a Tofu Twist

Are you a Pad Thai lover who has recently switched to a vegan diet? If yes, you might be missing the unique and complex flavor of fish sauce that gives this Thai dish its signature taste. But don't worry, my friend, I've got you covered! There are a few options you can try to veganize your favorite Pad Thai recipe without compromising on taste. You can either go for a store-bought fish-free fish sauce or, if you're feeling adventurous, you can make your own by infusing soy sauce (or tamari) with a touch of seaweed and dried mushrooms.

Trust me, this homemade vegan fish sauce will add the perfect savory and umami notes to your Pad Thai, making it as delicious as the original recipe. So, what are you waiting for? Let's whip up a vegan Pad Thai that will tantalize your taste buds!

Here's a delicious vegan Pad Thai recipe for you:

Ingredients:

8 oz rice noodles
1 cup tofu, pressed and cubed
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 carrot, julienned
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
Bean sprouts (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)

For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon tamarind paste
1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

• Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Tip:

Use the Right Noodles: Traditional Pad Thai uses rice noodles. Ensure they are cooked al dente for the best texture.

• In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients and set aside.

Tip:

Balance of Flavors: Adjust the balance of flavors in the sauce according to your taste preferences. You can add a bit more sweetness, sourness, or spiciness based on your liking.

• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the tofu cubes in a hot pan until they turn golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. When the tofu smells delicious and looks crispy, take it out of the pan and let it rest for a moment. This will help the tofu add a wonderful flavor to the vegan Pad Thai dish we're making.

Tip:

Tofu Preparation: Press the tofu to remove excess water before cubing it. You can also marinate the tofu in soy sauce or your favorite marinade for added flavor.

Tamarind Paste: If possible, use tamarind paste instead of tamarind concentrate for a more authentic flavor. It adds a tangy and slightly sweet element to the dish. Texture Contrast: Achieve a balance of textures by ensuring the vegetables are tender-crisp and the tofu is golden and slightly crispy.

• Put some more oil in the same pan and add finely minced garlic to it. Keep stirring for around 30 seconds to let the garlic release its wonderful fragrance. You'll be left wanting more of this delicious aroma.

• Add broccoli, carrot, and red bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

• Move the veggies to one side of the pan and add the cooked rice noodles to the other side. Then pour the yummy sauce all over the cooked noodles. Give it a good mix until everything is evenly coated. Let the flavors blend together until each noodle is coated with the delicious sauce.

Tip:

Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh and high-quality vegetables to enhance the flavors. Crisp and vibrant veggies will add both taste and visual appeal.

• Add the cooked tofu back to the pan and toss to combine.

• Add the finely chopped green onions and roasted peanuts to the pan and stir them well. Let the mixture cook for another couple of minutes until the flavors meld together and the peanuts become slightly crunchy.

• To enjoy the authentic flavors of the vegan Pad Thai dish, it is recommended to serve it hot. The dish can be further enhanced by adding a generous amount of bean sprouts and lime wedges as garnish.

Tip:
Garnishes: Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, extra lime wedges, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds can elevate both the taste and presentation.
Extra Toppings: Consider adding additional toppings like sliced avocado, fresh herbs (such as Thai basil or cilantro), or a drizzle of sriracha for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Enjoy your delicious homemade vegan Pad Thai! Feel free to customize the vegetables and spice level to suit your taste.

Nutrition :
Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: ~480 kcal | Protein: ~12g | Fat: ~16g
Saturated Fat: ~2g | Carbohydrates: ~75g | Fiber: ~5g |Sugars: ~12g
Sodium: ~1200mg