"Overhead shot of vegan Pad Thai with tofu, vegetables, and tamarind-tamari sauce in a rustic bowl, garnished with peanuts, cilantro, and lime, on a dark wooden surface"

Vegan Pad Thai: A Flavor-Packed Plant-Based Delight

/ Vegan Recipes / By

Vegan Pad Thai: A Flavor-Packed Plant-Based Delight

KEY INFO:

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 350-400 per serving
Dietary tags: Vegan, Gluten-Free Option

Ever wondered how to nail the perfect Pad Thai without animal products? This vegan version is about to blow your mind.

Ingredients prepared for making vegan pad Thai

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
  • Wok or large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs or chopsticks
INGREDIENTS:
Noodle Base:
  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
Veggie Mix:
  • 1 cup mung bean sprouts
  • 1 julienned carrot
  • 1 sliced red bell pepper
  • 3 green onions, chopped
Pad Thai Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp tamari
  • 2 tbsp tamarind paste
  • 3 tbsp coconut sugar
  • 1 tbsp sriracha
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Garnishes:
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Crushed peanuts
  • Lime wedges
METHOD:
  1. Press tofu for 15 minutes. Cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
  2. Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  3. Boil noodles until JUST al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  4. Heat oil in wok. Fry tofu until golden brown (about 8 minutes).

Sizzling golden tofu in a wok

  1. Remove tofu. In same pan, sauté vegetables quickly (2-3 minutes).
  2. Add sauce and noodles. Toss thoroughly for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Return tofu to pan. Mix gently.
CRUCIAL TIPS:
  • Don’t overcook noodles
  • High heat is key for authentic stir-fry
  • Taste sauce before final mix

Colorful pad Thai dish elegantly plated on a wooden table

STORAGE:
  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Reheat with splash of water
VARIATIONS:
  • Nut-free: Skip peanuts
  • Extra spicy: Add more sriracha
  • More veggies: Add broccoli or bok choy
PRO MOVES:
  • Press tofu thoroughly for best texture
  • Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor
  • Balance sweet, sour, and spicy in sauce
NUTRITION HIGHLIGHTS:
  • High protein from tofu
  • Gluten-free adaptable
  • Packed with vegetables
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:
  • Soggy noodles
  • Bland sauce
  • Overcrowded pan

Insider secret: The magic is in the sauce and high-heat cooking. Nail those, and you’re a Pad Thai master.

Enjoy your plant-powered culinary adventure!