Craving the vibrant flavors of Pad Thai but following a vegan lifestyle? Look no further! This recipe delivers an authentic Pad Thai experience, bursting with savory-sweet notes and satisfying textures, all without any animal products. We'll guide you through creating a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen, using readily available ingredients and simple techniques. Forget complicated substitutions and lengthy preparation – this recipe is designed for ease and delicious results.
Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can recreate this beloved Thai street food favorite. From perfectly balanced sauces to the ideal noodle texture, we've perfected every detail to ensure a truly unforgettable vegan Pad Thai. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own masterpiece!
Tools Needed
- Oven
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Skillet
Ingredients
- Extra-firm tofu
- Rice noodles
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Shallots
- Chinese chives
- Olive oil
- Cane sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Tamarind paste: 2 tablespoons
- Lime juice: 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Water: 1 cup
- Bean sprouts
- Peanuts
- Lime
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Tofu
- Preheat your oven to 375°F . Press extra-firm tofu with a paper towel and slice it .
- While tofu bakes, soak noodles in room-temperature water for 15 minutes . Prep broccoli and carrots into bite-sized pieces .
- Prep shallots and Chinese chives .
Step 2. Cook Tofu and Vegetables
- Place tofu on a baking tray with parchment paper and bake for 25 minutes .
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté shallots for 2 minutes . Add broccoli and carrots, sauté for 2 minutes .
- Add tofu and sauté for 1 minute . Set aside veggies. Turn heat to medium .
Step 3. Make and Combine the Sauce
- In the skillet, combine cane sugar, tamarind paste, lime juice, soy sauce, and water; stir to dissolve tamarind paste .
- Add chives, veggies, and noodles. Stir for 3-5 minutes .
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Stir in bean sprouts . Turn off heat, stir, and plate .
- Serve with fresh lime and peanuts .
Tips
- Baking the tofu creates a crispy outer layer that won't fall apart during stir-frying . You can prepare the tofu ahead of time .
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbs: 90-100g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I use different noodles instead of rice noodles?
Yes! While rice noodles are traditional, you can substitute with other thin noodles like vermicelli or even gluten-free rice noodles.
2. What can I substitute for tamarind paste if I don't have any?
A good substitute is lime juice mixed with a touch of brown sugar and rice vinegar to mimic the sweet and sour flavor profile.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade vegan Pad Thai! This recipe is a testament to how easily you can create flavorful and satisfying vegan meals. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills!