Looking for a satisfying plant-based meal packed with flavor? This Vegan Pad Thai recipe is your go-to meal! It’s filled with fresh vegetables, a flavorful sauce, and protein-packed fried tofu. Whether you’re a fan of Thai food or trying it for the first time, this vegan version of Pad Thai is bound to become a favorite. Let’s dive into making this dish, perfect for any night of the week!
What Is Vegan Pad Thai?
Pad Thai is a beloved Thai street food, known for its unique balance of flavors: tangy, sweet, and savory. Traditional recipes often include fish sauce and eggs, but this vegan version swaps those out with plant-based alternatives like vegan fish sauce and tofu cubes. The Vegan Pad Thai sauce is a key part of this recipe, made from tamarind paste, soy sauce, and a few other ingredients.
Ingredients Overview
Pad Thai
- Brown rice pad thai noodles: Chewy and satisfying, these make the perfect base.
- Fried tofu: Adds protein and texture.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and sweetness.
- Snap peas: Crunchy and fresh, perfect for stir-frying.
- Green onions (or spring onions): Give a mild onion flavor.
- Mung bean sprouts: Add a refreshing crunch to the dish.
- Garlic chives: A traditional ingredient in Thai food that adds subtle garlic notes.
Vegan Pad Thai Sauce
- Soy sauce: Provides that umami flavor.
- Vegan fish sauce or coconut aminos: A great substitute for traditional fish sauce.
- Tamarind paste or tamarind concentrate: The tangy heart of the sauce.
- Brown sugar, palm sugar, or coconut sugar: Adds a perfect balance of sweetness.
- Lime juice: Brings a bright, fresh flavor.
Toppings
- Chopped peanuts: For crunch and nuttiness.
- Lime wedges: A must for squeezing over the final dish.
- Red pepper flakes or chili flakes: For those who like a little spice.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Noodles or Brown Rice Noodles
For a gluten-free option, use brown rice pad thai noodles. If you prefer something lighter, you could substitute zucchini noodles or brown rice noodles.
Tofu Options
While fried tofu is delicious, if you prefer a crispier texture, you can use tofu cubes and fry them until golden brown. Don’t have tofu? Try adding vegan eggs or extra veggies for a plant-based protein boost.
Vegan Pad Thai Sauce Variations
This authentic Pad Thai sauce uses tamarind paste, but you can also substitute it with tamarind block dissolved in warm water or even tamarind juice. For a slightly different taste, swap soy sauce for coconut aminos, or add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice for extra tang.
How to Make This Easy Vegan Pad Thai Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking the brown rice noodles or pad thai noodles according to the package instructions. Use cold water to rinse them and stop the cooking process, preventing them from becoming mushy. Set them aside in a large bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, tamarind concentrate, brown sugar, vegan fish sauce, and lime juice.
Stir until smooth, adding hot water if needed to dissolve the ingredients completely.
This sauce will be the key to the complex flavor of your dish.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In a large pan or wok, heat a little bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the red bell pepper, snap peas, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 4: Add Tofu and Noodles
Add the fried tofu or tofu cubes and stir to combine. Then, add the cooked noodles to the pan, followed by the prepared vegan pad thai sauce. Stir everything together over medium heat until well coated.
Step 5: Final Touches
Add the rest of the green onions, mung bean sprouts, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for another minute, then remove from the heat.
Helpful Tools for Making Vegan Pad Thai
- Wok or large skillet: Ideal for stir-frying everything quickly and evenly.
- Sharp knife: Essential for chopping fresh vegetables.
- Tongs or spatula: Perfect for tossing the noodles and vegetables.
- Large pot: For boiling the noodles properly.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Vegan Pad Thai
Prepping Ingredients
The best part of making Pad Thai vegan is how fast it comes together. Make sure to have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking, as it takes less time than you might think!
Balancing Flavors
If you find the sauce too tangy, adjust the sweetness with a little more brown sugar or even a splash of maple syrup. Want more tang? Add extra lime juice or a bit of lemon juice.
Making It Spicy or Mild
Like it hot? Add sambal oelek or more red pepper flakes. For a milder version, simply omit the chili and pepper flakes.
How to Serve Vegan Pad Thai
Serving Suggestions
Serve with lime wedges and extra chopped peanuts on top. Pair with a fresh salad or garlic chives for a side dish. The leftovers taste great the next day, stored in an airtight container.
Storage Tips
Place any leftover Pad Thai in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a large pan over medium heat with a tbsp of water to keep the noodles soft.
FAQ
Yes, a small amount of peanut butter can add richness to the sauce if you prefer a creamier texture.
As long as you use brown rice noodles and coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, this dish can be gluten-free.
Definitely! Palm sugar is a great alternative and adds an authentic touch to the dish.
Try adding vegan eggs, more fresh vegetables, or extra veggies like broccoli or carrots for variety.
Vegan Pad Thai
Ingredients
Pad Thai
- 200g wide rice noodles
- 1 pack tofu puffs (see notes if using regular tofu)
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups snap peas, cut in half
- 1 large shallot
- 1-2 cloves minced garlic
- 4 green onions, cut into 2 inch pieces
- 1 large handful bean sprouts
- 1 Thai chili, thinly sliced (optional, they can be quite spicy)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp dark mushroom flavoured soy sauce (or vegan fish sauce)
- 3 tbsp tamarind sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Toppings
- chopped salted peanuts
- lime wedges
Instructions
- Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions.
- In a skillet on medium heat, add a little oil, red pepper, snap peas, shallot, tofu puffs and the bottom ends of the green onions.
- Cook for 3-4 mins then add in the garlic.
- Next, add in the sauce, the rest of the green onions and the cooked noodles and stir to combine. Add the Thai chilis now if adding.
- Top with a large handful of bean sprouts, a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Cut your tofu into bite-sized cubes.
- Toss in 1 tbsp of cornstarch, and cook in the pan with a little oil until lightly browned and crispy.
- Set the tofu aside, follow the rest of the recipe steps, and add the crispy tofu in with the noodles.
Nutrition
Conclusion: Vegan Pad Thai
This Easy Vegan Pad Thai is a delicious and versatile recipe that offers the perfect balance of flavors. With a few simple ingredients and easy substitutions, you can whip up a dish that rivals your favorite Thai restaurant. Whether you’re cooking it for the first or second time, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds with its complex flavor and fresh ingredients. Next time you’re craving Thai food, give this vegan version of Pad Thai a try!
Oh this was great!! Been searching for a vegan pad Thai recipe with tofu and these tofu puffs are way better than expected. Loved the flavour and how easy it came together.
Thanks Elizabeth! I love the Tofu puffs as well they are so quick and easy. Great way to add some extra protein to a dish.
This was great. Can you use any type of tofu in this recipe?
Hi Natasha, Yes, you can definitely use other types of tofu! Tofu puffs have a great texture in this recipe, but firm or extra-firm tofu would also work well. It really comes down to personal preference. Let me know what you end up trying!