Description
A vibrant and healthy Vegetable Pad Thai featuring flat rice noodles, crisp mixed vegetables, and golden tofu cubes, tossed in a tangy tamarind-lime sauce and garnished with crunchy peanuts and fresh green onions. This easy-to-make stir-fried dish offers authentic flavors with a nutritious twist, perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 8 oz flat rice noodles
Vegetables and Protein
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, bean sprouts)
- 4 green onions (sliced thin)
- 1 cup firm tofu (pressed and cubed)
Sauce and Garnish
- 1/4 cup peanuts (roughly chopped)
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Soak Noodles: Soak the 8 oz of flat rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until they become soft and pliable. Once softened, drain the noodles thoroughly to prepare them for cooking.
- Sauté Tofu: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Add the pressed and cubed firm tofu and sauté it until each side is golden brown and slightly crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Using the same skillet, stir-fry the mixed vegetables—which include bell peppers, carrots, and bean sprouts—until they are tender but still retain a fresh crispness, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Noodles and Sauce: Return the soaked noodles to the skillet along with the soy sauce, tamarind paste, lime juice, and chili powder. Toss all ingredients gently for about 3 minutes to evenly coat the noodles and vegetables with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and Mix: Sprinkle the chopped peanuts and thinly sliced green onions over the pad thai, mixing lightly to combine without losing the crunch.
- Serve: Serve the vegetable pad thai hot, optionally garnished with extra peanuts or lime wedges on the side to add more zest and texture as desired.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu before cooking helps it crisp up better and reduces moisture.
- Adjust chili powder quantity to your spice preference for milder or spicier pad thai.
- Use fresh tamarind paste for authentic sweetness and tanginess in the sauce.
- Rice noodles should not be over-soaked to avoid becoming mushy during stir-frying.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
