Vegan Pad Thai

By Jessica Swartz March 22, 2023 24 mins read 117 Views

This 30-minute vegan pad Thai recipe uses rice noodles, fried vegetables, and the best sauce. It's easy to make with everyday ingredients.

This vegan pad Thai recipe is simple! In just 30 minutes, rice noodles, pan-fried Tofu, vegetables, and a simple sauce can be tossed together. This Thai-inspired recipe is a must-try and perfect for lunch or dinner.

This recipe is why you will love it

The best pad Thai sauce: This sauce is what can make or break any Pad Thai recipe. My version was not perfected because traditional Pad Thai recipes require tamarind paste and fish sauce. After much trial and error, I finally created a flavorful, tart, and mildly sweet sauce entirely made from everyday ingredients.
It's so simple! It's a simple recipe for vegan Pad Thai. This means that we are substituting difficult and expensive ingredients like vegan fish sauce or tamarind paste with flavorful options that you probably already have in your kitchen.
It's easy to prepare ahead: Everything from the vegan Pad Thai sauce and the tofu cubes can be made ahead of time. This is the best way to make this 30-minute recipe into a quick 15-minute recipe.

Ingredients required (with substitutions).

Stir-fry rice noodles Rice noodles of all sizes work well here They are also naturally gluten-free and vegan.
Vegetable oil
Fried Tofu Extra firm tofu can be pressed and then fried until crisp and golden. You can also bake or air fry the tofu ahead of time if you don't wish to fry it. You can find more vegan protein options in the Variations section or you can omit the tofu entirely.
Soy sauce - I recommend using low sodium soy sauce. Or, if you're gluten free, use tamari.
Rice vinegar This gives the sauce a needed tartness. Traditional recipes use tamarind paste. Rice vinegar is a good substitute.
Maple syrup The real thing! It is essential for sweetness, warmth and balance in sauce.
Lime juice
Sriracha hot Sauce - To add a little heat to the sauce. You can adjust the amount of spice to your liking.
Carrots- Sliced thinly. Pre-sliced carrots can be purchased at the grocery store to save time.
Green onions
Toppings: Top your plate off with colorful toppings like lime wedges and mung bean sprouts.

How to make vegan Pad Thai

The complete recipe and measurements are in the recipe card.

Before you begin, make sure that all your vegetables are cut and that your tofu is being pressed. Tofu Pad Thai is fast so be prepared!

Start by boiling the water in which you are cooking the rice noodles. Once they are done, let them cool in a pot of boiling water. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop them sticking to your hands.

Next, combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

Place the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil has gotten hot, add the pressed tofu cubes and fry until golden brown on all sides.

Tip - Speed up your recipe by making my Air Fryer Tofu, while you wait for the noodles cook. After it is done, add the tofu and sauce to the pan along with the vegetables, noodles, and sauce.

Next, add the noodles, sauce, green onions and half the cilantro to the saucepan. Continue stirring to heat everything and coat each bite with the Pad Thai sauce.

Serve the Pad Thai right away and top each plate with your favorite toppings. Make sure to drizzle lime juice on top of every bite!

Variations

Gluten-free - To make vegan and gluten-free Pad Thai, all you have to do is substitute soy sauce with gluten free tamari.
Add more veggies There are many options for vegetables in Pad Thai. You can add more vegetables to the Pad Thai, including red pepper strips and snap peas.
Protein options Vegan Pad Thai can be made with any kind of plant-based protein that you like! You can make pan-fried tofu filling, tender, and crispy. However, you can also use leftover vegan chicken strips, tempeh, or edamame. You can also substitute the tofu with any of my suggestions above for a vegetarian Pad Thai.
Add vegan egg - Do you remember how much you loved Pad Thai with scrambled egg? Then, I recommend adding liquid JUST Egg to the pan before you add the sauce or noodles. It scrambles exactly like real eggs.

Get ahead

Pad Thai is not a great recipe for leftovers, as the noodles get dry and the flavors lose their vibrancy. You can make Pad Thai in a hurry if you prepare all the ingredients ahead of time.

Noodles - Cooked rice noodles can keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. To prevent sticking, rinse them under cold water.
Sauce - Make the sauce as usual and store it in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Vegetables: Keep the chopped vegetables and toppings separate in the refrigerator. They will keep crisp for up to 2 days.
Tofu - Press the cubed tofu and then place it in a container covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Take all your pre-prepared ingredients out of the refrigerator and prepare to cook.

More 30 minute vegan recipes

Easy Vegan Ramen
Teriyaki Noodles
Peanut Tempeh Stir Fry
Vegan Thai Red Curry
Thai Peanut Noodles

Vegan Pad Thai

This 30-minute vegan pad Thai recipe uses rice noodles, fried vegetables, and the best sauce. It's easy to make with everyday ingredients.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Thailand

Prep time ten min

Cook Time 20 Minutes

Total time HTML4_ HTML5_ HTML6_ HTML7_ HTML8_ HTML9_ HTML5_ HTML7_ HTML8_ HTML5_ HTML6_ HTML7_ HTML8_ HTML5_ HTML5_

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Author Nora Taylor

Ingredients

7 ounces stir fry rice noodles
2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
14.5 block extra-firm tofu. Pressed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Sauce

4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce

Vegetables

1 cup julienne sliced carrots, about 3 carrots
3 green onions, chopped

Serving

2 limes, cut into wedges
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup crushed or chopped peanuts
1 cup mung bean sprouts, optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Before you start, prepare all your ingredients. Cut the carrots and chop the green onions, cilantro, and peanuts. If necessary, press your tofu (I prefer to use the vacuum-packed extra-firm tofu so it doesn't need to be pressed), then cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
Boil the noodles in a large saucepan of water. Cook the noodles for one minute. Let the noodles cool for five minutes before removing them from the heat. Drain the water and rinse it with cold water. Set aside.
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.
Fry the tofu in a large skillet (or the same pan you used to boil the noodles), and heat the oil on medium heat. Fry the tofu until golden brown on all sides.
Add the noodles, sauce and carrots to the pan with the tofu. As it heats up, stir.
Serve immediately with peanuts, more cilantro, lime wedges, and mung bean seeds on the side. Before eating, squeeze lime juice. Yum!

Notes

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce.
You can substitute the tofu for other vegetables, such as red pepper strips or broccoli florets, if you prefer vegetable-only pad thai. These can be stir-fried until tender before you add the sauce and noodles.
Pre-cut carrots are a bag that I purchase, julienne style, so it cuts down on chopping.
To add "scrambled eggs", to your Pad Thai, you might try making JUST Egg.

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcal

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat poultry on a plant-based food diet?

You cannot eat chicken if you follow a plant-based lifestyle. A plant-based lifestyle eliminates all animal product, including meat, poultry, and fish. There are many vegan alternatives to meat-centric dishes that offer the same taste and texture, but they don't use animal products. Many soy-based meats, such as seitan (wheat Gluten), tempeh(fermented soybeans), mock duck (made from mushrooms), can be mimicked in flavor to traditional meats. Vegetarian hamburgers made with black beans or quinoa can also be as good as beef burgers. Tofu mayo; coconut bacon strips or eggplant bacon bits; vegetable hot dogs made with seasoned texture soy protein; faux chicken strips of wheat gluten are all tasty alternatives.

Can you make muscle using a plant based diet?

Yes, it is possible build muscle by eating a plant-based food. A vegetarian diet doesn't necessarily mean that you can have less muscle, but the type of food one eats will play a significant role in building muscle strength and size. High-protein plant-based foods may include legumes (beans/lunch/peas), seitan, nuts and nutritional yeast. A balanced plant-based diet combined with regular exercise, proper supplementation of vitamins & minerals can help you reach fitness goals and improve your overall health. Whole food sources should be emphasized over processed products, often full of unhealthy additives or preservatives. A steady increase in protein is necessary, so make sure to include foods like quinoa or flaxseed and nut oils into your daily food plan. A nutritionist that specializes in plant-based nutritional can help you gain muscle mass, or to maintain your current body and health.

What amount of meat is acceptable on a plant-based diet.

No amount of meat is permissible on a plant-based diet. This diet eliminates all animal products including poultry, fish, and meat. Many vegan substitutes are available that offer the same taste and texture, but without any animal products. Many soy-based proteins, such as seitan (wheat Gluten), tempeh(fermented soybeans), mock duck (made from mushrooms), and tofu (wheat gluten), can be used to mimic the flavors of traditional meat dishes. Vegetarian burgers made out of black beans or quinoa come close to the taste of beef burgers. Coconut bacon strips or eggplant bacon bits, tofu mayo and veggie hot dog made with seasoned-textured soy proteins are other tasty vegan alternatives. These options are ideal for anyone looking to change to a plant based diet.

Can I eat egg on a plant-based food diet?

A plant-based diet does not allow eggs. This diet completely eliminates any animal products like meat, poultry, fish, or eggs. There are many vegan options for traditional egg-centric dishes that have the same flavor and texture as eggs, but they don't rely on animal products. Tofu scrambles or eggs can be made into great breakfast dishes. It can also replace eggs with plant-based protein. For example, chickpea flour or mashed banana can be used for binding in baked goods. Aquafaba (the liquid that comes in chickpea cans) can also substitute for eggs in making meringues. Flaxseed meal or Chia seeds mixed with water can be used as an egg substitute to preserve non-vegan dishes without compromising their taste.

Statistics

According to research published, going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)
In fact, according to research published in the going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)

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How To

How do you transition to a plant-based diet?

It can seem overwhelming to make the switch to a plant-based diet. However, education and preparation are key. Start slowly and make small changes to your diet. For example, replace animal protein with plant-based protein. Whole foods are healthier and filling than processed alternatives.

You can get the best results from meal planning and meal prep if you are dedicated. Map out your meals in advance to plan what you will need to buy and how long to prepare each dish. The best kitchen appliances, such as multi-cookers or slow cookers, can make it easier to use. Batch cooking means you can have multiple meals ready in a single go.

Do not be afraid to experiment with new flavors. Try different cuisines to add variety to your vegetarian diet. Instead of shopping impulse at the grocery store, create a grocery plan that is based on recipes. With the right ingredients and preparation tips, making the switch will become easier over time!