In the vibrant streets of Bangkok, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling noodles fills the air as street vendors whip up Pad Thai, a dish that has become synonymous with Thai cuisine. Originally influenced by Chinese stir-fried noodles, Pad Thai has evolved into a beloved classic, known for its perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Let’s recreate this iconic dish at home, making it 100% vegetarian and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp chili paste (optional, for heat)
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten (optional for ovo-vegetarians, omit for vegans)
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together tamarind paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and chili paste (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Tofu:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add shredded carrots, bean sprouts, green onions, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Combine Everything:
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. If using, pour the beaten eggs into the cleared space and scramble until cooked through. Mix with the vegetables.
- Add the cooked noodles, tofu, and sauce to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve:
- Divide the Pad Thai into serving plates. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
5 Tips for Perfect Vegetarian Pad Thai:
- Tamarind Paste: Authentic tamarind paste gives Pad Thai its signature tangy flavor. If unavailable, a mix of lime juice and a touch of molasses can be used as a substitute.
- Firm Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess water before cooking to ensure it crisps up nicely.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, crunchy vegetables like bean sprouts and bell peppers to add texture and nutrition.
- Cook Noodles Properly: Avoid overcooking the rice noodles. They should be slightly firm to the bite when added to the stir-fry.
- Balance Flavors: Adjust the sauce ingredients to taste. Pad Thai should have a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.
5 Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overcooking Noodles: Overcooked noodles can become mushy. Keep an eye on them and cook until just al dente.
- Skipping Tofu Press: Not pressing the tofu can result in a soggy texture. Press it well to get rid of excess moisture.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Stir-fry in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the vegetables and tofu. This keeps them crispy.
- Using Too Much Sauce: Too much sauce can make the dish soggy. Add gradually and taste as you go.
- Not Preparing Ingredients First: Have all ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying is fast-paced and requires everything to be on hand.
Enjoy the rich, harmonious flavors of this vegetarian Pad Thai, bringing the essence of Thai street food into your home kitchen. This dish is not only delicious but also a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!