Craving a quick and delicious meal that bursts with flavor? Look no further than this Easy Vegetarian Pad Thai! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant dish that rivals your favorite takeout, all while keeping it healthy and meat-free. With a perfect balance of savory soy sauce, zesty lime, and the satisfying crunch of fresh veggies, this recipe is sure to impress both family and friends. Get ready to dive into a bowl of noodles that’s not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients and taste. Ready to transform your kitchen into a Thai culinary haven? Let's get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tofu, cubed
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves soaking them in hot water for about 10-15 minutes until they are tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
- While the noodles are soaking, prepare your ingredients. Cube the tofu into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, chop the green onions, and have the bean sprouts ready.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the cubed tofu to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tofu is golden brown on all sides. This will add flavor and texture to the dish.
- Once the tofu is browned, add the soaked rice noodles to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Pour this sauce over the noodles and tofu in the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add the bean sprouts and chopped green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the bean sprouts are just tender but still crisp.
- Remove the skillet from heat and taste the dish. Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce or lime juice according to your preference.
- Serve the vegetarian Pad Thai hot, garnished with fresh cilantro on top. Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade dish!
Tips
- Noodle Preparation: To achieve the perfect texture, soak the rice noodles in hot water for just the right amount of time—around 10-15 minutes—until they are tender yet firm. This ensures they won’t turn mushy when stir-frying.
- Tofu Magic: For an extra crispy tofu, press it before cooking to remove excess moisture. This helps it brown beautifully in the skillet and absorb more flavor from the sauce.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t hesitate to adjust the sauce to your liking! If you love a tangy kick, add a splash more lime juice, or if you prefer it sweeter, increase the brown sugar slightly.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables! Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas can add color and crunch, making the dish even more nutritious.
- Serving Suggestions: For an authentic touch, serve your Pad Thai with crushed peanuts and lime wedges on the side. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prepping! Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat and enjoy a quick, satisfying meal any day of the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
