Vegetable pad Thai with tofu and crushed peanuts

Introduction

Craving authentic Pad Thai but looking for a healthy, vegetarian twist? This recipe delivers the classic sweet, sour, and savory flavors you love, packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich tofu, and the satisfying crunch of crushed peanuts. This Vegetable Pad Thai with Tofu is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for weeknights or impressing your guests. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade goodness!

Making Vegetable Pad Thai with Tofu & Crushed Peanuts

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Rice Noodles: Pad Thai rice noodles are preferred, about ¼ inch wide.
• Tofu: Extra-firm tofu is best for stir-frying and won’t crumble easily. Press it well to remove excess water.
• Vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers (any color), bean sprouts, and green onions are staples. Feel free to add broccoli, mushrooms, or snow peas.
• Pad Thai Sauce: The heart of the dish! We’ll create a balanced sauce using tamarind paste, fish sauce (vegan alternatives available!), soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce.
• Peanuts: Roasted, unsalted peanuts, crushed for topping.
• Lime: Fresh lime wedges for serving.
• Garlic & Shallots: Aromatics that build the flavor base.
• Oil: Vegetable or canola oil for stir-frying.

Preparing the Tofu and Vegetables

1. Press the Tofu: Wrap the tofu in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. This ensures it gets crispy when stir-fried.
2. Cut the Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop the carrots, bell peppers, and green onions into thin strips. Bean sprouts should be rinsed and ready to go.
4. Soak the Noodles: Soak the rice noodles in warm water according to package instructions until they are pliable but not fully cooked. This prevents them from becoming mushy during stir-frying.

Crafting the Perfect Pad Thai Sauce

The key to amazing Pad Thai is a well-balanced sauce. Here’s how to make it:

• Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, fish sauce (or vegan fish sauce alternative), soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and chili garlic sauce. Adjust the amounts to your liking for sweetness, sourness, and spice.
• Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients as needed. You may want to add more brown sugar for sweetness, rice vinegar for tang, or chili garlic sauce for heat.

The Stir-Frying Process

1. Stir-Fry the Tofu: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and stir-fry the tofu until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the wok and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add more oil to the wok and sauté minced garlic and shallots until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the Vegetables: Add the carrots and bell peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add the Noodles and Sauce: Add the soaked rice noodles and Pad Thai sauce to the wok. Toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly.
5. Cook and Toss: Cook for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently, until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened.
6. Add Tofu and Bean Sprouts: Add the stir-fried tofu and bean sprouts to the wok. Toss everything together gently.
7. Garnish and Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with crushed peanuts, chopped green onions, and fresh lime wedges.

Tips for the Best Vegetable Pad Thai

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Overcooked noodles will become mushy. Soak them properly and cook them just until tender in the wok.
• Use High Heat: High heat is essential for stir-frying. It helps the vegetables and tofu caramelize and prevents the noodles from sticking.
• Work Quickly: Once you start stir-frying, move quickly to ensure everything cooks evenly.
• Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or snow peas.
• Vegan Option: To make this recipe completely vegan, substitute the fish sauce with a vegan fish sauce alternative or simply use soy sauce.

Conclusion

This Vegetable Pad Thai with Tofu and Crushed Peanuts is a delightful and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new favorite. By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and authentic Pad Thai experience in your own kitchen. Enjoy the fresh flavors, textures, and the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal. Experiment with different vegetables and adjust the sauce to your personal taste. Happy cooking!