Ingredients
8 oz flat rice noodles
1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
3 tbsp tamarind paste (concentrate)
3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
3 tbsp maple syrup or coconut sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or grapeseed)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, finely diced
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
3 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving
1/2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the rice noodles in a large bowl of hot water for about 20-30 minutes until they are flexible but still have a slight bite (al dente). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the tamarind paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and chili flakes to create the sauce for your plant based pad thai.
Step 3: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Remove tofu and set aside.
Step 4: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and shallot. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Add the drained noodles and the sauce to the pan. Toss vigorously using tongs for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are soft and have absorbed the sauce.
Step 6: Stir the cooked tofu, bean sprouts, and green onions back into the pan. Toss for another minute until the sprouts just begin to wilt.
Step 7: Serve the plant based pad thai immediately, garnished with crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
Ensure you use tamarind concentrate, not the sweetened tamarind syrup used for drinks. If the noodles stick together, add a splash of water while stir-frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Healthy Dinner
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: plant based pad thai, vegan pad thai, gluten free thai, healthy dinner, 30 minute meal
