This dish is so delicious and popular at my house! My husband, toddler, and I cannot get enough of this AMAZING Vegan Tofu Pad Thai! I haven’t had Thai food in a while and although there are a few Thai restaurants near me here in Salt Lake County, I figure I need to make it myself and it definitely did not disappoint! If Thai food is new to you, you will be pleasantly surprised by the slippery noodles and sweet-meets-savory flavor! If you like vegan Asian food like this dinner recipe, then you’ll love my Pan-Fried Sesame Tofu, Vegan Sesame Noodle Stir Fry, and Bang Bang Tofu recipes!
In college, my friends and I used to go out to eat dinner at Thai restaurants regularly. I loved every bite of the Thai dishes I ordered and was impressed by the spiciness. I fell in love with Thai food back in my late teens/early 20s. I still adore it and am so happy I can cook it myself and share this amazingly simple recipe with you!
My insanely addicting Vegan Tofu Pad Thai contains pad Thai noodles, tofu, sesame oil, bean sprouts, chives, dry roasted peanuts, and optionally, Thai chili peppers and red pepper flakes. It’s made in a thick sauce made of fresh lime juice, soy sauce, coconut sugar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and as an option, fish sauce or vegetarian fish sauce (I never add fish sauce but feel free to add it if you like it).
What is Pad Thai?
Authentic Pad Thai is a stir fry cooked with noodles, a sweet and sour sauce, and peanuts. Most of the time, Pad Thai has bean sprouts, green onions, fish sauce, and firm tofu. The most popular addition to a plate of Pad Thai is chicken or shrimp. The main ingredient in a Pad Thai sauce is tamarind, which gives the sauce the authentic Thai flavor. In lieu of tamarind, I use soy sauce. If you can find tamarind, use it instead of soy sauce for the most authentic flavor.
I wasn’t in the mood to add fish sauce to my recipe, but it’s an optional ingredient that can certainly be included if you’re looking for an authentic taste. If you don’t feel like ordering and paying for greasy Chinese or Thai takeout, then make this insanely delicious and easy dish TONIGHT! Your family will thank you!
The stir fry noodles
Pad Thai is traditionally cooked with flat dried rice noodles or stir fry noodles, which can be found in the Asian aisle of your grocery store. When it comes to stir-fry noodle brands, we like Annie Chun’s the best.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Of course. Traditional Pad Thai has tofu and chicken or shrimp. Not only can you add protein, but you can use any veggies you wish.
How to make the best Vegan Tofu Pad Thai
STEP 1: To make the sauce, add all the fresh lime juice, soy sauce, coconut sugar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and if using, fish sauce, to a medium pot. Bring the heat to medium and stir with a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.
STEP 2: Open the tofu and drain the water over a sink. Place the tofu on a few folded paper towels or dish towels, to absorb the water. Cover the tofu with folded paper towels or a towel and place a large pot or plate on top for a few minutes to help drain excess water. Press towels on the sides of it to remove excess water. Chop the tofu into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
STEP 3: Add the sesame oil to a deep pot or skillet and bring the heat to medium. Once heated, add the tofu and let it cook in the oil for at least 3 minutes before you touch it. After 3-4 minutes, use tongs to flip them. If necessary, cook the tofu in sets until complete. Return the cooked tofu to the deep pot.
STEP 4: Cook the noodles per the package instructions. Add the cooked noodles to the pot with the tofu.
STEP 5: Add the chilis, bean sprouts, chives, and peanuts and cook for 2-3 minutes.
STEP 6: If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Recommended tools to make this recipe
- Medium pot. This medium pot is perfect to make this recipe.
- Wooden spoon. We like this wooden spoon best.
- Skillet. A large skillet like this is ideal.
More recipes you’ll want to make!
More Asian-Inspired recipes
Chicken Wraps with Honey-Peanut Sauce
Final Thoughts
Finally, if you make this Vegan Pad Thai recipe, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from everyone who makes this recipe and always try my best to respond to all comments.
If you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag #elisemccollister on Instagram! It makes me so happy to see your recipe photos!
Vegan Tofu Pad Thai
Equipment
Ingredients
Sauce
- 3 limes juiced
- ⅓ c soy sauce or tamarind
- 3 tbsp coconut sugar can sub brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 1-2 tsp fish sauce or vegetarian fish sauce optional
Stir Fry
- 1 14 oz. package extra-firm tofu
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2-3 Thai red chilis optional
- ½ c bean sprouts
- 1 bunch chives chopped
- ¼ c dry roasted peanuts
- red chili flakes optional
Noodles
- 8 oz. Pad Thai noodles
Optional garnish
- carrots
- cilantro
- chives
- limes
- Thai red chilis
Instructions
- To make the sauce, add all the fresh lime juice, soy sauce, coconut sugar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and if using, fish sauce, to a large pot. Bring the heat to medium and stir with a wooden spoon for 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Open the tofu and drain the water over a sink. Place the tofu on a few folded paper towels or dish towels, to absorb the water. Cover the tofu with folded paper towels or a towel and place a large pot or plate on top for a few minutes to help drain excess water. Press towels on the sides of it to remove excess water. Chop the tofu into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- Add the sesame oil to a deep pot or skillet and bring the heat to medium. Once heated, add the tofu and let it cook in the oil for at least 3 minutes before you touch it. After 3-4 minutes, use tongs to flip them. If necessary, cook the tofu in sets until complete. Return the cooked tofu to the deep pot.
- Cook the noodles per the package instructions. Add the cooked noodles to the pot with the tofu.
- Add the chilis, bean sprouts, chives, and peanuts and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with carrots, cilantro, lime wedges, or peanut sauce.
- If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment!
Notes
Nutrition (per serving)
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