Pad Thai (Vegetarian)

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Jan 19th 2025

Pad Thai is a popular Thai stir-fried noodle dish made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu and a flavorful sauce made from tamarind, salt (for vegetarians), sugar, and lime. The dish is known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and savory flavors, and is often served with a wedge of lime

What you'll need

• Rice Noodles: Thin rice noodles commonly used in Pad Thai, they have a soft and chewy texture when cooked.
• Pad Thai Sauce: A sweet, sour, and savory sauce typically made from tamarind, fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian versions), and sugar, which gives Pad Thai its distinctive flavor.
• Tofu: A soft, protein-rich ingredient made from soybeans, often used in vegetarian versions of Pad Thai for texture and flavor.
• Bean Sprouts: Crisp, fresh sprouts that add a crunchy texture and light flavor to the dish, commonly used as a garnish or mixed into the noodles.
• Chinese chives (garlic chives): A type of chive with a mild garlic flavor, used in Pad Thai for both its taste and garnish.
• Egg: In Pad Thai, eggs are typically scrambled and mixed with the noodles, providing a savory flavor and helping to bind the ingredients together.
• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil used for stir-frying the ingredients, allowing the flavors to shine without overpowering the dish.
• Crushed Roasted Peanuts: Adds a crunchy, nutty flavor to the dish, often sprinkled on top for added texture and richness.
• Lime: Provides a zesty, fresh burst of citrus that enhances the flavors of Pad Thai when squeezed over the dish just before serving.
• Water (optional): A basic liquid used in cooking to help dissolve sauces, adjust consistency, and prevent ingredients from sticking during stir-frying.
• Chili Powder (optional): A ground spice made from dried chilies, it adds heat and a subtle smokiness to dishes. In Pad Thai, it's often sprinkled on top or mixed into the dish for an extra kick of spiciness, according to personal preference.