Easy 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, 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.

The Easiest and Most Authentic Vegetarian Pad Thai Recipe

When it comes to Thai food, Pad Thai is often on the top of everyone's list!

Many people think making an Authentic Vegetarian Pad Thai Recipe (With Tofu and Vegetables) at home is complicated, but I'm here to tell you that it's not—especially with this Easy Pad Thai (Vegetarian) recipe.

You don't need to be a pro to get that perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy right in your own kitchen.

I promise this recipe delivers the authentic Thai flavors you love, and with simple ingredients that you can easily find. Plus, it's vegetarian and packed with veggies, making it a delicious and healthy meal for any occasion.

Trust me, when you cook this Pad Thai, it'll taste just like you've ordered from your favorite Thai restaurant, but better because you made it yourself! 🥢🍜

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 a Pad Thai recipe, we always include tofu. It absorbs flavors well and has a texture similar to meat.

Why You'll Love This Easy Pad Thai (Vegetarian) Recipe🩷

• Authentic Thai flavors – The balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy will transport you straight to Thailand!
• Easy to make – No need to be a pro chef; you can whip this up in no time with simple ingredients.
• Vegetarian & healthy – Packed with fresh veggies and tofu, this recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious!
• Customize it your way – Want it spicier or milder? You can easily adjust the flavor to suit your taste.
• Perfect balance – The tamarind paste, soy sauce, and peanuts create the perfect combo of flavor and texture in every bite.
• Quick weeknight dinner – Ready in under 30 minutes, this is the perfect meal for busy nights.
• Restaurant-quality at home – You can skip the takeout and enjoy this mouthwatering dish right from your own kitchen.
• Packed with flavor – Every bite is bursting with fresh ingredients like lime, peanuts, and bean sprouts, making it as delicious as it is satisfying.

How to Cook Pad Thai (Vegetarian)

1. Boil the rice noodles according to package instructions, then set aside.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add tofu, and stir-fry until golden and crispy (or puffed if using puff tofu).
3. Add the cooked noodles and Pad Thai sauce, stirring to combine.
4. Push the noodles aside and scramble an egg in the pan, then mix with the noodles.
5. Add bean sprouts, chives, and peanuts (if desired), and stir everything together.
6. Serve topped with more crushed peanuts, chili powder, and a lime wedge.

What to Serve with Pad Thai (Vegetarian)

🥢 Spring Rolls – Crispy, golden rolls filled with veggies, served with sweet chili sauce.

🥗 Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tum) – A refreshing, tangy, and slightly spicy salad that pairs perfectly.

🥒 Cucumber Salad – Light and zesty with a touch of lime and chili for balance.

🍲 Tom Yum Soup – A hot and sour Thai soup that adds a flavorful contrast.

🧋Thai Iced Tea – Sweet and creamy, this classic drink complements the savory flavors of Pad Thai.

🥭 Mango Sticky Rice – A sweet, coconut-infused dessert to end your meal on a high note.

My Pad Thai recipe transforms plain tofu into a fun and enjoyable bite, thanks to my delicious and You'll love tofu in Easy Authentic Pad Thai Sauce Recipe. this dish—I promise! 😊

This Easy and Healthy Vegetarian Pad Thai Recipe is the easiest and most authentic version you'll find—packed with bold flavors, crisp veggies, and protein-rich tofu. The best part? You can whip it up in just 30 minutes and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors without needing a trip to Thailand (or takeout!). Let's get cooking!