Easy Pad Thai (Vegetarian)

1 Reviews / 5 Stars Average

By Sho @ Hungry for Thai on Jan 19th 2025 Sho

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.


Easy Pad Thai (Vegetarian)

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!


FAQs

Can I use gluten-free noodles?

Yes! Just substitute regular Pad Thai rice noodles with gluten-free noodles, and you're good to go.

Can I make it spicier?

Of course! Add more chili flakes or fresh Thai bird's eye chilies for that spicy kick. In Pad Thai, it's often sprinkled on top or mixed into the dish for an extra kick of spiciness, according to personal preference.

Can I use something other than tofu?

Absolutely! Tempeh or even veggies like mushrooms can be a great substitute for tofu.

Can I skip the peanuts?

Yes! For a nut-free version, you can:

  • Omit them entirely
  • Substitute with crushed sunflower seeds
  • Use crushed toasted sesame seeds

How to make it vegan?

To make this Pad Thai vegan:

  • Skip the eggs
  • Use extra tofu
  • Ensure your sauce uses a vegan fish sauce alternative
  • Add extra vegetables for more texture

What noodles should I use?

Use flat rice noodles (rice stick noodles), about 3-4mm wide. Fresh or dried both work well, just make sure to prepare them according to package instructions to avoid mushiness.

Why are my noodles mushy?

To prevent mushy noodles:

  • Don't over-soak them
  • Stir-fry on high heat
  • Cook in smaller batches
  • Add sauce quickly and toss well

Making a delicious Pad Thai at home will be easy from now on! Follow my step-by-step recipe, and you'll enjoy cooking homemade Pad Thai while feeling proud of your creation.

Let me know how you like it!😉 🔽🔽

Easy Pad Thai (Vegetarian)

Easy Pad Thai (Vegetarian)


Prep time

10 minutes

Cook time

15 minutes

Serves

1

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Ingredients

US Metric
Calories: 510kcal Total Fat: 27g Protein: 17g Carbs: 54g Sodium: 167mg

Steps

  • Cooking Pad Thai (Vegetarian):

    1. Boil/soak the rice noodles in boiling water (follow the package instructions) until the noodles are soft, then set aside.

      Boil/soak the rice noodles in boiling water until the noodles are soft then set rice noodles aside
    2. Heat a pan with oil and add the tofu (cut into small pieces). Stir-fry until it is golden and slightly crispy. If using puff tofu, fry until the tofu starts to puff up.

      Heat a pan with oil Add tofu, stir-fry until it is golden and slightly crispy
    3. Add the boiled rice noodles into the pan. Stir-fry briefly, then add the Pad Thai sauce, you can see my Pad Thai Sauce recipe . Stir until well combined.

      Add the boiled rice noodles into the panAdd Pad Thai Sauce
    4. Push the noodles to the side of the pan, then crack an egg into the pan. Scramble the egg until slightly cooked, then mix it with the noodles. Stir gently until well combined.

       crack an egg into the pan
    5. Add the bean sprouts and chinese chives/ spring onions/leek , and stir everything together. You can also add crushed roasted peanuts at this stage or sprinkle them on top when serving.

      Add the bean sprouts  and spring onionsAdd crushed roasted peanuts
    6. Serve the Pad Thai on a plate, topping it with more crushed roasted peanuts and chili powder to taste, along with a wedge of lime.

      Serve the Pad Thai on a plate

Nutritional info

% of daily value
protein: 17g
35%
fat: 27g
41%
carbs: 54g
18%
fiber: 6g
23%
saturatedFat: 4g
18%
sugar: 4g
sodium: 167mg
7%
cholesterol: 160mg
53%

Calorie Breakdown

Protein

67 cal

Fat

234 cal

Carbs

209 cal


Tips

🥡 The cooking time or soaking time for noodles varies between brands, so it's best to follow the instructions on the package.

🌱 You can use spring onion or leek as a substitute for Chinese chives (garlic chives).

🍞 You can use puff tofu as a substitute for firm tofu, which saves time in frying.

🌿 Make sure not to overcook your rice noodles—they should be soft but still have a bit of a bite to them.

🥜 Don't skip the peanuts! They add that perfect crunch and flavor that make Pad Thai unique.

🍋 For an extra zing, squeeze fresh lime juice right before serving for a burst of citrusy goodness.


1 comment

J

Jessie Clark

This Pad Thai recipe was so delicious and easy to make. The directions were clear and easy to follow. My dish was not as pretty as the one on the website but the food was Fabulous.

6th February, 2025 at 19:38

1 reply

 Sho @ Hungry For Thai

Sho @ Hungry For Thai

I'm glad you enjoyed it! And I'll let you into a secret – when I'm cooking just for myself, the dishes never look quite as good as when I post them on here! Sometimes it's just about the food and the flavor :D

9th February, 2025 at 21:22


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