Rainbow Vegetarian Pad Thai
A Vibrant Twist on a Thai Classic
Servings
4
Ready In:
30min
Calories:
~609 calories per serving
Good For:
Vegetarian meal, quick family dinner
Inroduction
Vegetarian Pad Thai
By: Edina Sznida
Dive into the world of Thai cuisine with this Vegetarian Pad Thai recipe, a colorful, flavor-packed dish that brings the authentic taste of Thailand straight to your table. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked rice noodles through a sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy. Toss in a rainbow of fresh vegetables, crunchy peanuts, and aromatic herbs, and you have a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
This rainbow vegetable Pad Thai is easy to make, nutritious, and completely satisfying—a true celebration of vegetarian Thai food at its finest.
What Makes Pad Thai So Special?
Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most iconic dishes, beloved for its balance of flavors and its adaptability. Traditionally, Pad Thai features rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp or chicken, bean sprouts, and a flavorful sauce. However, this vegetarian Pad Thai recipe swaps out the meat and fish sauce for a plant-based twist, keeping all the rich, bold flavors while adding even more veggies.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Thai vegetarian recipes or trying this dish for the first time, my Rainbow Veggie Pad Thai will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp peanut butter (for a creamy touch)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
For the Stir Fry:
- 300 g rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges, for serving
Step by Step Instructions – How to Make Veggie Pad Thai
Step 1
Prepare the Noodles
Start by soaking the rice noodles in warm water according to the package instructions. Once softened, drain them and set aside. These will form the heart of your vegetarian Pad Thai noodles.
Step 2
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together tamarind paste, soy sauce, peanut butter, brown sugar, and chili flakes. This sauce is the key to achieving that perfect sweet, sour, and savory balance that makes Pad Thai noodles so irresistible.
Step 3
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced red onion, and stir-fry until fragrant. Then, toss in the carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas.
Stir-fry the veggies for 3-4 minutes until they’re just tender but still crisp—this ensures your Thai vegetable stir fry stays vibrant and fresh.
Step 4
Add the Noodles and Sauce
Push the veggies to one side of the wok and add the drained rice noodles. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything together to coat evenly. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, letting the noodles absorb the sauce.
Step 5
Finish with Fresh Ingredients
Add the bean sprouts, half the chopped peanuts, and half the green onions to the wok. Toss everything together and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
Step 6
Plate and Garnish
Serve your vegetarian Pad Thai hot, garnished with the remaining peanuts, green onions, cilantro leaves, and lime wedges. A squeeze of lime juice over the top adds a bright, tangy finish that ties the dish together beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Pad Thai
This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a show-stopping dish at a dinner party. Here’s why this rainbow veggie Pad Thai will become your go-to:
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Nutrient-Packed: With a mix of colorful vegetables, this recipe is as healthy as it is tasty.
- Customizable: Add tofu, swap in your favorite veggies, or adjust the spice level to suit your tastes.
Tips for Perfect Pad Thai
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Soak them just until tender to avoid mushy noodles.
- Adjust the Sauce to Taste: The beauty of Pad Thai lies in its balance of flavors. Feel free to tweak the sweetness, acidity, or heat.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies and herbs make all the difference in this dish.
Variations to Try
- Add Tofu: For extra protein, toss in cubes of tofu. Pan-fry them before adding them to the wok for a crispy texture.
- Spice It Up: Add fresh red chili slices for an extra kick.
- Traditional Twist: For those who enjoy seafood, this recipe can be adapted to include shrimp (or gamberi) for a more traditional Pad Thai. Simply substitute tofu or an additional vegetable with sautéed shrimp.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian Thai food dish pairs beautifully with a crisp cucumber salad, refreshing Thai iced tea, or even a light veggie spring roll.
Whether you’re serving it as part of a Thai vegetarian foods feast or enjoying it as a standalone meal, it’s sure to impress.
A Taste of Thailand
Cooking this Vegetarian Pad Thai recipe at home is like taking a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Thailand. Each bite offers a harmony of flavors and textures that’s uniquely Thai.
So grab your wok, gather your veggies, and bring a touch of magic to your table tonight with this rainbow vegetable Pad Thai vegan recipe!
