Vegan Pad Thai with Tofu and Tamarind Sauce

A plant-based twist on a classic Thai dish. This Vegan Pad Thai features chewy rice noodles, crispy tofu, fresh bean sprouts, and a tangy homemade tamarind sauce. It's a flavorful and satisfying meal that's easy to make!

Prep Time

15 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Calories

550

Level

Medium

Yields

4 servings

Cost

£2.39

Season:

🌍 Year-round

Meal Type:

Snack

Cuisine:

Asian•Thai

Main Ingredient:

Cooking Style:

Dietary:

Mood:

Ingredients

Servings

8ozRice Noodles (Pad Thai noodles)(Use wide, flat rice noodles. Check label to ensure gluten-free if needed.)

£1.50

14ozExtra-Firm Tofu(Pressed to remove excess water)

£3.00

2tablespoonsVegetable Oil(For frying tofu and cooking noodles)

£0.10

3clovesGarlic(Minced)

£0.20

1mediumShallot(Thinly sliced)

£0.30

2cupsBean Sprouts(Fresh)

£0.75

4stalksGreen Onions(Chopped)

£0.60

0.3cupPeanuts(Roasted, chopped)

£0.50

0.3cupCilantro(Fresh, chopped (for garnish))

£0.40

4wedgesLime Wedges(For serving)

£0.50

1tablespoonVegan Fish Sauce(Optional, for extra umami flavor (e.g. made with seaweed or mushrooms))

£0.30

3tablespoonsTamarind Paste(A key ingredient for the sauce)

£0.40

3tablespoonsSoy Sauce (or Tamari for Gluten-Free)(Use low sodium if preferred)

£0.25

2tablespoonsMaple Syrup (or Brown Sugar)(For sweetness)

£0.40

1tablespoonRice Vinegar(Adds acidity)

£0.15

1teaspoonsChili Garlic Sauce(Adjust to your spice preference)

£0.20

3tablespoonsWater(To thin the sauce if needed)

Total Cost

£9.55

£2.39 per serving

The Method

1
Prepare the Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess water. Cut into small cubes or strips. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2
Prepare the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3
Make the Tamarind Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tamarind paste, soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, vegan fish sauce (if using), and water (if needed).
4
Cook the Aromatics: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallots and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
5
Combine and Cook: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Pour the tamarind sauce over the noodles and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the noodles are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6
Add Tofu and Vegetables: Add the cooked tofu, bean sprouts, and most of the green onions to the skillet. Toss gently to combine and cook for another minute, until the bean sprouts are slightly wilted.
7
Serve: Divide the Pad Thai among bowls. Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and the remaining green onions. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (400g)

550 kcal / 2301 kJ

Carbs

68g

26% of RDA

Fat

24g

34% of RDA

Protein

25g

50% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

5 g

17% of RDA

Sugar

18 g

20% of RDA

Sodium

1050 mg

46% of RDA

Saturated Fat

3 g

15% of RDA

Chef's Tips

Pressing the tofu well is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.

Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.

If the noodles become too dry while cooking, add a tablespoon or two of water to the skillet.

You can add other vegetables to your Pad Thai, such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Cooking Equipment

Large skillet or wok

Mixing bowls

Measuring cups and spoons

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

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Chef's Tips

Pressing the tofu well is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.

Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.

If the noodles become too dry while cooking, add a tablespoon or two of water to the skillet.

You can add other vegetables to your Pad Thai, such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Vegan Pad Thai with Tofu and Tamarind Sauce

Ingredients

The Method