Easy Veggie Pad Thai (Quick & Healthy)
Looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and quick dinner? Easy Veggie Pad Thai is packed with fresh vegetables, tofu, and tangy peanut sauce. Furthermore, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing your friends with minimal effort. Additionally, it’s completely vegetarian and can be made gluten-free by using rice noodles.
Ingredients for Easy Veggie Pad Thai (4 servings)
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 block firm tofu, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Instructions to Make Easy Veggie Pad Thai
- Cook noodles: Boil rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and peanut butter until smooth. Set aside.
- Stir-fry tofu: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced tofu and cook until golden on all sides. Remove tofu from skillet.
- Cook vegetables: In the same skillet, add garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and green onions. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Combine noodles and sauce: Add cooked noodles, tofu, and peanut sauce to the skillet. Toss everything together for 2–3 minutes until evenly coated.
- Serve and garnish: Top with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve hot immediately.
Tips & Variations for Easy Veggie Pad Thai
- For extra protein, add cooked shrimp or chicken instead of tofu.
- Use zucchini noodles or soba noodles for a low-carb variation.
- Add extra chili flakes or sriracha for more heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.
- Pair with Healthy Quinoa Salad or Easy Lemon Herb Baked Salmon for a balanced meal.
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For more ideas, check out this guide on veggie pad thai recipes at BBC Good Food.
