Pad Thai with Tofu and Vegetables
Pad Thai with Tofu and Vegetables is a quick and easy dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal. The tofu and vegetables are stir-fried until tender, then tossed in a flavorful tamarind sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Pad Thai is a popular Thai dish that is made with stir-fried rice noodles, vegetables, and meat or tofu. It is typically seasoned with tamarind sauce, fish sauce, and peanuts. The dish is thought to have originated in Thailand in the early 20th century. It is now a popular street food and restaurant dish in Thailand and around the world. This recipe for Pad Thai with Tofu and Vegetables is a vegetarian version of the classic dish. It is made with firm tofu, vegetables, and a tamarind sauce. The tofu is pressed to remove excess moisture, then cut into small cubes and browned in a skillet. The vegetables are then added to the skillet and cooked until softened. The tamarind sauce is made with tamarind paste, peanut butter, and soy sauce. It is added to the skillet and simmered until thickened. The peanuts and cilantro are then stirred in, and the dish is served over rice or noodles. Pad Thai with Tofu and Vegetables is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. For example, you can add more vegetables, such as broccoli or snap peas. You can also add some cooked chicken or shrimp to the dish. If you don't have tamarind paste, you can substitute lemon juice or lime juice.
Pad Thai with Tofu and Vegetables Pad Thai with Tofu and Vegetables Pad Thai with Tofu and Vegetables Pad Thai with Tofu and Vegetables
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 package (14 ounces) firm tofu, pressed and cut into small cubes
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped green beans
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the tofu and cook until browned on all sides.
  3. Add the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and green beans to the skillet and cook until softened.
  4. Add the tamarind sauce, peanut butter, and soy sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
  5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
  6. Stir in the peanuts and cilantro.
  7. Serve over rice or noodles.
Why It Works
  • Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, which helps it to brown better.
  • Browning the tofu on all sides gives it a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
  • Cooking the vegetables until softened ensures that they are tender and flavorful.
  • The tamarind sauce is made with a combination of sweet, sour, and salty ingredients, which gives it a complex flavor.
  • Simmering the tamarind sauce until thickened helps to develop its flavor and body.
  • Adding peanuts and cilantro adds a crunchy texture and a fresh flavor to the dish.