Vegetable-Loaded Pad Thai

Pad Thai is about as popular as foreign street food gets in the U.S., and for good reason: it's easy to make, relatively healthy, and very tasty. The traditional take features shrimp, tofu, and peanuts, but you can make a vegetarian version with just as much flavor with some vegetables and a store-bought sauce.

Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish that originated in Thailand in the mid-20th century. It is made with rice noodles, a sweet and sour sauce, vegetables, and your choice of protein, typically chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Pad Thai is a popular street food in Thailand and is also served in many Thai restaurants around the world. The dish is relatively easy to make and can be tailored to your own tastes, making it a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces of rice noodles
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup of chopped onion
• 1/2 cup of chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup of chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup of chopped broccoli
• 1 cup of chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup of chopped snow peas

Instructions

1. Cook the rice noodles according to the package directions.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
3. Add the onion, bell peppers, and broccoli to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Add the carrots and snow peas to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through.
7. Serve immediately.

Why It Works

• The use of rice noodles gives the dish a light and springy texture.
• The combination of sweet and sour sauce, vegetables, and protein provides a balance of flavors and textures.
• The dish is easy to make and can be tailored to your own tastes.