Vegetable-Loaded Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a classic Thai noodle dish that is typically made with shrimp, chicken, or tofu. This version is loaded with vegetables, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. The wide rice noodles are stir-fried with onion, bell pepper, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas. The dish is then finished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. This recipe is sure to become a favorite for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Pad Thai is a relatively modern dish, invented in the 1930s by a Thai prime minister who wanted to promote noodle dishes as a way to reduce rice consumption. It quickly became popular both in Thailand and abroad, and today it is one of the most well-known Thai dishes. The origins of Pad Thai are somewhat murky, but it is thought to have been inspired by a number of different dishes, including Chinese stir-fries and Vietnamese noodle soups. The wide rice noodles that are used in Pad Thai are similar to those used in Chinese lo mein, and the stir-frying technique is also borrowed from Chinese cuisine. The addition of fish sauce, tamarind, and peanuts is thought to have come from Vietnamese cuisine. Today, Pad Thai is a beloved dish all over the world. It is typically served as a main course, but it can also be served as a side dish or appetizer. There are many different variations on the basic Pad Thai recipe, and each region of Thailand has its own unique take on the dish.
Vegetable-Loaded Pad Thai Vegetable-Loaded Pad Thai Vegetable-Loaded Pad Thai Vegetable-Loaded Pad Thai
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 15 | Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 package (8 ounces) wide rice noodles
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
  • 1/2 cup chopped snap peas
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
  1. Cook the rice noodles according to the package directions.
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the onion, bell pepper, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the rice noodles to the skillet and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in the cilantro and serve immediately.
Why It Works
  • The wide rice noodles soak up the flavorful sauce, making each bite a satisfying experience.
  • The vegetables add a variety of textures and flavors to the dish, making it a well-rounded meal.
  • The fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients.
  • The lime juice adds a touch of acidity that brightens up the dish and balances out the flavors.