The Easiest Pad Thai with Tofu Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Tired of ordering takeout? Well, get ready for the easiest pad thai with tofu recipe you’ll ever make! Pad thai is one of the most recognizable Thai dishes worldwide and this recipe can easily be customized to your tastes and preferences.

In Thailand, pad thai is typically made with tofu and shrimp, using dried and fresh prawns. These classic flavors are beloved in Thailand and throughout the world. Making pad thai is simple and, with the addition of fresh vegetables and sprouts, makes a perfect one-dish meal. 

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Origin of Pad Thai

Pad thai is a relatively recent dish that first showed up in the mid-1900s during a period of ultra-nationalism within Thailand before the Second World War. 

Noodles came from China, although they were typically wheat-based noodles. The then-dictator of Thailand wanted a national noodle dish that more closely reflected the country’s cuisine and promoted a sense of nationalism. 

The winning dish (rice noodles) became the pad thai we all love today.

Where Can I Find Rice Noodles?

For this recipe, you should ideally use pad thai noodles. These are wide, flat rice noodles that are reminiscent of fettuccine pasta.

This style of rice noodles is now pretty commonly found in grocery stores and can also be called “rice stick” noodles. 

Health food stores and Asian grocery stores are excellent places to look for rice noodles. In addition, online grocery outlets will also carry this style of noodle.

Is Pad Thai Gluten-Free?

Since many people wish to eat gluten-free dishes or need to for dietary reasons, pad thai is an excellent choice for those following this diet. Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free and popularly used for gluten-free pasta dishes. You will want to check that any sauces are gluten-free, such as the fish sauce, but this recipe is otherwise gluten-free.

Is Pad Thai Vegan? 

Since this recipe does contain fish sauce and eggs, it is not a vegan recipe but can easily be transformed into a vegan dish with a few swaps. 

Check the section on fish sauce below for vegan substitute options for fish sauce. The egg can simply be left out of the recipe or swapped for a vegan scrambled egg replacer. 

Some pad thai recipes use seafood or chicken in place of tofu or even with the tofu, so you would want to swap for vegan alternatives for those recipes. 

Also, this recipe is suitable for pescetarians, as it does include fish sauce and eggs.

What Is Tamarind Paste?

Tamarind trees are native to Africa and Asia and are used in many cuisines worldwide. However, it grows best in tropical climates and has pods filled with sticky sweet-sour paste and seeds. 

India and Thailand produce the most tamarind, and it is used heavily in these cuisines. 

It can be used ripe for a sweeter taste or unripe for a more sour flavor and can be dried and powdered. One everyday use for tamarind is Thai tea, curries, other drinks, and of course, pad thai.

Where Can I Get Tamarind Paste?

Tamarind paste can be purchased in many ethnic food markets in both paste form or still in the pods. 

If you have purchased pods, you will need to peel the skin off the pods and remove all seeds from within the pods. 

Pre-made tamarind paste will have the seeds and pod debris removed and ready for use.

What Can I Substitute for Tamarind Paste?

Although the recipe results may vary more, a few options are available to substitute for tamarind paste. 

Option 1. Pomegranate Molasses

You can use pomegranate molasses for a close sour-sweet substitute and similar texture. However, this option may be a bit sweeter than tamarind paste. 

Option 2. Rice Wine Vinegar

Adding rice wine vinegar is another option, and rice wine vinegar is commonly found in the Asian aisles of grocery stores. It is a sweet-tangy vinegar that will give a similar flavor to tamarind paste but is much thinner. 

Option 3. Lime Juice and Brown Sugar

Lime juice and brown sugar are options to try and are readily available when tamarind paste is not. 

What to Use to Cook Pad Thai

A large saute pan will work to cook this recipe or a large wok. You will want lots of space to toss around the ingredients and ensure they are evenly coated in sauce. 

A wok is ideal because it heats very evenly and is easy to toss the ingredients without them falling out of the pan. 

The most important part of choosing a pan to cook pad thai in is ensuring that there is room for all of the ingredients without crowding, ensuring everything can cook properly. In addition, there is room to coat all ingredients in the sauce. 

What Is Fish Sauce?

Fish sauce is a unique and pungent flavored sauce common in Asian cooking, especially in Thai and other Southeast Asian cuisines. For example, it is found on tables in Thailand as a condiment. 

It is a mixture of fish and salt that has been fermented, sometimes up to 2 years. It can be made from anchovies, shrimp, mackerel, or other fish. 

Is There a Vegetarian Substitute for Fish Sauce?

Some health food stores or online food shops carry vegan fish sauce as a vegan substitute. Another option is to look for mushroom oyster sauce, which tastes very similar to fish sauce. 

Lastly, you can also try to use sweet soy sauce, but it doesn’t match the flavor quite as closely as mushroom oyster sauce or vegan fish sauce. 

Pad Thai with Tofu Recipe

Ingredients

Servings: 2

• 7 ounces flat rice noodles (preferably pad thai noodles)
• 7 ounces extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed)
• 1 tbsp refined coconut oil
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts
• 1 clove of garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1 shallot (minced)
• 1 egg (scrambled)
• garnish with roasted crushed peanuts, cilantro, and garlic chives (cut into 2″ pieces)
• serve with a wedge of lime

Pad Thai Sauce

• 2 tbsp tamarind paste
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1/2 tbsp honey

Cookware and Tools

• Deep saute pan or wok
• Wooden cooking utensils
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs
• Kitchen knife

How to Make Pad Thai with Tofu (Step-by-Step)

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients

Since the cooking time is short, it’s best to prepare all of the ingredients beforehand so that you’ll be ready to use them at a moment’s notice.

Related:

• How to Press Tofu Without a Press (Quick & Easy Solution!)

Step 2. Cook the Tofu

In a skillet, add refined coconut oil and heat until the pan is hot but not smoking. This is very important! Why? The key to not letting the tofu stick to the pan is to wait until the pan is very hot. The oil should have a shimmery appearance to let you know it’s ready!

Add the cubed tofu and cook on each side for about 1 to 2 minutes until it’s fully browned and crisp! After you’re done cooking the tofu, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3. Saute the Veggies

Next, saute the carrots and bean sprouts for about 5 minutes or until they’re soft but still have some crunch.

*Note: I forgot to cook the egg here! So normally, you’ll want to move the carrots and bean sprouts to one side, allowing room to cook the egg. Crack 1 egg and scramble until it’s 80% cooked.

Step 4. Add the Pad Thai Rice Noodles, Tofu, and Sauce

Cook the pad thai rice noodles according to the package. Then, add them to the pan, along with the cooked tofu and pad thai sauce. Continue stirring everything together until the sauce is evenly incorporated throughout the dish.

Step 5. Garnish with Toppings

Finally, garnish with your toppings of choice and serve immediately.

How to Store Leftover Pad Thai

This dish reheats well once made, so it can be stored in an airtight sealed container for up to three days in the refrigerator. After that, you can use a microwave or reheat the pad thai in a pan on the stovetop. 

How to Reheat Leftover Pad Thai

To microwave leftover pad thai, add a few tablespoons of water to a microwave-safe container with a lid. Then, microwave the leftover pad thai on high for a minute at a time, with the lid loosely sitting on the container. Stir in between, and microwave at 1-minute intervals until it is thoroughly heated through. 

Another way to reheat pad thai is to heat a saute pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Add the leftover pad thai with a bit of water to help loosen the sauce, and cook until thoroughly heated.

The Takeaway

Pad thai is one of the most popular Thai dishes you will come across in any Thai restaurant. It’s a popular stir-fry rice noodle dish that will introduce the flavors of Thailand to your palette.

This easy recipe can be used as a simple base to add or change ingredients to your tastes. It won’t be long before pad thai becomes a favorite go-to recipe in your family that can be quickly tossed together!

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating below! I’d love to hear from you.