Are you looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and budget friendly? Look no further than this homemade Pad Thai recipe.
Packed with fresh vegetables, hearty rice noodles, and a delightful peanut sauce, this homemade Pad Thai dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
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Even better than that, most of these items you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. They’re budget friendly, and make a great affordable meal. Vegetable Pad Thai is also a great way to use up those random leftover vegetables that may be hanging around.
While this is a vegetarian pad thai recipe, it has eggs and fish sauce. For vegan options, omit the eggs, or use an egg substitute and a fish sauce alternative. We’ve provided some suggestions under the tips section.
How to Make Vegetable Pad Thai
Ingredients
Noodles & Vegetables
- 8 oz. box rice noodles
- 1 T. sesame oil
- ½ medium shallot, finely chopped
- 3 large green onions, sliced, white and green parts separated
- 1 medium carrot, cut into matchsticks
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- ½ c. roasted peanuts, chopped and divided
- 3 T. cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 large limes, cut into wedges
- Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes, to serve
Sauce
- 1/3 c. honey
- 3 T. fish sauce (scroll down for vegan alternatives)
- 2 T. tamari or coconut aminos. You can also use soy sauce.
- 1 T. rice vinegar
- 2 T. fresh lime juice
- 2 T. sugar-free creamy peanut butter
- 1 T. garlic chili sauce
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Begin by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them under cool water and set them aside. This step ensures the noodles won’t clump together and will be ready to soak up the delicious sauce later on.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While waiting for the water to boil for the rice noodles, combine all the sauce ingredients in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the peanut butter melts and the sauce is heated through, approximately 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Heat the sesame oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot, the white parts of the green onions, carrot matchsticks, and red pepper slices. Cook these vegetables, stirring frequently, until they are crisp-tender and have developed some color, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Eggs
Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet with a spatula. Pour the whisked eggs into the empty side of the skillet. Cook the eggs, stirring and chopping frequently with the spatula, until they are fully cooked and broken into small pieces, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the prepared rice noodles, one-third cup of the chopped peanuts, and the warm sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the noodles and vegetables are well-coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer the Pad Thai to individual serving dishes. Garnish with the remaining roasted peanuts, the green parts of the green onions, and freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges and, if desired, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pad Thai
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables based on your preference, and what you may have on hand. Snow peas, bean sprouts, or broccoli would all be great additions to homemade vegetarian Pad Thai.
Protein Options: For a more filling meal, consider adding shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Cook the protein separately and add it in with the noodles and sauce.
Sauce Variations: Adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of garlic chili sauce.
Fish Sauce Options: Fish Sauce adds a unique umami flavor. But, some people just aren’t into it, or they eat a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. No worries! For a vegan option, consider Yondu Vegetable Umami Essence or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
Pad Thai is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. Its perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors makes it a favorite for many. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this homemade Vegetable Pad Thai recipe will make everyone think you’ve brought a little bit of Thailand into your kitchen.