Authentic Thai Veggie Pad Thai

A vibrant and flavorful Thai noodle stir-fry packed with fresh vegetables, crunchy peanuts, and a tangy, umami-rich sauce. Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most beloved street foods, offering a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. This vegetarian version keeps it fresh, healthy, and delicious while staying true to traditional Thai cooking techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Thai Flavor – A well-balanced sauce made with tamarind, soy sauce, and brown sugar gives this dish its signature taste.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
• Healthy and Nutritious – Loaded with fresh vegetables, fiber-rich rice noodles, and protein-packed peanuts.
• Customizable – Easily adjust spice levels, add tofu for extra protein, or swap in your favorite vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish completely gluten-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rice noodles
• Vegetable oil
• Garlic, minced
• Broccoli florets
• Red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Shredded carrots
• Bean sprouts
• Green onions, sliced
• Chopped peanuts
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime, cut into wedges

For the Sauce:

• Tamarind paste
• Soy sauce or fish sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Chili flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the noodles – Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Make the sauce – In a small bowl, mix tamarind paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chili flakes.
3. Heat the pan – Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
4. Sauté the aromatics – Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Cook the vegetables – Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots, stirring for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
6. Combine noodles and sauce – Add cooked noodles and pour the sauce over, tossing to coat evenly.
7. Finish with fresh ingredients – Stir in bean sprouts and green onions, cooking for another minute.
8. Garnish and serve – Serve topped with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2 servings
• Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Variations

• Protein-Packed Pad Thai – Add tofu, scrambled eggs, or shrimp for extra protein.
• Extra Crunch – Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed cashews for added texture.
• Spicy Pad Thai – Increase chili flakes or drizzle with Sriracha for a spicier kick.
• Low-Carb Version – Replace rice noodles with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.
• Sweeter Flavor – Add a touch of honey or coconut sugar for a slightly sweeter balance.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as rice noodles can become mushy when frozen.
• Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the noodles.

FAQs

What is tamarind paste, and can I substitute it?

Tamarind paste gives Pad Thai its signature tangy flavor. If unavailable, substitute with lime juice mixed with a bit of brown sugar.

Can I use another type of noodle?

Rice noodles are traditional, but you can use soba noodles, whole wheat noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a healthier twist.

Is Pad Thai typically vegetarian?

Traditional Pad Thai often includes fish sauce and shrimp, but this version keeps it vegetarian. Use tamari or soy sauce for a fully plant-based dish.

How do I make this dish nut-free?

Simply omit the peanuts and replace them with toasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.

Can I add eggs to this recipe?

Yes! Scrambled eggs are a common addition to Pad Thai. Cook them separately and mix them in at the end.

How do I prevent my noodles from sticking?

Rinse cooked noodles with cold water and toss them with a little oil before adding them to the pan.

Can I prepare Pad Thai sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

What vegetables can I add to this dish?

You can add mushrooms, snap peas, baby corn, or bok choy for more variety.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Use more or less chili flakes, or serve with Sriracha or Thai chili sauce on the side.

What can I serve with Pad Thai?

Pair it with Thai cucumber salad, mango sticky rice, or fresh spring rolls for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Authentic Thai Veggie Pad Thai is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings the taste of Thailand to your kitchen. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, this noodle stir-fry is an excellent choice for a healthy and delicious meal. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home!