Vegan Pad Thai

Ingredients: rice noodles, tofu, bell pepper, carrots, green onions, garlic, peanuts, bean sprouts, lime, soy sauce, tamarind paste, maple syrup.

Here’s a delicious and flavorful recipe for Vegan Pad Thai:

Ingredients:

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup tamarind paste
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha or other hot sauce (adjust to taste)

For the Pad Thai:

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Noodles:
   • Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the tamarind paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and sriracha. Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to taste. Set aside.
3. Cook the Tofu:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add the cubed tofu and cook until golden and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
   • Add the minced garlic and sliced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
   • Add the sliced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Combine and Cook:
   • Add the cooked rice noodles and tofu back into the skillet with the vegetables.
   • Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture and toss everything together to coat evenly.
   • Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the bean sprouts and chopped green onions.
   • Divide the Pad Thai among serving plates.
   • Garnish with crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.

Enjoy your flavorful Vegan Pad Thai!