Vegan Pad Thai

Is Pad Thai the most cliché Thai recipe for me to post?  Probably, but everyone seems to love it as it’s the most easily recognizable Thai recipe out there, and one of the most popular for Thai newbies-and people who just plain like it.  But how about we put a spin on it and make it vegan?  Asian recipes are some of the most versatile recipes and easy to veganize, because so much of the culture is vegetable-focused, with meat optional.  Of course, there’s a few pantry staples that are most decidedly NOT vegan, like fish sauce, dried shrimp, oyster sauce and eggs, but it’s possible to leave them out and still get that savory flavor that Asian food requires!

Pad Thai recipes usually contain tamarind pulp, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar and rice wine vinegar with tons of veggies like cabbage, bean sprouts, onions and flavoring from garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds.  Protein can come in the form of eggs, tofu, chicken, beef, pork or shrimp.  Here, we’ll leave out the fish sauce and egg, and bring the protein to the party in the form of tofu, both fried and shredded to mimic eggs.If you’re convinced you aren’t a fan of tofu, I believe you…and I feel for you.  But promise you’ll try it pan-fried and crispy just once?  It may completely change your mind.  The edges get crisp and golden-brown while the inside stays soft and custardy.  It really does take on any flavors you lend to it, so make sure to be aggressive in that regard and you may never even know you’re eating it!  Or maybe, just maybe, you may even come to like it.  Find the highest quality tofu you can because there’s a huge difference in the artisanal, hand-made tofu in comparison to the industrial, commercialized tofu.  Even here in Iowa, I can find locally made tofu!

This is a stir-fried recipe, which naturally comes together quickly.  Aside from chopping and soaking your rice noodles, the actual cooking time is short!  Many of the vegetables aren’t cooked at all to retain that fresh crispy crunch.  Also, as a bonus, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the label of your rice noodles and use tamari (gluten-free soy sauce).

Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, consciously trying to consume less meat, or just want to try something new, this vegan Pad Thai recipe is here for it!

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