Tofu Pad Thai Recipe {30 Minutes!) - Simply Quinoa (2024)

This fast and easy Tofu Pad Thai recipe comes together in 30 minutes with simple ingredients like rice noodles, lime, peanut butter, and fresh herbs.

Tofu Pad Thai Recipe {30 Minutes!) - Simply Quinoa (1)
this recipe

I've always loved pad Thai, and I decided it was time to make a healthier version. This recipe is low on added oils, sweeteners, and thickeners. But let me tell you: it is PACKED with flavor. Lime juice, peanut butter, fish sauce and tamari make a totally delicious sauce that hits all the right notes.

This tofu pad Thai is:

  • Sweet, savory, salty, and acidic
  • Full of protein – but totally vegetarian!
  • Super satisfying, thanks to rice noodles, eggs, and tofu
  • A perfect blend of textures: soft, chewy noodles, creamy egg, crunchy tofu, and peanuts
Tofu Pad Thai Recipe {30 Minutes!) - Simply Quinoa (2)

What's In Traditional Pad Thai?

Traditionally, pad thai is made with rice noodles, some form of protein (often shrimp or chicken), egg, bean sprouts, veggies, and pad thai sauce. Pad thai sauce is what can be kind of tricky to make. It uses tamarind paste, fish sauce, dried shrimp powder, and lime, among other ingredients.

Pad thai is also usually stir-fried in a bunch of oil – typically vegetable oil – which actually makes it not so healthy.

Ingredients in Healthier Tofu Pad Thai

We kept things fairly traditional with the recipe, but I did end up changing up the sauce slightly to use ingredients that might be easier to find.

Here's what you'll need to make healthy tofu pad thai:

  • Rice noodles: I like to use stir fry/pad thai noodles since they have the most classic structure. They soak up the sauce best too.
  • Tofu: to keep this vegetarian, we're using extra firm tofu which I quickly saute first to get a little crust on the outside. If you prefer soft or firm tofu, that's fine!
  • Bean sprouts: I found mung bean sprouts, but any bean sprouts you can find are fine.
  • Carrots: these are the most traditional and I really like them. I end up thinly slicing them. For a fancy effect, you can make super thin slices on a mandolin.
  • Garlic: to give the dish some extra flavor and punch.
  • Green onions: we have thinly sliced about 4 – 5 green onions – they add so much flavor and a nice little pop of color in this mostly brown dish.
Tofu Pad Thai Recipe {30 Minutes!) - Simply Quinoa (3)

Pad Thai Sauce with Peanut Butter

To make the sauce, you'll need:

  • Tamari: I like using a gluten-free tamari because it's a bit more naturally gluten-free (less wheat, more soybeans)
  • Fish sauce: this gives the dish a really unique flavor. If you are vegetarian completely, you can use this vegan fish sauce.
  • Rice vinegar: adding in acid to the sauce really helps to balance the flavor and boost the overall dish.
  • Coconut sugar: pad thai does have some sugar and I like to use palm sugar because it's a little less sweet but has a robust flavor.
  • Peanut butter: to add even more peanut flavor, the peanut butter helps elevate that.

And we're finishing this dish off with some cilantro, chopped peanuts, and red pepper flakes.

Tofu Pad Thai Recipe {30 Minutes!) - Simply Quinoa (4)

How to Make Pad Thai

There are a few things to balance as you're making this dish, but overall, it's super simple to make. Here are the steps to follow:

STEP ONE: The Noodles

Start by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions. While they're cooking you can move onto the next step.

Tofu Pad Thai Recipe {30 Minutes!) - Simply Quinoa (5)

STEP TWO: The Tofu

We'll first quickly saute the tofu. Like you would chicken, we're going to sear the tofu so it has some crispiness.

Tofu Pad Thai Recipe {30 Minutes!) - Simply Quinoa (6)

STEP THREE: The Veggies

Transfer the tofu to a plate and add the pan back to the heat. Then you'll add your veggies and garlic and quickly saute it until they're softened. Push them aside and then cook your eggs.

Tofu Pad Thai Recipe {30 Minutes!) - Simply Quinoa (7)

STEP FOUR: The Sauce

While the veggies are cooking, whisk together your sauce. Should take about 30 seconds.

Tofu Pad Thai Recipe {30 Minutes!) - Simply Quinoa (8)

STEP FIVE: The Whole Dish

And lastly, combine it all together! Add the (drained) noodles, the sauce, the tofu, and our extra goodies. Then serve it up!

What Else to Add to Pad Thai

Feel free to add in more ingredients for added flavor, texture, and nutrition if you'd like!

Here are some easy add-ins to homemade pad Thai:

  • Veggies: feel free to add whichever veggies you want – broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, etc.
  • Protein: not a fan of tofu? Swap out the tofu with chicken, shrimp, scallops, meat, etc.
  • Peanuts: if you don't like peanuts or are allergic, you can swap the peanuts with almonds and almond butter

And if you have anything else you'd like to add, go for it! This dish can be totally your own ❤️

Tofu Pad Thai Recipe {30 Minutes!) - Simply Quinoa (9)

How to Make Pad Thai…Vegan!

And lastly, if you want to make this recipe completely vegan, you can!

Swap the fish sauce with vegan fish sauce. For the egg, just leave it out. Or if you have access to a vegan egg replacement, you can do that as well.

It's super easy, it's healthy and it's absolutely delicious!

Tofu Pad Thai Recipe {30 Minutes!) - Simply Quinoa (10)

More Healthy Thai-Inspired Dishes

  • Quinoa Pad Thai Salad
  • Chicken Pad Thai Quinoa Burgers
  • Almond Butter Thai Quinoa Salad
  • Pad Thai Zucchini Noodle + Quinoa Salad
  • Thai Peanut Chopped Spinach Salad

If you make this Tofu Pad Thai, be sure to let me know what you think with a comment below!

30-Minute Tofu Pad Thai

This super easy tofu pad thai recipe takes 30 minutes, is healthy, gluten-free and vegetarian. It tastes like takeout, but without any junk! Made with egg, peanut butter and coconut sugar!

author: Alyssa

yield: 4 servings

Tofu Pad Thai Recipe {30 Minutes!) - Simply Quinoa (11)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 25 minutes minutes

Total: 30 minutes minutes

Ingredients

for the noodles:

for the sauce:

Instructions

  • Begin by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain once cooked.

  • While the noodles are cooking, cut the tofu into cubes. Heat the oil in a large pan and place the tofu in the pan. Sear for 2 – 3 minutes per side. Once the tofu is seared, transfer it to a plate.

  • Into the same skillet, add the bean sprouts, carrots, and garlic. Cook until the carrots have softened, about 3 minutes.

  • While those are cooking, quickly whisk together the sauce.

  • Once the veggies are done, push them to the side of the pan. Crack both eggs in the pan and scramble them. Combine with the veggies.

  • Add the tofu, drained noodles, green onions, cilantro, lime, pepper flakes, and sauce. Toss to combine.

  • Plate the pad thai and top with additional cilantro, chopped peanuts, sliced hot peppers, and a spritz of lime (if desired). Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 632kcal | Carbohydrates: 104g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 1816mg | Potassium: 597mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 6071IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 112mg | Iron: 4mg

cuisine: Thai

course: Entree

★★★★★

Did You Make This Recipe?

Be sure to share a comment and rating to let us know!

Tofu Pad Thai Recipe {30 Minutes!) - Simply Quinoa (12)

Filed Under:

  • Dairy Free
  • Dinner
  • Flexitarian
  • Gluten-Free
  • Quick Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Stovetop
  • Vegetarian
Tofu Pad Thai Recipe {30 Minutes!) - Simply Quinoa (2024)

FAQs

Can pad Thai be healthy? ›

It can definitely be a part of a balanced, well-rounded diet. While pad thai includes many nutritious ingredients, its sodium content is considerably high. You can reduce its sodium by requesting the eatery go easy on the sauce and salt-contributing condiments.

Does pad thai always have tofu? ›

Pad Thai is a Thai noodle stir fry with a sweet-savoury-sour sauce scattered with crushed peanuts. It's made with thin, flat rice noodles, and almost always has bean sprouts, garlic chives, scrambled egg, firm tofu and a protein – the most popular being chicken or prawns/shrimp.

Can I freeze chicken pad thai? ›

In order to keep your Pad Thai fresh and contaminant-free, always store it in the fridge or freezer. Remember, even properly stored leftovers have a shelf-life. Pad Thai can typically last for three days in the fridge and can stay safe in the freezer for up to three months.

How many calories are in chicken pad thai? ›

Pad Thai With Chicken (1 cup) contains 38.7g total carbs, 36.7g net carbs, 15.7g fat, 17g protein, and 360 calories.

What is the unhealthiest Thai dish? ›

Worst: Red or Green Curry

Thai curries are usually made with a hefty dose of coconut milk, and that won't do your diet any favors. One cup of the creamy milk packs in 400 calories. It also has 36 grams of saturated fat -- more than three times the recommended daily amount.

What is healthier pho or Pad Thai? ›

What's healthier - Pho or Pad Thai? In one serving of Pho, there are 450 calories. In one dish of Pad Thai, there are 1,131 calories. From a calorie perspective, Pho has the least amount of calories compared to Pad Thai.

What is the orange stuff in Pad Thai? ›

Many restaurants will add ketchup and paprika to boost the colour in order to make it look more appealing, but this is not traditional. However, we DO make a type of pad thai that is a little orange, and that colour comes from shrimp tomalley which we render out into oil and use it to cook pad thai.

What can I use instead of soy sauce in Pad Thai? ›

Her recipe uses tamari, but feel free to substitute coconut aminos if you're allergic to soy. Pad Thai (Gluten-, Soy-, and Dairy-free): From Jessica's Kitchen cooks up a classic pad Thai using fresh lemon and lime juice, fish sauce, and tamarind paste to create a delicious savory flavor.

Is there a Chinese equivalent to Pad Thai? ›

Kway Teow is a Chinese loan word, based on the southern Chinese [Hokkein] pronunciation of guǒtiáo 粿條 (strips of rice cakes). According to Mr. Ferdman, the name matches the reality. There's really nothing Thai about the dish: not the rice noodles and certainly not the preserved radish.

Is pad thai supposed to be eaten cold? ›

This dish doesn't take much time to get on the table, but, once it's done you're going to want to sit down and eat it right away. If there's one rule about eating pad thai, it's that it doesn't have a long table life. Eat it while the noodles are steaming hot, or they'll cool and begin to clump together.

Does pad thai go bad if not refrigerated? ›

To avoid foodborne illnesses, it's crucial to recognize signs of spoilage in Pad Thai. If you notice any off smells, strange textures, or a sour taste, it's best to discard the dish. Never consume Pad Thai that has been left unrefrigerated for more than two hours or shows signs of mold.

Can you reheat pad thai with egg? ›

Reheat the leftover pad thai (or whatever you prefer) with a dash of olive oil on a pan or in the microwave. 2. Beat egg and milk with some salt and pepper. Pour a bit of the egg onto a pan with a bit of oil, to make an omelette slightly thicker than a crepe.

What is the lowest calorie Thai food in a restaurant? ›

Thai Food Calories List
Healthiest Thai Food (calories)Approximate Calories per Serving
Tom Jued (Clear Soup)60-80 calories
Pad Pak Ruam (Mixed Vegetables Stir-Fry)100-150 calories
Khao Pad (Thai Fried Rice)300-400 calories
Tom Kha Gai (Coconut Chicken Soup)250-350 calories
16 more rows

How do I eat low calorie at a Thai restaurant? ›

Choose from a variety of lower-fat options such as garlic shrimp, hot-and-sour soup, chicken satay, stir-fried noodles, scallops, bamboo shoots, sautéed ginger chicken, Thai salad, tom yum, Pad Thai, and green or red curry with lower fat content.

Is Pad Thai ok for diabetics? ›

Thai Foods to Avoid

Pad Thai and other noodle dishes are high on carbs and a lot of sugar is usually added too, not to mention oil. Fried rice is a no-no as is sticky rice which is possibly worse than white steamed rice for those with T2DM. A big sugar boost comes from drinks such as Thai tea and iced coffees.

Is Thai food healthy or unhealthy? ›

Traditional Thai cuisine is quite healthy and largely based on vegetables, lean proteins, and fresh herbs and spices. Certain Thai dishes are high in refined carbs and may contain deep-fried foods, added sugar, or high amounts of salt.

Are Pad Thai noodles healthier than pasta? ›

Pasta and rice noodles are just about tied when it comes to calories, fat and fiber, as well as on the carb front (if you're on a low-carb diet like keto, stick to zoodles). Regular pasta has about 2 grams of sugar per serving while rice noodles are virtually sugar-free. Both are also free of cholesterol.

Which is healthier, Pad Thai or pad see ew? ›

While both these recipes are carb happy, Pad See Ew has fewer calories than Pad Thai. As it's also the less sweet of the two, Pad See Ew is considered slightly healthier.

What's healthier, Thai or Indian? ›

Thai also tends to have fewer carbohydrates than other ethnic cuisines like Indian or Chinese. This makes Thai a great choice for those who are trying to lose weight! Thai is most often cooked with coconut oil, which is high in MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides).

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Van Hayes

Last Updated:

Views: 6607

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Van Hayes

Birthday: 1994-06-07

Address: 2004 Kling Rapid, New Destiny, MT 64658-2367

Phone: +512425013758

Job: National Farming Director

Hobby: Reading, Polo, Genealogy, amateur radio, Scouting, Stand-up comedy, Cryptography

Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.