Savory Vegan Pad Thai Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Savory Vegan Pad Thai Delight, a plant-based twist on the classic Thai favorite. Perfectly cooked rice noodles are enveloped in a rich and aromatic sauce, complemented by a medley of fresh vegetables, crunchy peanuts, and gluten for added texture. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also a hearty meal that pleases both vegan and non-vegan diners alike. Serve it hot, garnished with green onions and fresh cilantro for a delightful finish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
coconut oil
2 tablespoons (melted)
dry rice noodles
5 ounces (soaked)
tamari soy sauce
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
ginger
1/4 teaspoon (minced)
curry powder
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
red pepper or yellow pepper
1/2 cup (sliced)
peanuts
1 tablespoon (crushed)
gluten
10 pieces (sliced)
green onions
2 (chopped)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
salt
1 dash (to taste)
black pepper
1 dash (to taste)
cilantro
1/2 teaspoon (chopped)
mushrooms
1 cup (sliced)
tamarind paste
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
garlic
1/4 teaspoon (minced)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 dash (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the rice noodles in hot water for about 10 minutes until softened, then drain and set aside.
2
While the noodles soak, heat a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat and melt the coconut oil.
3
Once the oil is shimmering, add in the gluten and peanuts, seasoning them with 1/4 teaspoon of curry powder. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to brown.
4
Incorporate the minced garlic, sliced red or yellow peppers, and chopped green onions into the pan. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
5
Add the drained rice noodles to the pan, tossing them gently to coat with the oil and mix with the vegetables. Allow the noodles to absorb the flavors for about 2 minutes.
6
Pour the tamari soy sauce over the noodles, ensuring an even distribution, and continue to stir-fry for another minute.
7
Add the mushrooms and season the mixture with crushed red pepper flakes, ginger, remaining curry powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and a dash of salt.
8
Stir-fry on low heat until the noodles start to caramelize slightly and all the ingredients are well combined, about 5-7 more minutes.
9
Finally, stir in the tamarind paste and fresh cilantro, and give a quick toss before removing from heat.
10
Serve immediately, garnished with extra green onions and peanuts if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I soak the rice noodles?
Soak the rice noodles in hot water for about 10 minutes until they have softened, then drain them before cooking.
What type of oil is recommended for this Pad Thai?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, which should be melted in the pan before adding other ingredients.
Is this Pad Thai recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
What serves as the primary protein source in this dish?
This recipe uses 10 pieces of sliced gluten and 1 tablespoon of crushed peanuts for protein and texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
While rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, the recipe includes 'gluten pieces.' To make it gluten-free, substitute the gluten with tofu or extra vegetables and ensure your tamari is certified gluten-free.
What kind of soy sauce is used?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of tamari soy sauce for seasoning.
What vegetables are included in the stir-fry?
The recipe includes 1/2 cup of sliced red or yellow peppers, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, and 2 chopped green onions.
How do I add a sour element to the sauce?
The sour flavor comes from adding 1 teaspoon of tamarind paste at the end of the cooking process.
Is the dish spicy?
The recipe has a moderate kick from 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes.
How much curry powder do I need?
A total of 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder is used; 1/4 teaspoon for the initial fry and the remainder later in the process.
When should I add the garlic?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of minced garlic after browning the gluten and peanuts, along with the peppers and onions.
How long should I stir-fry the vegetables?
The peppers, onions, and garlic should be stir-fried for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet still vibrant.
What is the final cooking step before serving?
Stir in the tamarind paste and fresh cilantro, give the mixture a quick toss, and then remove from the heat.
Should the noodles be caramelized?
Yes, after all ingredients are combined, stir-fry on low heat for 5-7 minutes until the noodles start to caramelize slightly.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe features a total of 17 ingredients, including aromatics, vegetables, noodles, and seasonings.
What is used for garnish?
Serve the dish garnished with extra green onions, fresh cilantro, and additional peanuts if desired.
Can I use fresh ginger?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of minced ginger, which adds a fresh aromatic quality to the sauce.
What heat level should I use to start?
Begin by heating your large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat with the coconut oil.
What type of mushrooms work best?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sliced mushrooms; standard white or cremini mushrooms work well for this dish.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Toss the noodles gently once added to the pan to coat them in the coconut oil and vegetable juices.
Is this a traditional Thai recipe?
It is a plant-based twist on classic Thai flavors, utilizing traditional ingredients like tamarind and rice noodles.
How many green onions are needed?
You will need 2 green onions, chopped, for the main stir-fry plus extra for garnish.
When do I add the mushrooms?
Add the sliced mushrooms after the tamari has been incorporated into the noodles.
Can I use yellow peppers?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of sliced red peppers or yellow peppers based on your preference.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes a dash of salt and black pepper added alongside the other spices.
What is the texture of the gluten pieces?
When stir-fried for 2-3 minutes, the gluten pieces brown and provide a hearty, chewy texture to the dish.
Should the cilantro be dried or fresh?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of chopped cilantro, which is best used fresh for the most vibrant flavor.
How many servings does this make?
While specific serving counts aren't listed, the use of 5 ounces of noodles generally serves 1-2 people as a main meal.
Can I use a regular frying pan?
Yes, either a large frying pan or a traditional wok will work for this recipe.
Is this a good meal for non-vegans?
Absolutely! It is described as a hearty meal that pleases both vegan and non-vegan diners due to its rich flavors.