Easy Vegetarian Pad Thai Recipe –Homemade Thai Noodles
This vegetarian Pad Thai recipe is everything you love about classic Thai takeout – it’s 100% meat-free, super delicious, and quick to make. Packed with fresh vegetables, crunchy tofu, chewy rice noodles, and a sweet-and-sour homemade Pad Thai sauce, this version is not only easy to make at home, but also healthy, customizable, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re following a vegetarian diet, looking for a meatless Monday night dinner, or just trying to eat more plant-based, this easy vegetarian Pad Thai is a perfect choice. It comes together in just 30 minutes, uses common pantry staples, and can be made vegetarian and gluten-free with a few quick swaps.
Forget takeout – this homemade Thai noodle recipe is cheaper, healthier, and tastes even better. Read on for step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and all the variety you need to make the best vegetarian Pad Thai every time.
🥢 Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Pad Thai
🥢 How to Make Vegetarian Pad Thai (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Step 1: Soak or Cook the Rice Noodles
Boil water and soak 8 oz flat rice noodles for 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally, then drain and rinse with cold water.
Step 2: Make the Homemade Pad Thai Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, peanut butter, chili flakes, and garlic for that sweet-savory balance.
Step 3: Pan-Fry the Tofu
In a skillet, sear cubed, pressed firm tofu until golden brown on all sides. Set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, sauté carrots, bell peppers, and green onions until slightly tender. Add mushrooms or snap peas if desired.
Step 5: Scramble the Egg (Optional)
Push veggies to one side and scramble 1 egg. Mix with the veggies. Skip this step for a vegan version.
Step 6: Combine Noodles, Sauce, and Tofu
Add noodles to the skillet, pour in sauce, toss to coat. Stir in tofu and bean sprouts, heat through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped peanuts, cilantro, more sprouts, and lime wedges. Serve hot and enjoy!
🥢 Variations and Add-Ins for Vegetarian Pad Thai
🌱 Vegan Pad Thai
Skip the egg and use tofu scramble or extra veggies. Ensure your soy sauce is vegan or use tamari.
🚫 Gluten-Free Pad Thai
Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and certified gluten-free rice noodles. Avoid sauces with hidden gluten.
🥦 Add More Veggies
Try broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas, or zucchini ribbons to bulk up your healthy pad thai.
💪 Protein Add-Ins
Boost with tempeh, edamame, chickpeas, or vegan meat alternatives for a hearty, high-protein dish.
🌶️ Spicy Pad Thai
Add Thai chilies, chili flakes, or Sriracha to bring the heat and turn up the flavor.
🥜 Nut-Free Option
Use sunflower or cashew butter in the sauce and replace peanuts with seeds like pumpkin or sesame.
🥗 Low-Carb Pad Thai
Swap rice noodles with zucchini noodles (zoodles), shirataki, or kelp noodles for a light, keto-friendly version.
🍽️ What to Serve With Vegetarian Pad Thai
Complement your homemade vegetarian pad thai with these fresh, flavorful sides and drinks that balance the sweet-savory tang of Thai noodles.
🥒 Thai Cucumber Salad
A crunchy, refreshing salad with lime and chili that cools and complements the pad thai spice.
🥟 Vegetable Spring Rolls
Fresh or crispy spring rolls with dipping sauce are a perfect textural contrast.
🧄 Garlic Edamame
Protein-packed and easy to prep, these make a perfect light bite alongside pad thai.
🥬 Stir-Fried Greens
Bok choy or Chinese broccoli sautéed in garlic adds fiber and flavor depth.
🥣 Miso or Coconut Soup
A warm, light soup (Tom Kha or miso) rounds out the meal beautifully.
🍹 Thai Iced Tea or Lime Soda
Cool and sweet, these drinks help balance spicy flavors in your Thai feast.
Pro Tip: Keep your pad thai sides fresh, crunchy, or lightly cooked for the best flavor contrast and Thai-inspired harmony.
Vegetarian Pad Thai Recipe
Vegetarian Pad Thai is a delicious, customizable Thai stir-fry dish made with rice noodles, tofu, colorful vegetables, and a sour, sweet, and savory sauce. It's the perfect quick weeknight meal that's packed with protein, vegetables, and fresh flavors. You can add eggs, tofu scramble, or your favorite protein if you like. This vegetarian version of the classic Pad Thai will leave you craving more!
Ingredients
For the Pad Thai:
- 8 oz rice noodles (preferably flat)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1/2 cup tofu, cubed (firm)
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, chopped (green part only)
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 egg (optional for vegans, use tofu scramble instead)
- 1-2 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
For the Pad Thai Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp peanut butter or cashew butter (for creaminess)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Make the noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to package directions, usually boiling for 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all of the Pad Thai sauce ingredients (soy sauce, lemon juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, peanut butter, chili powder, and garlic) until smooth and well blended. Set aside.
- Cook the tofu: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the shredded carrots, bell peppers, and green onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crunchy.
- Put everything together: Place the vegetables on the side of the pan. If using eggs, scramble them in the same pan, then mix them with the vegetables. If you are using tofu scramble instead of eggs, add the tofu at this stage.
- Mix the noodles: Add the cooked noodles and prepare pad Thai sauce. Mix everything together, making sure the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Finish and serve: Once everything is mixed, stir in the cooked tofu, bean sprouts, and chopped nuts. Serve the pad Thai hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 551Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 1055mgCarbohydrates: 52gFiber: 6gSugar: 13gProtein: 19g
If you like this article about Vegetarian Pad Thai Noodles Recipe, please share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest. Also, subscribe to my blog to get all the latest content first on your mobile.
