PAD THAI WITH TOFU
A delightful vegetarian version of the classic Thai favourite, Pad Thai with Tofu offers a balanced blend of savoury, tangy and umami flavours in every bite. This single-serving recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and wholesome meal without sacrificing taste. Firm tofu brings satisfying texture and protein, while bean sprouts add crunch and freshness. The combination of soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice and garlic creates a vibrant, aromatic sauce that coats the noodles beautifully. This version is minimal yet delicious and requiring only a handful of ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, solo lunches or when you crave an authentic Thai dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Customise with more vegetables or make it vegan by swapping fish sauce for a plant-based alternative. It’s a go-to for Thai food lovers; it is light, zesty and easy to prepare.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Main Course
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Thai
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Stir-Fry
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Casual Dinner
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegetarian
DISH TYPE
Tacos & Wraps
INGREDIENTS
Here is a list of ingredients for Pad Thai with Tofu:
- ¼ cup rice noodles, cooked
- ¼ cup firm tofu, cubed
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon fish sauce
- ½ teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon bean sprouts
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 145.4 kcal
- Protein: 12.4 g
- Fat: 5.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 13.6 g
- Sugars: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 398.8 mg
- Fiber: 2.1 mg
- Potassium: 189.5 mg
- Calcium: 438 mg
- Iron: 1.9 mg
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Pad Thai with Tofu:
- Cook The Noodles: Bring a pot of water to boil. Add rice noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare The Tofu: Pat the tofu cubes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Stir-Fry The Tofu: Heat a non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high flame. Add a splash of oil (optional) and stir-fry tofu until all sides are golden and crisp for 4-5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Mix The Sauces: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce and lime juice. Stir it well.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan with tofu. Pour the sauce mixture over the top and toss everything together until well-coated and heated.
- Finish With Bean Sprouts: Add the bean sprouts and cook for 30 seconds to keep their crunch.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy hot.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
10 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Pad Thai with Tofu:
- Press The Tofu: Use a tofu press or wrap the tofu in a towel and place something heavy on it for 15 minutes to remove excess water for better browning.
- Noodle Timing: Cook noodles until tender; overcooking leads to a mushy texture when stir-fried.
- Use A Non-Stick Pan: It helps to reduce the amount of oil needed and prevents tofu from sticking.
- Balance Flavours: Adjust lime juice or soy sauce to taste for extra tang or saltiness.
- Pre-Cooked Noodles: You can cook noodles in advance and store them in the fridge for up to two days.
VARIATIONS
- Vegan Option: Replace fish sauce with a vegan alternative or add soy sauce.
- Add Vegetables: Include shredded carrots, bell peppers or chopped green onions for more nutrients and texture.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of Sriracha for heat.
- Nutty Twist: Top with crushed peanuts for a traditional Pad Thai garnish.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all sauces used are gluten-free, especially the soy sauce.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium flame until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended due to the texture change of tofu and noodles.
- Pre-Prep: Cube tofu and cook noodles in advance to save time during meal prep. Store separately in the fridge until ready to use.
- Meal prep tip: Portion cooked ingredients into containers without sauce; add sauce just before reheating to maintain freshness.