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    Home » Recipes » Noodles

    Easy Tofu Pad Thai

    January 31, 2024 · Published: August 26, 2019 By: Asian Inspired Eats 42 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Easy Tofu Pad Thai is a winner "fake-out" dish bursting with texture and flavor, and on the dinner table in under 30 minutes!

    tofu pad thai in a black bowl garnished with a lime wedge with a napkin on the side

    I'm a Miami girl, born and bred. Cuban food was, and still is, the predominant cuisine in South Florida. But that's not to say there weren't some great Asian restaurants there. It was at this now-shuttered Thai restaurant in Miami that inspired this easy, vegetarian Tofu Pad Thai dish!

    This particular Pad Thai dish has stuck with me for 20-plus years! I can't seem to forget how incredibly tasty it was (can't even remember the name of the restaurant anymore!). To recreate it, I needed to use ingredients to transform it into a lighter Pad Thai. No need to feel guilty with this version! Enjoy!

    Tofu cubes on a wooden cutting board with a chef's knife on the side

    HOW TO PREP THE TOFU:

    1. Make sure to use extra firm tofu for this recipe so the tofu doesn’t fall apart. They will brown up nicely (low fat too!).
    2. You can purchase extra firm tofu at just about any grocery store. I get mine at Trader Joe’s because I like the consistency of their tofu. And it’s always in stock! For this recipe, cut the tofu into one-inch cubes.
    3. Before you cube the tofu, wrap the tofu block with a kitchen towel or paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. You may need to let it sit in the towel for 30 minutes to absorb all the liquid.
    4. Cut the tofu into one-inch cubes.
    Asian rice noodles in a blue package on top of a wooden board

    Good news! You can find rice noodles just about anywhere these days! For this recipe you can use a wider vermicelli or a thinner rice noodle. Makes no difference! You can also get these rice noodles on Amazon.

    Steps to make the perfect Tofu Pad Thai:

    1. Prepare the tofu! Use extra firm or the tofu will fall apart while stir-frying. Make sure to dry the tofu to soak up the liquid by wrapping the tofu block in kitchen towels or paper towels for at least 30 minutes.
    2. Cook the rice noodles in boiling water for 5 minutes. These cook up quickly and you don't want them overcooked. Remove, drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
    3. Whisk up the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside (tamari or coconut aminos, sambal oelek, brown sugar, lime juice, water, fish sauce, and grated ginger).
    4. Whisk together the egg whites and egg and set aside.
    5. Heat 2 teaspoons canola oil in a large non-stick wok over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Remove tofu from wok and set aside. Heat 2 more teaspoons of oil and add garlic, yellow pepper, jalapeño pepper, and sauté for 1 minute. Add egg mixture and cook for 30 seconds until soft-scrambled. To the wok, add the green onions, sauce mixture and noodles and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the tofu, bean sprouts, and ¼ cup cilantro until well-combined.
    6. Garnish with remaining fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts over each plate. Serve each plate with a lime wedge.
    Fresh Asian bean sprouts in a round black bowl on top of a wooden board

    You can buy bean sprouts in most grocery stores. Make sure to check the package date because they go bad very quickly!

    tofu pad thai in a black bowl garnished with a lime wedge with a napkin on the side

    Tofu Pad Thai is a winner “fake-out” dish bursting with texture and flavor, and on the dinner table in under 30 minutes!

    TIPS & TRICKS:

    • Use extra firm or the tofu will fall apart while stir-frying. Make sure to dry the tofu to soak up the liquid by wrapping the tofu block in kitchen towels or paper towels for at least 30 minutes.
    • Gorgeous bean sprouts should always be bright and crispy looking. If they are off-color, limp and slimy do not buy them! They have a short shelf life so use them up quickly.
    • If you like a lot of heat, just add more sambal oelek!
    • Leftovers will keep the fridge for approximately 3 to 4 days.

    WANT MORE?

    If you like this recipe, you’re going to love my Healthy Vegetarian Sweet and Sour Tofu, a healthier version of this classic Chinese dish, Vegetarian Sweet and Sour Tofu is the perfect balance of heat, sweet, and acid!

    crispy tofu cubes in a white bowl tossed in a sweet and sour sauce with black chopsticks

    Update Notes: This post was originally published on July 5, 2016, but was republished with slight text changes and additions, like step by step instructions and tips in August 2019.

    Print
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    tofu pad thai in a black bowl garnished with a lime wedge with a napkin on the side

    Easy Tofu Pad Thai

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 20 reviews

    Print Recipe
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    • Easy Tofu Pad Thai is a winner "fake-out" dish bursting with texture and flavor, and on the dinner table in under 30 minutes!
    • Total Time: 25 min
    • Yield: 6 1x

    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    For the sauce:

    • ⅓ cup tamari or coconut aminos
    • 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (red chili paste)
    • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • Juice from 1 lime
    • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
    • 1 ½ teaspoons grated ginger

    ½ pound rice noodles

    For the stir-fry:

    • 4 teaspoons canola oil, divided
    • 1 12.3-ounce package extra firm tofu, cut into ½ inch cubes
    • 2 large egg whites
    • 1 large egg
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 yellow or red pepper, seeded and chopped
    • 1 large jalapeño, seeded and chopped
    • ¾ cup green onions, chopped
    • 2 cups fresh bean sprouts
    • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped and divided
    • ⅓ cup chopped roasted peanuts
    • 6 lime wedges for garnish

    Instructions

    1. In a small bowl whisk together first 7 ingredients and set aside.
    2. Cook the rice noodles in boiling water for 5 minutes until done. Drain and rinse with cold water and set aside.
    3. Whisk together egg whites and egg in a small bowl and set aside.
    4. Heat 2 teaspoons canola oil in a large non-stick wok over medium heat. Add tofu cubes and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Remove tofu from wok and set aside. Heat 2 more teaspoons of oil and add garlic, yellow pepper, jalapeño pepper, and sauté for 1 minute. Add egg mixture and cook for 30 seconds until soft-scrambled. To the wok, add the green onions, sauce mixture and noodles and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the tofu, bean sprouts, and ¼ cup cilantro until well-combined.
    5. Garnish with remaining cilantro and chopped peanuts over each plate. Serve each plate with a lime wedge.

    Notes

    • Use extra-firm tofu or the tofu will fall apart while stir-frying. Make sure to dry the tofu to soak up the liquid by wrapping the tofu block in kitchen towels or paper towels for at least 30 minutes.
    • Gorgeous bean sprouts should always be bright and crispy looking. If they are off-color, limp and slimy do not buy them! They have a short shelf life so use them up quickly.
    • If you like a lot of heat, just add more sambal oelek!
    • Leftovers will keep the fridge for approximately 3 to 4 days.

    Adapted from: MyRecipes.com

    • Author: Asian Caucasian
    • Prep Time: 15 min
    • Cook Time: 10 min
    • Category: Dinner
    • Method: Stove Top
    • Cuisine: Asian Fusion
    • Diet: Vegetarian

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size:
    • Calories: 360
    • Sugar: 10.4 g
    • Sodium: 1528.9 mg
    • Fat: 11.8 g
    • Carbohydrates: 48.5 g
    • Protein: 17 g
    • Cholesterol: 31 mg

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @AsianCaucasianBlog on Instagram and hashtag #AsianCaucasianEats

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Vicki says

      October 25, 2021 at 2:06 pm

      This looks delicious and not complicated to make! Can't wait to try it!
      Thanks, Lesli!!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        October 31, 2021 at 10:37 am

        It's delish! Hope you like this twist with the tofu! Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Susan says

      September 03, 2019 at 5:49 pm

      I'm always looking for new ways to prepare tofu! Simple too! Perfect weeknight dinner.

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 04, 2019 at 10:45 am

        It's so simple to prepare and a perfect family meal for those busy weeknights!

        Reply
    3. Beth Neels says

      September 03, 2019 at 3:16 pm

      I have always made pad thai with shrimp, but was looking for a vegetarian recipe for a friend. We both loved this! Thanks!

      Reply
    4. Amanda says

      September 02, 2019 at 9:04 pm

      Totally loving this recipe! The flavors going on here in the sauce really make this recipe over-the-top delicious, and it’s so easy to prepare.

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 03, 2019 at 3:08 pm

        It truly is the easiest to make! I love a good Pad Thai and using tofu is a health benefit!

        Reply
    5. Mikayla says

      September 02, 2019 at 1:39 pm

      Mmm, my husband loves pad thai and was super happy when I started making this, plus tofu is so inexpensive I love a good recipe that uses it and has big flavor!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 02, 2019 at 2:33 pm

        Yes! I agree! Pad Thai packs so much flavor and with very little effort. Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. Jenni LeBaron says

      September 02, 2019 at 10:40 am

      This looks and sounds delicious. We are big pad thai fans at my house and one of the fella's favorite ways to enjoy it is with tofu, but I so rarely make it myself. I can't wait to give your recipe a try!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 02, 2019 at 2:31 pm

        I do love my Pad Thai with tofu, but other proteins as well! Hope you like it!

        Reply
    7. katie says

      September 02, 2019 at 6:14 am

      Oh yum, I love Pad Thai and I love tofu! This is right up my street!

      Katie xoxo

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 02, 2019 at 2:32 pm

        I'm a big tofu-lover so this Pad Thai is one of my faves!

        Reply
    8. Jacqui Debono says

      September 01, 2019 at 7:55 pm

      I am definitely trying this recipe - Thai food is my favourite! I love that you have paired it with a wine - thanks for the tip!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 02, 2019 at 2:32 pm

        You're so welcome! What's food without a good bottle of wine?

        Reply
    9. Mirlene says

      September 01, 2019 at 2:06 pm

      I don't recall making Tofu Pad Thai any time recently, so the time has come to fix that. This does seem like a great dinner option, at least to my liking - can't wait to make it!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 02, 2019 at 2:33 pm

        Don't you wish everyone liked tofu? It's so tasty, and so good for you!

        Reply
    10. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says

      August 31, 2019 at 11:12 pm

      LOVE that you add a wine pairing. I am hopelessly clueless in that department.
      This pad thai looks SO tasty. I am going to have to make this next weekend!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 01, 2019 at 11:22 am

        I love wine, with all cuisines! Enhances the flavors and pairs nicely with Asian food.

        Reply
    11. Leanne says

      August 31, 2019 at 4:38 pm

      I've been eating a lot more tofu lately, and I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it. Since pad thai is so flavourful, I have no doubt this dish would hit the spot!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 01, 2019 at 11:21 am

        It’s very tasty. Hope you enjoy the recipe!

        Reply
    12. Cheese Curd In Paradise says

      August 31, 2019 at 8:18 am

      This looks like such a delicious and easy meal. I love pad thai, but have never made it at home. I can't wait to try this recipe.

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 01, 2019 at 11:20 am

        You should give it a try! It’s such an easy recipe to make at home!

        Reply
    13. Kelly Anthony says

      August 30, 2019 at 5:36 pm

      I love that you did a wine pairing with this tofu pad thai because I'm always unsure what wine goes well with Asian food. Now I know!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 01, 2019 at 11:19 am

        Yes! I love wine with Asian food!

        Reply
    14. Stine Mari says

      August 30, 2019 at 3:11 pm

      I love how a fond memory like that can inspire to make beautiful and fresh food like this pad thai. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 01, 2019 at 11:18 am

        Thank you, Stine! It’s so true! I get inspired by so many places I’ve visited.

        Reply
    15. Erika says

      August 30, 2019 at 1:13 pm

      I've never made my own Pad Thai, but want to give this a try, Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 01, 2019 at 11:18 am

        It’s super easy, Erika! Hope you give it a try!

        Reply
    16. Renu says

      August 30, 2019 at 11:51 am

      I want to start cooking thai after looking all this delicious recipe. Pad thai with tofu sounds and look delicious

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        September 01, 2019 at 11:16 am

        Thank you! I like using tofu in this recipe, but you can always substitute it with another protein.

        Reply
    17. Linda says

      August 28, 2019 at 9:43 pm

      You read my mind! I was dreaming about this earlier and this recipe suddenly came up. And even better because I have all the ingredients ready at home.

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        August 29, 2019 at 5:41 pm

        Yay! Can't wait for you to try this simple yet healthy version of Pad Thai!

        Reply
    18. Chef Mireille says

      August 28, 2019 at 8:23 pm

      Pad Thai was the first Thai dish I ever tried. All these years later, it is still my all time fave Thai dish, full of so much flavor! Your veg version looks fantastic!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        August 29, 2019 at 5:41 pm

        Thank you so much! I do appreciate that you love try new Pad Thai recipes!

        Reply
    19. Michelle says

      August 28, 2019 at 5:45 pm

      This dish is incredibly delicious! So glad to have this recipe to make one of my favorite meals. I love the tofu in it. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        August 29, 2019 at 5:40 pm

        Tofu does make this Pad Thai a bit healthier! Yay for that!

        Reply
      • Jere Cassidy says

        August 29, 2019 at 11:30 pm

        I was just gifted some sambal oelek and had no idea what to do with it. Can't wait to try this recipe to use my new ingredient.

        Reply
        • Asian Caucasian says

          September 01, 2019 at 9:44 am

          I use sambal oelek on everything! A little bit goes a long way!

        • Asian Caucasian says

          September 01, 2019 at 11:15 am

          I use sambal oelek on everything! Hope you like this recipe!

    20. Susan Marks says

      August 26, 2019 at 9:28 am

      I adore tofu and Pad Thai! I will definitely be trying your recipe! I’ve been looking for a lighter version of this classic Thai dish!

      Reply
      • Asian Caucasian says

        August 26, 2019 at 9:29 am

        I think you're going to love the flavors in this! Enjoy!

        Reply

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    tofu pad thai in a black bowl garnished with a lime wedge with a napkin on the side
    tofu pad thai topped with bean sprouts in a black bowl