Hey there, art lovers and food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of Thai cuisine with a recipe that’s close to my heart (and stomach!): Easy Vegan Pad Thai. This dish ticks all the boxes – it’s bursting with flavor, surprisingly easy to whip up, and as a bonus, it’s completely plant-based!
If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok, look no further. Let’s get those creative culinary juices flowing!
Recreating Restaurant-Quality Pad Thai at Home
This recipe isn’t just about throwing some noodles and veggies together – it’s about capturing the essence of authentic Pad Thai. I’m talking about that perfect balance of savory, sweet, sour, and a touch of spice that dances on your taste buds.
I’ve experimented with countless variations of Pad Thai, and let me tell you, this recipe is the real deal. It’s so good, it rivals the best Thai restaurants I’ve had the pleasure of dining in.
Ingredients You Can Feel Good About
One of the things I love most about this recipe is that it calls for fresh, wholesome ingredients. Just like in my art studio, I believe that quality ingredients make all the difference in the final product.
Speaking of quality, I recently discovered the amazing organic produce from Josie’s Organics. Their cilantro is particularly fragrant and flavorful, and it adds a wonderful freshness to this Pad Thai.
Josie’s Organics is a family-owned business that’s been growing organic produce in California for generations. I always feel good about supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability and ethical farming practices.
You can find their produce at many grocery stores nationwide. Check out their store locator on their website to find a retailer near you!
Let’s Get Cooking: A Step-by-Step Guide
Gathering Your Supplies
Before we begin, let’s gather our ingredients and tools. Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process a breeze.
For the Pad Thai:
- 16 oz long pasta of your choice (whole wheat, gluten-free, or rice noodles work well)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (I recommend Josie’s Organics)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onion for garnish
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 4 large carrots, peeled into ribbons using a vegetable peeler
- 1 large zucchini, peeled into ribbons using a vegetable peeler
- Fresh lime juice for serving
For the Pad Thai Sauce:
- 1 cup coconut aminos
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp sriracha (or more, if you like it spicy!)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
Creating Culinary Magic
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Cook the Noodles: Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions.
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Sauté the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, heat a bit of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the shredded cabbage, carrot ribbons, and zucchini ribbons and sauté until they’re tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
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Mix the Pad Thai Sauce: In a mixing bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until they’re well combined.
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Combine and Simmer: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the pasta and veggies, and stir everything together. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the noodles, about 3-5 minutes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Divide the Pad Thai between bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
Tips for the Ultimate Pad Thai Experience
- Get Creative with Veggies: Feel free to customize your Pad Thai with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, and mushrooms would all be delicious additions.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like your Pad Thai extra spicy, add an extra teaspoon (or two!) of sriracha to the sauce.
- Garnish Like a Pro: For an extra touch of authenticity, consider adding some chopped peanuts, bean sprouts, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds as a garnish.
Conclusion
There you have it – a simple yet utterly satisfying Vegan Pad Thai recipe that you can recreate in your own kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the magic of homemade Thai food.
Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with me on social media! I love seeing your artistic takes on my recipes. Tag me on Instagram @HealthyGirlKitchen so I can admire your work.
Happy cooking, and until next time, keep those creative sparks flying!