This vegetarian pad thai doesn't call for any fish sauce but sacrifices nothing in terms of flavour. Easily made vegan with the simple omission of eggs, this is sure to satisfy any classic Thai restaurant cravings.
400g(14oz)firm tofudrained and cut into bite-sized pieces
250g(9oz)rice noodles
2green onionsthinly sliced, whites and greens separated
3clovesgarlicthinly sliced
2-5Thai chilisthinly sliced
2large eggsoptional
100g(1cup)mung bean sprouts
50g(⅓cup)unsalted peanutsroughly chopped
2tbspcilantrochopped
Crispy shallotsoptional
1limecut into 4 wedges
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, tamarind concentrate, miso paste, soy sauce and 60ml (1/4 cup) of water. Whisk until all ingredients are completely incorporated. Set aside for later.
Cook your rice noodles according to the package's instructions. Set aside for later.
Over medium-high heat, add 15ml (one tablespoon) of neutral oil to a large nonstick skillet, add the tofu and cook on all sides until lightly golden brown and crisp, about five to ten minutes.
Increase the heat to high and add a bit more oil if needed to the pan. Once shimmering, add the whites of the green onions and the garlic. Cook until the garlic just begins to turn golden brown, about one minute. Add the chilis and cook for another thirty seconds.
Crack in the eggs, if using, and break them up with your spatula. Combine them with the onion, garlic and chili and cook until they're completely cooked through, only about thirty seconds to one minute.
Add the rice noodles and tofu to the pan. Pour over the pad thai sauce and, using tongs, toss until the sauce is mostly absorbed into the noodles and everything is well-combined - about a minute.
Turn off the heat and add the bean sprouts, peanuts, cilantro and green part of the green onions. Toss to combine.
Divide into bowls, top with crispy shallots (if desired) and serve with a lime wedge.