Pin it
This tofu pad thai with peanut sauce is my go-to weeknight lifesaver, bringing together authentic Asian flavors for a comforting meal that's ready in just 20 minutes.
This dish has become a staple in my home since my trip to Thailand. Every time I cook it, the smells filling my kitchen instantly take me back to the street markets of Bangkok.
Ingredients
- Rice noodles: these form the base of pad thai and cook super fast
- Peanut butter: pick a natural one without added sugar for the real deal taste
- Soy sauce or tamari: go for tamari if you need to keep things gluten-free
- Rice vinegar: adds a gentle tang that's key to balancing the flavors
- Sesame oil: try toasted sesame oil for a deeper flavor kick
- Chili oil or sriracha sauce: add more or less depending on how spicy you like it
- Honey: a touch of sweetness to round everything out
- Fresh garlic: chop it up tiny to release all the goodness
- Fresh ginger: younger ginger with thin skin works best for a milder taste
- Smoked tofu: its firm texture and rich flavor work wonders in this dish
- Fresh green onions: for color and a mild peppery taste
- Roasted peanuts: they add that must-have crunch to the final dish
- Lime: fresh juice brightens up all the flavors when you're eating
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Making the peanut sauce:
- Mix all sauce stuff in a medium bowl. Start with peanut butter then slowly add soy sauce, rice vinegar, oils, honey, garlic and ginger. Whisk hard and pour in hot water bit by bit until you get a smooth mix that coats the back of a spoon.
- Cooking the noodles:
- Drop rice noodles into a big pot of boiling water. Stir gently and watch them closely. Check after 3-4 minutes – they should still be a little firm since they'll cook more in the sauce. Drain them right away so they don't get mushy.
- Preparing the tofu:
- Heat up vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Toss in smoked tofu cubes but don't overcrowd the pan. Let each side turn golden for about 30 seconds, turning carefully so they don't break. You want that nice golden color for extra flavor.
- Putting it all together:
- Quickly wipe the pan and heat the rest of the oil. Add the drained noodles and pour the peanut sauce over them right away. Keep stirring for about 2 minutes until noodles are fully coated. If they clump up, add a few spoonfuls of water while stirring. Finally, mix in the golden tofu.
- Plating and serving:
- Divide the pad thai onto warm plates. Sprinkle lots of chopped green onions and crushed peanuts on top. Put a lime wedge on the side so everyone can add as much tanginess as they want. Serve right away while it's still steaming hot.
The first time I served this to my non-vegetarian friends, they couldn't believe how flavorful and satisfying it was. The real magic happens in that perfect balance between creamy peanut butter and tangy lime.
Pin it
Storage and Reheating
To keep your pad thai fresh, put it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll stay good for 2-3 days. When you want to heat it up, add a tablespoon of water and warm it in a pan over low heat, stirring often. Don't use the microwave as it might make your noodles too soft.
Alternatives and Substitutions
If you can't find smoked tofu, grab firm regular tofu and soak it in some soy sauce and sesame oil for 15 minutes. For a non-veggie version, swap tofu for shrimp or sliced chicken. Tempeh also works great as a protein-rich option.
Perfect Pairings
Enjoy your pad thai with a Thai cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal. A light spiced wheat beer or iced green tea goes really well with these flavors. To make dinner more special, start with some fresh spring rolls.
Chef Tips
Don't crowd the pan when cooking tofu if you want it nicely browned
Taste and tweak your peanut sauce before mixing with noodles it should be salty sweet and a bit spicy all at once
Get all your ingredients ready beforehand since the final cooking happens really quick
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can plain tofu replace smoked tofu?
Yes, plain tofu works too, though smoked tofu adds a richer taste. If using plain tofu, sprinkle in some smoked paprika for a similar kick.
- → How do you stop noodles from sticking together?
After cooking, rinse the noodles with cold water and drizzle a little oil before mixing in the sauce.
- → Is there a way to make this nut-free?
Absolutely! Swap peanut butter with almond butter or any nut-free alternative to suit your needs.
- → Can the sauce be prepped ahead of time?
Sure thing! The sauce can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for 3-4 days in a sealed container. Give it a good stir before using.
- → What veggie options can I add?
Try tossing in shredded carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or bean sprouts for more crunch and freshness.