Traditional Vegetarian Pad Thai Recipe

This recipe is a very traditional Pad Thai. It is simple in taste and not loaded with a goopy sauce. Tamarind paste is what gives it the authentic flavour. Tamarind paste can be found in most Asian grocery stores and some specialty stores.
Ingredients
- 2-3 Tbs. vegetable oil
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
- 2 cups bean sprouts
- 3 green onion, julienned
- 1 cup salted peanuts, finely chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- Chili flakes, to taste
- ½ of a 454 gram package rice stick
- noodles, medium width, sometimes
- called vermicelli noodles
- Pad Thai Sauce
- 2 Tbs. tamarind paste dissolved in ⅔ cup
- boiling water, remove any hard seeds or
- skins once it dissolves.
- 5 Tbs. fish sauce
- 2 Tbs. Sweet Chili Garlic Sauce,
- DeliciousDish
- 6 Tbs. brown sugar or coconut sugar
Instructions
- 1
Mix the Pad Thai Sauce ingredients together, set aside.
- 2
To Cook Noodles: Bring a pot of water to boil, drop noodles in, stirring several times to avoid sticking, and cook for 3-4 minutes. Reserve ½-1 cup of cooking liquid. Drain noodles and rinse under cold water.
- 3
Heat a wok or heavy skillet, heat oil until hot, add garlic, cook for 30 seconds. Add eggs and cook to scramble.
- 4
Add about ⅔ of the Pad Thai Sauce, stir into the egg mixture, add the noodles, toss to coat, allowing the sauce to absorb into the noodles for 5 minutes. If the noodles look too dry, add up to ½ cup of the cooking liquid. Toss for 3-4 minutes, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the sauce and water. Add the rest of the sauce.
- 5
Add the bean sprouts and green onions.
- 6
Transfer to a platter, squeeze one lime over the noodles, toss though. Garnish with peanuts, cilantro and chili flakes. Serve with lime wedges around the platter. Serves 6
Tips & Storage
- How to Store
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Make It Vegan
- Many vegetarian recipes can be made vegan by substituting dairy with plant-based alternatives. Check the ingredients and swap as needed.
- Nutrition Tip
- Pair with a whole grain or legume for a complete protein. This makes the meal more filling and nutritionally balanced.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Traditional Vegetarian Pad Thai?
This Traditional Vegetarian Pad Thai recipe by Carolyn Cohen includes step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. You'll need 20 ingredients and the recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels.
What goes well with this traditional vegetarian pad thai?
This recipe pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try it as part of a complete meal with complementary sides, salads, or proteins.