Pad Thai (Tofu)

One of Thailand’s most recognisable noodle dishes, Pad Thai brings rice noodles together with a glossy tamarind-led sauce that is sweet, tangy and savoury in one bite. In this vegetarian version, firm tofu gives substance while egg adds richness, and the noodles are stir-fried just long enough to absorb the sauce without turning soft. Briefly cooked bean sprouts and spring onions keep the dish fresh and crisp, while roasted peanuts and lime wedges add crunch and brightness at the table. It is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but still feels lively, generous and highly customisable.
Cuisine style Thai noodle stir-fry
Flavor profile Tangy tamarind • Sweet-savoury • Nutty finish
Techniques Soaking noodles • Wok stir-frying
Key equipment Wok or large frying pan
Cooking style Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Balanced sweet-sour sauce: Tamarind, lime, palm sugar and soy create the sweet, tangy and savoury balance that makes Pad Thai distinctive.
  • Contrasting textures: Chewy noodles, golden tofu, crisp bean sprouts and crunchy peanuts give the dish structure without making it heavy.
  • Fast wok cooking: Most of the work is in preparation; once the noodles are soaked and the sauce is mixed, the stir-fry comes together quickly.

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Authenticity notes

  • Vegetarian adaptation: Soy sauce provides the savoury depth often associated with fish sauce, keeping the dish vegetarian while preserving the sweet-salty-tangy profile.
  • Classic finishing touches: Lime wedges and roasted peanuts are more than garnish; they add brightness and crunch just before serving.

Ingredient notes

  • Use tamarind for real tang: Tamarind paste gives Pad Thai its rounded sourness; lime alone tastes sharper and less complex.
  • Palm sugar balance: Palm sugar adds mellow sweetness, but light brown sugar can be used if needed. Taste the sauce before cooking and adjust with extra lime or soy if required.
  • Choose firm tofu: Firm tofu holds its shape in the wok and browns more reliably than softer varieties.

Texture tips

  • Soak noodles until just pliable: The noodles should still feel slightly firm after soaking, as they finish cooking in the sauce.
  • Brown the tofu first: Letting the tofu take on light colour before adding garlic gives it a firmer edge and prevents it from breaking up too much.
  • Keep the sprouts crisp: Add bean sprouts at the very end and toss briefly so they stay fresh and crunchy.

Make-ahead tips

  • Prepare the components: The sauce can be mixed, the tofu cut and the vegetables prepared ahead, but soak the noodles close to cooking for the best texture.
  • Keep toppings separate: If storing leftovers, keep peanuts and any extra bean sprouts separate so they stay crisp when served.
  • Reheat in a hot pan: Warm leftovers in a wok or frying pan with a splash of water until piping hot, tossing to loosen the noodles.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Put the rice noodles in a mixing bowl and cover with just-boiled water. Leave for 6 to 8 minutes until pliable but still a little firm, then drain well.
  2. In a small bowl, stir together the tamarind paste, soy sauce and palm sugar with 2 tbsp water until the sugar dissolves. Cut the lime into wedges, then squeeze 2 wedges into the sauce and set the rest aside for serving.
  3. Cut the firm tofu into bite-size cubes. Peel and finely chop the garlic, slice the spring onion, and roughly chop the roasted peanuts.
  4. Heat a wok over medium-high heat and add the sunflower oil. Add the tofu and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly golden on the edges, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Push the tofu to one side of the wok and crack in the eggs. Scramble for 1 to 2 minutes until just set, then mix through the tofu.
  6. Add the drained noodles and pour over the tamarind sauce. Stir-fry for 2 to 4 minutes, tossing constantly, until the noodles are glossy and the sauce clings; add a splash of water if it looks dry.
  7. Add the bean sprouts and most of the spring onion, and toss for 30 to 60 seconds so they stay crisp. Divide between plates and top with the peanuts and remaining spring onion, serving with the reserved lime wedges.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Keep the bean sprouts crisp by adding them right at the end and tossing briefly off the heat.
  • If the noodles start to stick, add 1 to 2 tbsp water and keep tossing until they loosen and turn glossy.
  • Eggs should be cooked until set; if serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, use eggs stamped with the British Lion mark.

Substitutions

  • Replace palm sugar with light brown sugar for a similar sweetness.
  • Replace soy sauce with light soy sauce for a slightly lighter, saltier finish.
  • Replace roasted peanuts with cashew nuts if preferred.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat in a hot wok or frying pan with a splash of water for 2 to 3 minutes until piping hot; add the bean sprouts and peanuts after reheating if you want them crisp.

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Pad Thai (Tofu)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 35min (25min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Allergens:
    Eggs Peanuts Soybeans
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