Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious? Dive into the world of flavors with our Spicy Vegan Pad Thai, a perfect blend of savory, spicy, and nutty goodness that will leave you craving more! This quick and easy recipe, ready in just 30 minutes, is not only a feast for the senses but also a delightful way to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this dish will elevate your cooking game to new heights. Let’s get started on this culinary adventure that promises to bring the essence of Thai cuisine right to your dining table!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- Chopped peanuts for garnish
- Fresh lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Slice red bell pepper into thin strips and mince garlic cloves finely.
- Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Typically, soak in hot water for 8-10 minutes until they are soft but still slightly firm. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent further cooking.
- In a large wok or skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add sliced red bell peppers to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but remain crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, and sriracha to create a smooth sauce. Add a little warm water if needed to thin the consistency.
- Add drained rice noodles to the wok and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss everything together, ensuring noodles are evenly coated.
- Fold in bean sprouts and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, maintaining high heat to create slight caramelization.
- Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates. Garnish with chopped peanuts and serve with fresh lime wedges on the side.
- Squeeze lime juice over the dish just before eating to enhance the flavors and add brightness.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To make cooking even quicker, prepare all your ingredients in advance. Chop the vegetables and measure out your sauces before you start cooking.
- Noodle Consistency: Be careful not to over-soak the rice noodles. They should be soft yet slightly firm, as they will continue to cook when added to the hot wok.
- High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying at high heat is key to achieving that perfect texture. It helps to maintain the crunch of the vegetables while ensuring the noodles are well-coated with the sauce.
- Customize Your Spice: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your heat preference. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more!
- Fresh Lime Juice: Don’t skip the lime wedges! A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving brightens up the dish and enhances all the flavors.
- Garnish Creatively: Besides chopped peanuts, consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Just store the cooked Pad Thai in airtight containers and enjoy it throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
