Craving a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than this mouthwatering Vegetarian Pad Thai made in the Instant Pot! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a flavorful dish that combines tender rice noodles, crispy tofu, and fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a tangy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is not only vegetarian but also packed with nutrients. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a Thai classic that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup tofu, cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by draining tofu and pressing excess moisture out with paper towels. Cut tofu into small, uniform 1/2-inch cubes.
- Turn Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and heat vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cubed tofu to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, gently turning to ensure even browning on all sides.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar to create the sauce base.
- Add rice noodles to the Instant Pot, then pour the prepared sauce over the noodles. Do not stir.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing, and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook mode for 3-4 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick release of pressure.
- Open lid and gently fold noodles to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Mix in bean sprouts and green onions, allowing residual heat to slightly soften them.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with crushed peanuts on top.
- Serve immediately while hot, with additional lime wedges if desired.
Tips
- Prep Your Ingredients: Take some time to prepare all your ingredients before you start cooking. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Press Tofu Well: To achieve the best texture, ensure you press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture. This helps it brown nicely and absorb the flavors of the dish.
- Don’t Stir Before Cooking: When adding the rice noodles and sauce to the Instant Pot, resist the urge to stir. This allows the noodles to cook evenly and prevents them from clumping together.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your Instant Pot model, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Check the noodles for doneness before releasing the pressure.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the crushed peanuts on top! They add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the dish.
- Serve with Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving elevates the dish and adds a zesty brightness that enhances the flavors beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
