Easy Vegan Pad Thai Rice with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Today we are making an Easy Vegan Pad Thai Rice with Peanut Sauce Recipe! Pad Thai is a beloved dish that has its roots in Thai street food culture, known for its vibrant flavors and perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes. Traditionally, Pad Thai is made with rice noodles, stir-fried with a combination of eggs, tofu or shrimp, bean sprouts, and garnished with peanuts and lime. However, in this Easy Vegan Pad Thai Rice recipe, we put a creative spin on the classic by swapping out the noodles for rice, and using a rich, creamy peanut sauce to bring it all together.
Rice, a staple in many Asian cuisines, adds a satisfying heartiness to this dish while still soaking up all the bold flavors of the Pad Thai sauce. The vegan peanut sauce, made with a blend of peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness, offers a luscious, nutty taste that complements the fresh vegetables and rice beautifully.
This dish not only captures the essence of traditional Pad Thai but also simplifies it, making it accessible for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal prep option. Whether you’re a seasoned Pad Thai lover or new to Thai cuisine, this Vegan Pad Thai Rice with Peanut Sauce is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy the classic flavors of Thailand in a plant-based, rice-based dish.
Why You’ll Love Easy Vegan Peanut Pad Thai Rice
Quick and Convenient: The Easy Vegan Pad Thai Rice with Peanut Sauce Recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready in no time, this recipe simplifies the traditional Pad Thai by using rice instead of noodles, making it quicker and easier to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you’ll have a satisfying, flavorful meal on the table in no time—ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a fast yet nourishing dish.
Rich and Flavorful: This recipe brings together a vibrant mix of flavors that capture the essence of classic Pad Thai. The creamy peanut sauce, with its blend of peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a hint of sweetness, adds a luscious, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with tender rice and fresh vegetables. Each bite offers a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes, creating a taste experience that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a dish that makes eating vegan deliciously satisfying and full of flavor.
Substitutions
Extra Firm Tofu: Opt for extra firm tofu for the best results. It has the right texture and consistency for crisping up when pan-frying. Before using it, we use a kitchen towel or paper towel to soak up some of the excess liquid.
GMO soy crops are grown using artificial fertilizers and pesticides, so I avoid them if I can. However, I usually find the main tofu brands available in my local supermarket are already non-GMO, such as Soyganic and Sunrise!
Oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and is great for cooking without lending its own strong taste like extra-virgin olive oil can. Vegetable oil can work as well.
Rice: For the best results, use parboiled rice or a long-grain rice (cooking times may vary). If you prefer a different option, brown rice or cauliflower rice can be substituted. Adjust cooking times according to the type of rice used, and make sure to follow the package instructions for perfect results.
Tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free substitue for soy sauce, and also lighter on the sodium. You can replace with soy sauce, but it will be saltier than tamari. I recommend to start out by using less than the amount of tamari called for. Using soy sauce also won’t keep this recipe gluten-free.
Pad Thai Rice Recipe Notes
- Garnish the dish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for added flavor and visual appeal. You can also serve it with a side of fresh cucumber or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
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If you make this Vegan Pad Thai Rice with Peanut Sauce, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Easy Vegan Pad Thai Rice with Peanut Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Stovetop Pot
- Large Skillet
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions ends cut off, smashed with the flat side of a knife, chopped
- 4 medium garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp ginger minced
- ¾ red bell pepper chopped
- ½ 14 oz. pack extra-firm tofu
- ¼ cup dry roasted peanuts
For the Rice
- ¾ cup uncooked, parboiled white rice
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- pink salt
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter
- 2 tbsp + 2 tsp tamari
- 3 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- ½ tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
For the Topping
- lime slices
- fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the rice with water, then drain. Repeat a few times until the water is not cloudy anymore.
- Cook the rice. To a stovetop pot over medium-low heat, add the uncooked rice, 1½ cups water, the avocado oil and a pinch of salt.
- Stir the mixture every few minutes, until the liquid is absorbed. This will take around 30 minutes. While the rice cooks, prepare the remaining ingredients.
- Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl and set aside.
- Now in a stovetop pan over medium heat, add in the sesame oil.
- When it's hot, add in the onions, garlic and ginger. Stir for 2-3 minutes.
- Then add in the pepper and tofu. Stir these around for 2 minutes, until the tofu is browning.
- Add in the rice and stir to combine.
- Then add in the peanuts and the sauce over top. Stir to combine again.
- Stir around for 3-4 more minutes, until everything is incorporated well.
- Then turn off the stove and serve it hot! Garnish with lime slices and cilantro.
Notes
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Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
