I’m a bit of a sucker for a Pad Thai, even when I vow to branch out and try something new, I usually end up ordering a Pad Thai as it’s just too risky that I won’t like something else as much. I’ve tried making this dish in the past but it’s just never been as good, but trust me when I say – this version is even better than any I’ve tried from a restaurant.
I was attracted to giving this recipe a try as it didn’t have too many ingredients I needed to buy to make it, always a plus. Anything with peanut butter in gets my vote as well. With this recipe I would recommend getting the right shape noodles as I really think it makes the difference in feeling like a proper replica of the Pad Thai we know and love from eating out. I found these at my local Asian supermarket and am sure you can get them in most big supermarkets – you want rice noodles that are flat and about a centimetre wide.
Once you leave these soaking in boiling water to cook these you can crack on with the main dish. We chose to cube the tofu, dry it off and then fry it in some coconut oil until it was crispy and golden. I have never been much of a fan of tofu but over the past month I’m learning how best to cook it and get the most out of it. My favourite is when you get that crunchy outer layer and then when you bite into it the soft smooth inside – mmmmmh!
The peanut sauce that is the real making of this dish is the next component to create. A simple combination of soy, spice, peanut and coconut makes it sweet yet salty which is just what you want in an Asian dish. We let this simmer for quite a while to thicken it properly which makes it even more delicious.
Then it’s a mere matter of throwing everything together which takes minutes so the whole dish can be done in fifteen minutes in total – and not much chopping which I find usually takes the most time.
Once everything is combined, all you need to complete the dish is a few toppings. Toast some unsalted peanuts, squeeze some fresh lime and scatter chopped spring onions and sesame seeds and you are good to go.
(You could also add fresh coriander, but I despise the stuff.. Sorry!!!)
Have to give massive credit to Elisa for this amazing recipe creation, I could eat it again and again. I also cooked it for my mum, brother and his girlfriend who were all pretty sceptical of the vegan diet and they all loved it and were so impressed that vegan food can be so tasty. So happy they loved it and can’t wait to test out more plant based recipes on friends and family!
Try the recipe yourself – https://www.happyskinkitchen.com/2019/01/17/easy-pad-thai-with-a-peanut-sauce/
Living Louisa 