Pad Thai Kua

Pad Thai Kua is a flavorful vegetarian twist on the classic Thai stir-fried noodle dish, featuring a delightful combination of fresh vegetables and a rich tamarind sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

• Rice noodles - 150 grams
• Vegetable oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tofu (firm) - 100 grams, diced
• Carrot - 1 medium, julienned
• Bell pepper (red or yellow) - 1 medium, sliced
• Green onion - 2 stalks, chopped
• Bean sprouts - 100 grams
• Tamarind paste - 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Sugar - 1 teaspoon
• Lime juice - 1 tablespoon
• Chili flakes - 1 teaspoon (optional)
• Peanuts (crushed) - 2 tablespoons for garnish
• Fresh cilantro - a handful for garnish

Steps

1. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 15 minutes until softened, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tofu to the pan and cook until lightly golden on all sides.
4. Stir in the julienned carrot and sliced bell pepper, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly.
5. Add the soaked rice noodles to the pan, along with tamarind paste, soy sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes (if using). Toss everything together gently over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until heated through and well combined.
6. Finally, add the bean sprouts and chopped green onion, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve the Pad Thai Kua hot, garnished with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 16 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from tofu, supporting muscle health.
• High in fiber from vegetables and bean sprouts, promoting digestive health.

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