Quick and Easy Plant-Based Dinners Everyone Will Love

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Vegan Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a delicious and satisfying dish featuring tender rice noodles tossed in a savory peanut sauce, satiating protein, and fresh vegetables. Better yet, it couldn’t be more simple to create a vegan version! This plant-based meal is bursting with flavor and comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight family dinner.

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

• 8 oz rice noodles
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook for 5-7 min. while turning occasionally until crispy and golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the carrots, bell pepper, green onions, and garlic. Stir-fry for 3-4 min. until the vegetables are slightly softened.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup, and rice vinegar.
5. Add the cooked noodles, tofu, and peanut sauce to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.