Calling all vegetable enthusiasts and champions of reducing food waste! Do you have a crisper drawer overflowing with forgotten vegetables, destined for the compost bin? Don’t toss them just yet! The Veggie Pad Thai recipe is here to transform those neglected veggies into a vibrant and flavorful stir-fry masterpiece.

Pad Thai is a classic Thai noodle dish, but this veggie version celebrates the beauty of using what you have on hand. This recipe isn’t picky – any leftover vegetables you have on hand are welcome to the party! From broccoli and carrots to bell peppers and snap peas, the possibilities are endless. Combined with quick-cooking rice noodles and a flavorful pad thai sauce, this dish becomes a symphony of textures and tastes, a true testament to resourceful cooking.

So, gather your leftover veggie squad, get out the noodles, and get ready to whip up a delicious and versatile Veggie Pad Thai. It’s a quick and easy meal that minimizes waste and maximizes flavor, making it a champion in the fight against food waste and a perfect addition to your resourceful cooking repertoire!

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 20 minutes

Check out this range of Vegetable Spiralizers that you need for this dish by clicking here.

Veggie Pad Thai Recipe

Veggie Pad Thai Recipe Ingredients

This vibrant stir-fry celebrates leftover vegetables and transforms them into a flavorful Thai noodle dish. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a delicious Veggie Pad Thai:

• Rice Noodles: Thin rice noodles, like Pad Thai noodles or rice vermicelli, are the base of the dish.
• Veggie Medley: This is where your leftover heroes come in! Chopped vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn are all welcome additions. Feel free to get creative and use what you have on hand.
• Eggs: Scrambled eggs add protein and richness to the pad thai.
• Bean Sprouts: Fresh bean sprouts add a refreshing crunch and vibrant texture.
• Peanuts: Roasted and chopped peanuts provide a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor. You can substitute other nuts like cashews or almonds if preferred.
• Firm Tofu (Optional): Cubed and pan-fried tofu adds a vegetarian protein element.
• Pad Thai Sauce: The magic ingredient! You can find pre-made pad thai sauce at most grocery stores, or try making your own with tamarind paste, fish sauce (or a vegetarian substitute), soy sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and water.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh cilantro, scallions, or Thai basil add a burst of freshness to the finished dish.
• Lime Wedges (Optional): Fresh lime wedges add a touch of acidity and brightness for serving.
• Cooking Oil: Neutral oil like peanut oil or vegetable oil for stir-frying.

Remember: This is just a guide! Feel free to adjust the vegetables and protein sources based on your leftovers and preferences.

Veggie Pad Thai Instructions

Transforming leftover vegetables into a delicious Veggie Pad Thai is a breeze. Follow these steps for a restaurant-worthy stir-fry at home:

1. Prep the Vegetables: Wash and chop your leftover vegetables into bite-sized pieces. If using tofu, cube and pan-fry it until golden brown on all sides. Set aside.
2. Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, typically just a few minutes until softened. Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Scramble the Eggs: In a separate pan, heat a drizzle of oil and scramble the eggs until cooked through. Set aside.
4. Stir-Fry Time: Heat another drizzle of oil in your wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly softened but still crisp-tender.
5. Incorporate the Sauce: Pour in the pad thai sauce and stir-fry for another minute, coating the vegetables evenly.
6. Noodle Power: Add the cooked and drained noodles to the pan and toss to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
7. Protein Power (Optional): If using tofu, add it back to the pan along with the scrambled eggs. Toss everything together to heat through.
8. Finishing Touches: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh bean sprouts and chopped peanuts.
9. Freshness Burst: Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, scallions, or Thai basil.
10. Serve and Squeeze: Serve your Veggie Pad Thai hot, with lime wedges on the side for those who want to add an extra squeeze of citrusy freshness.

Veggie Pad Thai Serving Suggestions

This vibrant and flavorful stir-fry is delicious on its own, but you can also elevate it with a few complementary sides:

• Fresh Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a simple vinaigrette complements the richness of the pad thai perfectly.
• Lime Wedges: As mentioned, offer lime wedges on the side for those who want to add an extra touch of acidity.
• Crushed Peanuts: For those who love extra peanuts, have a dish of crushed peanuts on the table for sprinkling.
• Sriracha (Optional): If you like things spicy, offer sriracha on the side for an adjustable kick of heat.
• Leftover Magic: The beauty of pad thai is its adaptability! Leftovers can be reheated for lunch the next day or enjoyed cold for a refreshing take.

Why Veggie Pad Thai Is a Great Left Overs Recipe

Veggie Pad Thai is a champion for reducing food waste and transforming forgotten vegetables into a restaurant-worthy stir-fry! Here’s why it’s the perfect recipe to use up those fridge foragers:

• Vegetable Wonderland: This dish welcomes a wide variety of leftover vegetables. From broccoli and carrots to bell peppers and snap peas, pad thai offers a clean slate for utilizing forgotten ingredients. No matter what leftover veggies you have on hand, you can create a delicious and unique stir-fry.
• Embrace the Protein Scraps: Leftover cooked protein sources get a new lease on life in pad thai! Shredded cooked chicken, tofu, or even leftover shrimp can be incorporated for added protein and heartiness.
• The Power of the Egg: Scrambled eggs are a staple ingredient in pad thai, and they’re a perfect way to use up leftover eggs. They add protein and richness to the dish.
• Noodles Get a Second Act: Leftover cooked rice noodles can be revived in pad thai! Simply soak them briefly in warm water to soften them before stir-frying.
• Flavorful Leftovers: The beauty of pad thai is that it tastes even better the next day! Leftover pad thai can be reheated for lunch or enjoyed cold for a refreshing and flavorful meal.

With its adaptability and ability to utilize leftover ingredients, Veggie Pad Thai becomes a delicious and resourceful way to reduce food waste in the kitchen!

Take a look at more recipes to reduce food waste here.