Prep Time: 35-45 min
Feeds: 4 people
Over the past year or so, I've had the chance to help friends and family members transition towards a more plant-based lifestyle. I have often refered back to this recipe, as something quick and delicious to prepare, to introduce them to vegan cooking. I have perfected the art of making the simplest, most lazy & inexpensive pad thai, but never took the time to actually write down the recipe. So to everyone who has asked me for it, your wish has been granted!
Now do keep in mind that this recipe is entirely customizable and can be simplified further, or zhuzed up according to personal preference and budget. There are two options as a source of protein: Option 1 - maple tamari tempeh; Option 2 - lemon herb tofu. The recipe includes the preparation method for both options, but only ONE source of protein is necessary, so choose the one you prefer.
Follow steps 1 through 5, to prepare each element of this dish. Assemble (from the bottom up) following the order of these steps. Remember to divide each element into FOUR equal portions to create four servings. Best served in a bowl, and eaten with chopsticks!
STEP 1 - GRAINS
Ingredients:
- 4 portions of rice OR rice noodles
Use package to determine portion sizes, and cook according to package instructions.
STEP 2 -PROTEIN
Option 1 - Maple Tamari Tempeh
Ingredients:
- 1 block of tempeh
- 2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
- 3 tbsp of tamari sauce
- 3 tbsp of maple syrup
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste
Chop block of tempeh into strips about a 1/4 inch thick, and again in half to create small bite-sized strips.
Heat olive oil and garlic in a large frying pan, on medium/high, until garlic sizzles.
Add chopped tempeh pieces, space evenly, and let fry until they start turning golden brown.
Flip pieces of tempeh and repeat browning process.
Add tamari sauce and maple syrup.
Stir to ensure all the pieces are coated.
Let simmer for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until the strips start to caramelize.
Remove from heat.
Option 2 - Lemon Herb Tofu
Ingredients:
- 1 bloc of extra firm tofu
- 1 lemon
- 1 tsp of dried oregano
- 1 tsp of dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste
Wrap block of tofu in paper towels or dishcloth, place a heavy object on top, and let sit 5 minutes to draw out the water.
Cut tofu into small cubes, more or less a half-inch cubed.
Place into a medium-sized bowl, add the juice of one lemon, dried oregano, rosemary, water, salt & pepper.
Mix and let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Add olive oil to frying pan, heat on medium until oil sizzles, and add tofu with the lemon spice mix.
Let simmer until all the water evaporates, stirring periodically.
Keep frying until tofu starts to brown.
Remove from heat.
STEP 3 - VEGGIES
Ingredients:
- 1 yellow onion (or half a leek)
- 1 zucchini
- 1 red bell pepper
- 4 cremini mushrooms (or mushrooms of choice)
- 3 heads of baby bok choy (or equivalent quantity of other leafy green)
Rince vegetables and roughly chop into bite sized pieces.
Steam vegetables in a microwave steamer until soft. (Alternatively, vegetables can be fried.)
**Note: You may use whichever vegetables you prefer or have available; the ones listed above are the ones I like to include in this recipe, but feel free to make it your own!
STEP 4 - SAUCE:
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp of peanut butter
- 4 tbsp of tamari sauce
- 100 ml of water
- lime (or lemon) zest to taste
- salt & pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients into a glass container or bowl.
Cook in the microwave on high for 30 seconds, and stir.
Repeat this process until the sauce becomes homogenous and the texture is to your liking.
**For a thicker sauce, simply add peanut butter or add liquids (water or tamari) for a runnier sauce.
STEP 5 - TOPPINGS (optional):
Crushed cashews
Use a knife to roughly chop some cashews as well to add some extra crunch to your meal.
Basil
Roughly chop some fresh basil and sprinkle to taste.
Lime
Add a quarter of a lime to the plate to allow the person enjoying the meal, to zest to taste.
Sriracha sauce
Pack an extra spicy punch to your dish!