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Crispy Tofu Pad Thai

Cooking Light
Crispy Tofu Pad Thai
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Worthy of a Special Occasion

Plant-based proteins like tofu and peanuts are abundant sources of protein.

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1  (12.3-ounce) package reduced-fat, firm tofu, drained
  • 1  tablespoon  cornstarch
  • 6  ounces  flat uncooked rice noodles
  • 1/2  cup  ketchup
  • 2  tablespoons  sugar
  • 2  tablespoons  fish sauce
  • 1  tablespoon  Sriracha (hot chile sauce, such as Huy Fong)
  • 2  tablespoons  canola oil, divided
  • 2  large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1  large egg white, lightly beaten
  • 1/2  cup  chopped green onions
  • 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2  tablespoons  unsalted, dry-roasted peanuts, chopped
  • 4  lime wedges

Preparation

1. Place tofu on several layers of paper towels; cover with additional paper towels. Let stand 30 minutes, pressing down occasionally. Cut tofu into 1/2-inch cubes, and toss with cornstarch.

2. Prepare noodles according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain well; set aside.

3. Combine ketchup, sugar, fish sauce, and Sriracha. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu to pan; sauté 7 minutes or until golden. Remove tofu from pan.

4. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in pan. Add eggs and egg white; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Remove from pan. Heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil in pan. Add noodles; cook 3 minutes. Stir in ketchup mixture; cook 30 seconds. Add egg mixture; cook 1 minute, stirring often. Remove from heat; stir in onions and cilantro. Place 1 cup noodle mixture on each of 4 plates. Top each with 1/2 cup tofu and 1 1/2 teaspoons peanuts. Serve with lime wedges.

Nutritional Information

Calories:
419 (0.0% from fat)
Fat:
14.4g (sat 1.7g,mono 6.8g,poly 3.5g)
Protein:
15.4g
Carbohydrate:
57.5g
Fiber:
2.8g
Cholesterol:
106mg
Iron:
3.3mg
Sodium:
845mg
Calcium:
374mg
David Bonom, Cooking Light, JANUARY 2009

Member Ratings and Reviews

5 stars
Kimberly
I love this recipe, and I did not alter it a bit. I don't think the tofu adds anything to the flavor of any Pad Thai recipe, so I'm not sure what the other reviewers were expecting (if the cornstarch didn't stick, the tofu was likely not dry enough- it'll congeal and turn into a paste like it always does when you mix cornstarch with water). I also did not find the ketchup to be overwhelming. I wonder whether their substitutions and additions altered the flavor balance and made the ketchup more notable? My husband loves Pad Thai, does not love tofu, and really enjoys this flavorful recipe. He'd probably prefer chicken, but we do our part for the planet and our bodies by eating vegetarian AT LEAST once a week. We do like hot, spicy food, but this one isn't over the top, in my opinion. Great recipe :) We don't have kids, so I can't speak to altering it for children.02/02/10

5 stars
kaesha
This is my go to Pad Thai recipe! It's the best I've seen using unauthentic ingredients and my tofu-hating husband loves it! Depending on my mood, I tend to reduce the chili sauce to 1/2 tbsp or 2 tsp. I also toss the tofu in a bit of salt with the cornstarch for more flavour.01/07/10