pad thai – No Beef Here

Detoxifying Red Lentil Dahl

Whoa baby, this heat just decided to come out of no where and say heeeeey.

And starting tomorrow I’m getting back on my cool food consumption. This fiery weather really is pushing me towards that simple, clean, light eating but of course, something that still tastes good. Okay I have other factors motivating me as well (running a 7 day cleanse and um…my wedding).

The last few months have flown right on by and our wedding is just about 3 months away at this point. My dress has finally arrived and bestabelieve I tried that thang on. It fits like a glove. But like every bride I’m sure, eating light and making sure everything stays right and tight is top priority.

That’s where this raw salad comes from.

This “pad thai” is not really a pad thai. The sauce is really the main thing that makes me think of pad thai without the added heaviness of noodles. It’s zesty, tangy and filling without leaving you bloated, uncomfortable and dissatisfied. I’m all about that satisfaction.

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I am going to be honest. I have NEVER ever had Pad Thai. I don’t know what it’s supposed to taste like. I just know that it involves noodles, peanuts, limes and cilantro. Since my recent peanut allergy (literally discovered this last year when I broke out in hives from eating peanut butter- super bummer), I have avoided trying Pad Thai for my own sanity. Then, I came across a WONDERFUL recipe during one of my lunch time adventures in Barnes & Noble. I salivated the moment I read the ingredients and jumped for joy upon the mention of peanuts being optional. I adapted this version of Vegan Pad Thai from a fellow Vegan food blogger and writer of the incredible cookbook, Isa Does It (seriously, check her out- amazing recipes). Not only is this recipe incredibly simple, it will have you craving Pad Thai practically every night of the week. If I could cuddle up with a bowl of this Pad Thai and have it sing me a sweet lullaby, I would be a happy woman.

What You Need:

8 oz pad thai rice noodles or buckwheat soba noodles (my family loved this version- a little heartier), cooked according to package directions and rinsed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 package (or 2 if you’re incredibly hungry) of extra firm organic sprouted tofu, cut into 1.5 inch cubes
4 cups broccoli, sliced
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups green onion, thinly sliced
2 cups cilantro, chopped
4 oz mung bean sprouts
Lime Wedges for serving

For the sauce:

2 tablespoons tomato paste
5 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
6 tablespoons brown sugar (I went for dark brown for added sweetness)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons Sriracha
2 tablespoons mellow white miso
1/4 cup water

How You Make It:

Make the tofu. After removing the tofu from the liquid, dry it off as much as possible and cut into cubes. Heat a cast iron skillet (or any skillet will do) on high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet and add tofu immediately. Stir frequently and cook until tofu is browned and crispy. Remove from the pan, set aside.
In the same pan, add a teaspoon of oil and half the minced garlic. Toss in the broccoli and sauté for 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside with tofu.
In a small bowl, mix all of the ingredients for the sauce. Mix until most of the miso has dissolved.
Add remaining oil and garlic to a pan over medium-high heat. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and toss in half of the cilantro and all of the green onion. Stir until slightly wilted. Pour in half of the sauce and heat through.
Add in the noodles and toss to coat. Add back tofu, broccoli, mung bean sprouts and the rest of the sauce.
Serve immediately with lime wedges and the rest of the cilantro.

Is it sad to say that my mouth started to water after writing this?

Grab a fork or some chopsticks and slurp up this sweet and spicy goodness. Your stomach will thank you.

Peace, love and NO beef!

Guramrit