Spicy Thai Noodles | Vegan Pad Thai (2024)

Published: Sep 27, 2022 · Modified: Jan 10, 2024 by Priya * This post may contain affiliate links.

Recipe Print

This vegan one-pot recipe of spicy noodles is my version of Pad Thai. Make this Thai street food in 20 minutes using rice noodles/spaghetti.

Jump to:

Love Asian food
My version of Pad Thai
Why make this
Ingredients needed 🧾
How to make it 🔪
Serving suggestions 🍽
Top recipe tips 💭
Recipe FAQs 📖
More noodle recipes
Recipe 📖

Love Asian food

Thai cuisine comes a close second for me after Chinese Food and Italian food. I enjoy eating and cooking all these cuisines as much as I enjoy Indian food. Although, I enjoy creating new and different recipes in every cuisine. I feel Thai, Chinese, and Mexican cuisines are very similar to Indian.

Veg Thai Chilly Fried Rice, Butternut Squash Chickpea Thai Curry, Thai Peanut Butter Noodles, and Thai Curry Noodle Soup are some of my go-to Thai recipes. I also have a Korean Fried Rice recipe on the blog if you want to check it out.

My version of Pad Thai

I am someone who loves noodles! Be it the instant kind, spaghetti, or something like Pad Thai! Let's just say, noodles make me happy! Spicy Thai Noodles also known as Pad Thai, phat Thai, or Phad Thai isa stir-fried rice noodle dish. It's popular street food in Thailand.

I have tried many versions of Pad Thai noodles and now finally settled on this version. It's my easy version of the popular Thai drunken noodles. The flavors are so good that you can add these vegan Thai noodles to your weekly menu rotation, just like I do! Your family will love it!

Why make this

Spicy and savory vegan noodles recipe
Can be made with basic pantry essentials
Needs less than 10 ingredients
Minimal chopping needed
You can make it ahead of time
Quick and easy to make
Can be made under 20 minutes
One-pot meal
The spice can be controlled
It's slurpy, delicious, and addictive

Ingredients needed 🧾

Noodles - I make this with rice noodles or whole wheat spaghetti. You can also use any variety of noodles here. Rice noodles are what will make these vegan Thai noodles authentic though.

Red Thai curry paste - Check the label behind the bottle to ensure it is vegan. Vegan Thai curry paste is now easily available in all leading grocery stores.

Sriracha - I have used sriracha in this Pad Kee Mao recipe. It will give this spicy noodles recipe the required heat. You can also use any other hot sauce or Sambal Oelek instead.

Spices - Thai red chillies, ginger, and garlic paste bring in the spice, aroma, and flavor.

Meatless crumbles - This spicy Thai noodles recipe is very customizable. I have added meatless crumbles made out of mushrooms in this recipe. You can always add mushrooms, bell pepper, green peas, etc instead.

Protein - Tofu is significant to Asian or Thai recipes. I have used ready-to-eat tofu here to save cooking time. If using uncooked tofu, get the extra firm one.

Oil - Use neutral oil like canola, sesame, or peanut over olive oil if you want to give these spicy Pad Thai an authentic flavor.

How to make it 🔪

Cook the noodles as per the instructions on the pack. Add salt and cook them al dente. Chef Tip - Drain and run under cold water. This will stop the noodles from cooking further. Drizzle olive oil over the noodles, toss and set it aside. This will prevent them from drying.
Now prepare the sauce by whisking red curry paste, ginger and garlic paste, and sriracha sauce together. Keep it aside for now.
Soak the meatless crumbles in water for 10 minutes.
Cut the tofu into one-inch cubes.

Heat oil in a pan. Fry the meatless crumbles along with the sliced Thai red chillies. Saute for 3-4 minutes on medium flame. The crumbles will brown a bit.
Then add the prepared sauce mixture. Cook for a minute.
Cut Tofu into cubes and add them to the wok. Toss them in the sauce. Cook for another minute.
Finally, add the cooked noodles along with cilantro. Stir until everything is well combined and the sauce is evaporated. Taste and add salt as needed.

Serving suggestions 🍽

These Thai-flavored noodles are lip-smacking! You can also sprinkle some crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds on top. Some lemon wedges can also be served with it. We also like to drizzle some hot chili oil on top for that extra kick. It can be served as a stand-alone main dish. Pair it with Air Fried Green Beans and Rose Lemonade.

It's quick and easy and full of flavor! Serve Thai spaghetti hot or cold. Enjoy it for lunch, dinners, weekday meals, weeknights, in a lunchbox, or for brunch. These spicy vegan Thai noodles can be served for parties, potlucks, special occasions, date nights, festive days, holidays, or on any other occasion.

Top recipe tips 💭

Be sure to use latex gloves when handling those Thai chilies. Add regular mushrooms instead of meatless crumbles. Adjust the spices to control the heat. Do not overcook the noodles. Always cook them al dente. They should be firm and not become mushy or lumpy. After adding the tofu, toss it carefully so that they don't break.

If you prefer a saucy or soupy texture, add half a cup of coconut milk before adding the cooked noodles. You can also add some sweet chili sauce or double up the sauce mixture if you feel the noodles are a bit dry. But be mindful of the heat.

Recipe FAQs 📖

What kind of noodles to use when making Pad Thai?

Use any variety of noodles like linguine, rice noodles, Pad Thai,Udon, Soba noodles, vermicelli rice noodles, fettuccini, angel hair, or spaghetti. You can also use gluten-free, millet, or whole wheat noodles. In fact, if you want to make them totally healthy and low-carb, use zoodles instead!

How to prep the tofu for spicy Thai noodles?

I have used ready-to-eat tofu here to save cooking time. If using uncooked tofu, get the extra firm one. It's better to use this because it tends to hold up quite well. Press it using a Tofu Press. Refrigerate it for 1-2 hours or you can leave it overnight in the Tofu Press. Once pressed, remove the tofu and pat dry. Drain out the water that's collected below and the tofu is ready for use.

Substitutions and additions

To make the sauce more flavorful, add peanut butter sauce, sweet seasoning, soy sauce, ponzu sauce, or coconut aminos, sesame oil, and vinegar. Add more veggies like bell peppers, mushroom, broccoli, snap peas, cabbage, carrots, bean sprouts, edamame, greens, zucchini, steamed Bok choy, or/and green peas to make it heartier. Instead of tofu or meatless crumbles, you can also add tempeh. Thai basil can be used in place of cilantro.

More noodle recipes

Veg Hakka Noodles
Cilantro Pot Noodles | Hot and Spicy Noodles
Chilly Garlic Noodles
Vegan Thai Peanut Butter Noodles

Spicy Thai Noodles | Vegan Pad Thai (11)

If you like this recipe then pleaserateit ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! You can follow me onFacebook,andInstagramto see what’s latest in my kitchen and also onYouTubeto watch my latest cooking videos.

⭐️Subscribeto the Cookilicious Newsletter and receive new recipes straight to your inbox! You'll receive myFREEVegan Beginner's guide as a gift.You can then also participate in the Cookilicious Cooking Club Series to win exciting prizes.

Recipe 📖

Spicy Thai Noodles | Vegan Pad Thai

Priya Lakshminarayan

This vegan one-pot recipe of spicy noodles is my version of Pad Thai. Make this Thai street food in 20 minutes using rice noodles/spaghetti.

5 from 8 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course, noodles

Cuisine Asian, Thai

Servings 5 people

Calories 251.45 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

▢ 8 oz noodles
▢ 3 tablespoon vegan red Thai curry paste
▢ 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
▢ 2 tablespoon sriracha sauce
▢ 1 tablespoon oil
▢ 2 Thai red chillies
▢ ½ cup meatless crumbles
▢ 7 oz tofu
▢ Salt
▢ ¼ cup cilantro

Instructions

Prep steps

Cook the noodles as per the instructions on the pack.
Now prepare the sauce by whisking red curry paste, ginger and garlic paste, and sriracha sauce together. Keep it aside for now.
Soak the meatless crumbles in water for 10 minutes.
Cut the tofu into one inch cubes.

To make the noodles

Heat oil in a pan. Fry the meatless crumbles along with the sliced Thai red chillies. Saute for 3-4 minutes on medium flame. The crumbles will brown a bit.
Then add the prepared sauce mixture. Cook for a minute.
See Also
75 Best Easy Dinners
Cut Tofu in cubes and add them to the wok. Toss them in the sauce. Cook for another minute.
Finally add the cooked noodles along with cilantro. Stir until everything is well combined and the sauce is evaporated. Taste and add salt as needed.

Notes

Be sure to use latex gloves when handling those Thai chilies. Add regular mushrooms instead of meatless crumbles. Adjust the spices to control the heat.

Do not overcook the noodles. Always cook them al dente. They should be firm and not become mushy or lumpy.

After adding the tofu, toss it carefully so that they don't break. If you prefer a saucy or soupy texture, add half a cup of coconut milk before adding the cooked noodles.

You can also add some sweet chili sauce or double up the sauce mixture if you feel the noodles are a bit dry. But be mindful of the heat.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @cookilicious or tag #cookiliciousveg

More Asian

Best Korean Gochujang Kimchi Fried Rice in 15 Minutes
Chinese Bhel | Crispy Noodles Salad
Chilli Paneer Dry | Honey Sriracha Tossed Paneer
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Vegan Aloo Bharta

GIFT FOR YOU

Free Vegan Beginner's Guide

Tips, recipes & secrets to transform your lifestyle.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Muffy says
March 07, 2021 at 1:23 pm
Is this uncomfortably spicy, or just spicy enough? Is the curry paste spicy? I have never cooked with it before.
If cooking for someone who enjoys slightly spicy food, how should I adjust?
Thank you
Reply
- Priya says
  March 07, 2021 at 2:42 pm
  It's not very spicy. But if you are in doubt, add just a tablespoon of sriracha sauce first, taste, and then add another tablespoon. Hope this helps.
  Reply
Charu says
July 31, 2020 at 6:50 pm

I tried this recipe with some variation- added bell pepper instead of mushrooms, Substituted green onions instead of parsley and I must say my kids and I loved it. I think I cooked or washed the Thai noodles too many times hence it broke but the taste was spot on. Thanks for your quick b easy recipe look forward to making and enjoying more.
Reply
- Priya says
  July 31, 2020 at 11:15 pm
  I am so happy to hear that you and the kids loved it! 🙂 Thank you so much.
  Reply
Jigna says
April 08, 2019 at 3:04 am
Would love to try this, along with many of your recipes I'm seeing!
What size (ounces?) is the packet of Linguine noodles?
Also, how many this dish serve? I don't see such information on this and many of your other recipes that I've noted to try. I find recipes that list number of servings very helpful so I know whether it's the right amount or if I should double the recipe.
Reply
- Priya says
  May 14, 2019 at 1:50 pm
  I used 1 lb of noodles. My recipes normally serve 4 people. Hope this information helps. Let me know if you need something more.
  Reply
Tiffany Bacon says
December 17, 2016 at 8:06 am
I love Thai food! Thank you for the recipe. This looks delicious! I will try this for dinner next week!
Reply
Jess says
December 16, 2016 at 3:23 pm
Wow...this sounds amazing!
Thanks for joining cooking and crafting with J & J!
Reply
Tara SIudy (Little Miss Dexterous) says
December 15, 2016 at 8:23 pm
These look SO amazing!
Reply
Shopgirl Anonymous says
December 14, 2016 at 1:49 am
You're making me hungry with those gorgeous shots!
Reply
Revella says
December 14, 2016 at 12:59 am
MMmm YUM, I too would love to be that host lol, what great article.
Reply
Lavanya says
December 13, 2016 at 4:14 pm
Which brand red curry paste is good to use
Reply
- Priya says
  December 13, 2016 at 4:47 pm
  The one I have used here is good for us. You can give it a try. Link in the post.
  Reply