Pad Thai-Inspired Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Tofu and Peanuts

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Thai-inspired stir fry featuring tender rice noodles tossed with tofu, crushed peanuts, and a tangy tamarind sauce. This thai-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs rice noodles, cubed firm tofu, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Thai cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until pliable but still firm, then drain.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 7 oz cubed firm tofu and stir-fry for 5 minutes until golden on all sides, then remove tofu and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 3 minced garlic cloves to the wok, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Push garlic to the side, pour in 2 lightly beaten eggs, and scramble gently until just set, about 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Add drained noodles, 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tbsp palm sugar, tossing continuously for 3-4 minutes until noodles are coated and heated through.
  6. Step 6: Return tofu to the wok, add 1 cup bean sprouts and 3 sliced green onions, stir-frying for 1 minute until combined.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts on top, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pad Thai-Inspired Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Tofu and Peanuts take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pad Thai-Inspired Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Tofu and Peanuts?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rice noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pad Thai-Inspired Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Tofu and Peanuts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pad Thai-Inspired Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Tofu and Peanuts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pad Thai-Inspired Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Tofu and Peanuts vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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