Rice noodles come in varying thicknesses - I like to opt for the wide ones - 1/4-inch. As far as sugar goes, you can use brown, palm, or coconut sugar here. Or, granulated sugar. To go the extra step and make this vegan, simply leave out the egg - still really delicious! Keeping things gluten-free? Look for tamari or soy sauce labeled gluten-free.
6 ounces dried rice noodles
1 1/2 tablespoons dried turmeric powder
3 tablespoons white vinegar
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons vegetarian "fish" sauce or soy sauce
2 tablespoons sunflower oil
1 bunch of broccolini, trimmed
6 ounces extra-firm tofu, crumbled
1 egg
3/4 cup bean sprouts or diced celery
1/3 cup roasted peanuts
3 green onions, thinly sliced
2 limes, cut into wedges
Fill a large bowl with boiling water, stir in the turmeric, and the noodles. Use a fork to swish them around a bit, and soak until the noodles are pliable and bendy - 5 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In the meantime, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in a small bowl.
Just before you're ready to eat, heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Stir in the broccoli, cover, and allow to cook for a few minutes, until the broccolini is bright green, but still al dente. Remove it from the pan, and set aside. Next, add the tofu to the pan, and cook until it begins to brown, a couple of minutes. Add the noodles, and the sauce, and stir constantly until the noodles absorb the sauce - a minute or so.
Push the noodles to the side, add the egg, whisk and break it up with the spatula, and allow it to set a bit, 10 or 20 seconds. Break it up, and toss the egg with the noodles. Add the bean sprouts, peanuts, and scallions. Transfer to a large platter and serve topped with the broccolini, and lime wedges.
Serves 4.
The pad thai recipe I've enjoyed most in recent years is from Kris Yenbamroong's Night + Market Cookbook, and my recipe uses his as a jumping off point. This book has been one of my favorites to cook from over the past few months, and I love that he doesn't leave home cooks in the dust. For example, he tells us it's cool to use white vinegar and sugar in place of (harder to source), palm sugar and white vinegar. And that's what you see here.
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