Hippy Pad Thai in 10 Minutes

The current group of college students are part of what might as well be called the takeout generation. For many reasons, to which this blog doesn't try to understand, food has become something that must be quick, easy and prepackaged. One of the benefits of takeout is being able to eat a variety of different ethnic foods without the trip overseas. Most of these dishes are extremely hard to create because they require rare ingredients only found in specialty markets. This, however, is one tasty exception to the rule.

A great benefit to make "takein" as opposed to takeout is that it is easy to see what you're eating. This particular recipe is great for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. This is a gluten free, dairy free and vegan meal.

Corina's (Trader Joe's employee) Hippy Pad Thai

Ingredients

1 package of rice stick noodles 

1 package extra firm tofu (about 12 oz)

1 tbsp garlic powder

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup rice wine vinegar

1/3 cup soy sauce, plus more to taste

1/2 bag or about 1 cup of bean sprouts

1-2 tbsp light cooking oil (vegetable or grapeseed)

1/3 cup chopped cilantro and/or basil (fresh or frozen)

Sweet chili sauce or hot sauce to taste

Lime segments (optional)

1/3 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

The meal is as easy as soaking the noodles in water until they're soft and pliable. Start by cutting the tofu into cubes and sautéing  the tofu in oil, soy sauce and garlic powder. After the tofu is cooked on the outside, remove the tofu, add the noodles with a little bit of the water they were soaking in, plus the bean sprouts. Cook all these together for about 3-4 minutes and add the tofu back into the skillet. Top with herbs, peanuts and a squeeze of limes and serve. People can "sauce up" their dish as they like.

>Real Thai would normally contain tamarind sauce, which is not part of the college student's pantry, plus fish sauce (which isn't vegan). This may not be the most authentic version of Pad Thai, but it is cheap and easy... and darn tasty.

>Not vegan? Try adding chicken, shrimp or steak to this dish in place of tofu. Numerous vegetables could be added, as well, vegan or not.