u003cmeta charset=u0022utf-8u0022/u003eCan I make this Gluten-Free Pad Thai in the Instant Pot?

u003cmeta charset=u0022utf-8u0022/u003eSure, while I have not tried this method, you can make it in the instant pot. You will still want to cook the tofu in the oven to crisp it up but you can sauté the vegetables in the instant pot using the u003cmeta charset=u0022utf-8u0022/u003esauté function. Add the noodles, Pad Thai Sauce and 1/2 vegetable broth the instant pot and set for high pressure to cook for 4 minutes. Do a manual release and then add the tofu.

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Published: Mar 1, 2022 · Modified: Feb 23, 2023 by kaydimaggio

The BEST Gluten-Free Pad Thai

Name: The BEST Gluten-Free Pad Thai
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 8 oz Pad Thai Rice Noodles; 1 cup diced cabbage; 1 cup bean sprouts; 1 orange bell pepper; 1 red bell pepper; 2 cups firm tofu (pressed and diced); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 cup chopped peanuts for topping; 1/3 cup coconut sugar; 2 tablespoons tamarind concentrate; Juice of 1 lime; 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 cup coconut aminos; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 3 cloves garlic; 1/2 teaspoon pepper

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This Gluten-Free Pad Thai recipe is the perfect weekly dinner recipe. It is quick and simple to make but it packs tons of flavor.

*Originally published July 18, 2021 and updated with new copy and photos 2/23/23.

White plate on wooden surface with red napkin — Tofu Pad Thai

We are huge fans of easy dinners in our household. Monday's tend to always be the most hectic for us. For some reason, I am a little more exhausted at the end of a Monday than on most days. That is why I love this easy Gluten-Free Pad Thai. We love Thai food in our house it is one of our favorite cuisines. Anytime that we can make it at home, we are always game.

This Pad Thai recipe is easy and delicious and on the table in 40 minutes flat! With a flavor-packed sauce and lots of fresh vegetables, you won't want to miss this!

For more quick dinners, check out these Saucy and Spicy Garlic Noodles, this Easy and Delicious Curry Pasta, this Pad Woon Sen, this Dutch Oven Jambalaya or this Vegan Chili Mac!

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Why This is The Best Gluten-Free Pad Thai
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Instructions
Variations
Recipe Serving Suggestions
Storage
Top Tips
Recipe FAQ's
Other Great Recipes You Will Love!
The BEST Gluten-Free Pad Thai
Food safety

Why This is The Best Gluten-Free Pad Thai

Plant-Based- This recipe is plant-based which makes it great for those following a vegan lifestyle! The main protein in this recipe is tofu so this is the perfect dish for a meatless Monday!
Perfect weeknight meal- This is the perfect weeknight meal. It is ready in just 40 minutes and comes together really quick.
Easy and delicious- This recipe is so easy and delicious! There are just a few simple steps to this recipe and it is perfect for those who are adventurous and picky alike!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Ingredient notes on white surface — Pad Thai Ingredients

Pad Thai Noodles- Pad Thai is traditionally made with thin, flat rice noodles. I love to use the brand from Annie Chun's. If you are in a pinch and don't have rice noodles on hand, feel free to use fettuccine noodles or any thin, flat noodle.
Tamarind- Tamarind paste is one of the key ingredients in the sauce. It is made from the dark, sticky, sour fruit that grows from the tamarind tree. You can buy tamarind from your local Asian Market or order it online. Most Americanized recipes will swap out the tamarind with peanut butter, however we are using both in this recipe!
Peanut Butter- The peanut butter in this gluten-free pad thai gives the sauce a creamy texture and taste. It works with the tamarind to round out the flavors.
Coconut Sugar-We keep this recipe refined sugar-free by sweetening it with coconut sugar. However, if you don't have any on hand, feel free to use light brown sugar or your favorite brown sugar substitute.

A complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Press your tofu if needed and then chop it into ½-inch cubes. Toss the pressed and diced tofu in olive oil and cornstarch and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Thinly slice the bell pepper and cabbage.

vegetables and cabbage in cast iron skillet

Step 3: Add all the sauce ingredients to a small bowl and mix to combine.

Step 4: In a warm pan, sauté the vegetables on medium heat until the bell peppers are tender, about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add the rice noodles to a pot of boiling water and boil for 4 minutes. Drain and rinse well under cold water.

Step 6: Add the cooked noodles and sauce to the pan with the tofu, bean sprouts and vegetables. Keep stirring to warm everything up and ensure every bite is well-coated in the Pad Thai sauce.

Variations

Zucchini Noodles- Make this Gluten-Free Pad Thai with zucchini noodles to keep the carb count down.
Extra Veggies- Feel free to throw whatever vegetables that you have on hand in the dish to give it an extra boost. I like to add broccolini sometimes or extra red cabbage.

For another fun recipe, check out these Taco Bell Spicy Potato Soft Tacos

Recipe Serving Suggestions

This pad thai is hearty and filling enough on its own, however here are some ideas of what to serve with it if you want a full meal!

Asian Cucumber Salad
Chili Peanut Crunch
30 Minute Crunchy Thai Quinoa Salad
Tempura
Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Storage

The brown rice noodles soak up a lot of the sauce, therefore it doesn't hold well for leftovers the next day. If you are wanting to make this as meal prep, store the sauce separately and pour it over before reheating and serving.

This recipe doesn't stand up well for freezing.

Top Tips

Rice noodles have a tendency to stick together. To make sure your rice noodles don't stick together when making your Pad Thai, make sure to not overcook them. Cook the rice noodles according to the package directions or for 5 minutes in boiling water. If you overcook them they will get gummy and start to clump up. It is normal, though, for them to clump up a bit; tossing them with the Pad Thai sauce should loosen them as they get coated with the sauce.
Other great vegetable ideas for this Gluten-Free Pad Thai include zucchini, mushrooms, bok choy or asparagus!
My go to toppings for Pad Thai are crunchy peanuts, lime juice and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some spice!

Recipe FAQ's

Is this Gluten-Free Pad Thai Authentic?

This Gluten-Free Pad Thai is close to being authentic. We swapped the soy sauce for coconut aminos and don't use fish sauce. However, I don't claim to have expertise in Asian cooking and I try my best to honor the Thai culture when making this dish. This dish is made more authentic by using the tamarind concentrate in addition to the peanut butter in the sauce.

Can I make this Gluten-Free Pad Thai in the Instant Pot?

Sure, while I have not tried this method, you can make it in the instant pot. You will still want to cook the tofu in the oven to crisp it up but you can sauté the vegetables in the instant pot using the sauté function. Add the noodles, Pad Thai Sauce and ½ vegetable broth the instant pot and set for high pressure to cook for 4 minutes. Do a manual release and then add the tofu.

Can I make this Vegan Pad Thai without Tamarind?

Yes, if you don't have tamarind on hand, you can leave it out. However, it will not have that tangy taste that Pad Thai is known for.

Can Celiacs eat Thai Food?

Most Thai cuisine is naturally gluten-free so it is an excellent option for celiacs. In this recipe, we just swap out the soy sauce for coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free!

What can you use instead of rice noodles for Pad Thai?

When I don't have rice noodles on hand, I swap them out for gluten-free fettuccine noodles. Jovial Foods is my favorite brand and it makes a great substitute when you don't have rice noodles on hand!

Cast iron skillet with noodles — Tofu Pad Thai

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