Have you ever tried making Pad Thai at home?

It’s a delicious dish that is sure to impress all your friends and family.

The key to making the perfect Pad Thai lies in the vegetables you choose.

You want to pick veggies that will give it flavor, texture, and color.

And of course, they should be healthy too!

But what vegetables go in pad thai?

Some of the best vegetables to add to Pad Thai are bean sprouts, carrots, broccoli, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and bok choy. You can also try adding other vegetables such as snow peas, celery, or zucchini for more texture and flavor.

With so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start.

Don’t worry – I’ve done all the research for you! In this article, I’ll share 15 of the best vegetables for Pad Thai along with some tips on how to prepare them.

Table of Contents

What Vegetables Go in Pad Thai? (15 Best Veggies)

Pad Thai is a classic Thai dish that is often made with noodles, shrimp, and vegetables.

When it comes to selecting the right vegetables for this dish, there are many options to choose from.

Here are fifteen of the best vegetables to use in your Pad Thai recipes:

Bean Sprouts – These sprouts add a satisfying crunch and lightness to your Pad Thai, plus they are packed with nutrients!
Carrots – Sweet and crunchy, shredded carrots add a pop of color and flavor to the dish.
Bell Peppers – The colorful peppers not only look gorgeous on the plate but add a bit of tang and crunch.
Cabbage – Thinly sliced cabbage not only adds a satisfying crunch but also brings in a subtle sweetness to balance out the saltiness of the sauce.
Edamame – These little green soybeans not only add a satisfying crunch but are also packed with protein and fiber. Plus, they’re a fun snack to munch on while you slurp up your noodles.
Scallions – Thinly sliced scallions add a subtle onion flavor, plus the green color adds visual appeal to the dish.
Mushrooms – If you’re a fan of earthy flavors, then sliced mushrooms are perfect for your Pad Thai.
Snow Peas – These plump and crunchy peas are a great source of fiber, and the light sweetness pairs well with the spicy sauce.
Thai Basil – A staple in Thai cuisine, this herb adds a fresh and fragrant aroma, plus a unique flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Red Onion – Sliced red onions add a hint of sweetness and texture, plus their vibrant purple color looks great on the plate.
Garlic – For garlic lovers, adding chopped garlic to your Pad Thai adds depth and richness to the dish.
Jalapeno – If you’re a spice lover, thinly sliced jalapeno will add a fiery kick to your Pad Thai.
Water Chestnuts – These crispy little bulbs add a unique texture to your Pad Thai. They’re juicy and refreshing, which makes them a great contrast to the warm and spicy sauce. Plus, they add a pop of crunch that is oh-so-satisfying.
Zucchini – Sliced zucchini adds a mild sweetness and crunch, plus an extra dose of vegetables to the dish.
Baby Corn – If you’re looking for a unique addition to your Pad Thai, try baby corn! They add a satisfying crunch and their small size makes them perfect for easy eating.

Tips for Preparing Vegetables for Pad Thai

Cut the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces: To ensure that all of the ingredients in your Pad Thai are cooked evenly, it is important to cut them into small, uniform pieces. This will also help to make sure that each bite contains a variety of flavors and textures.
Blanch the vegetables: Blanching is a quick cooking method that helps to preserve the color and texture of vegetables while still cooking them through. To blanch your vegetables for Pad Thai, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add your prepared vegetables for 1-2 minutes before draining and rinsing with cold water.
Sautee or stir fry the vegetables: Once you have blanched your vegetables, you can either sauté or stir fry them in oil until they are tender but still crisp. Be sure not to overcook them as this will cause them to become mushy and lose their flavor.
Add seasonings: Before serving your Pad Thai, be sure to add some seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, ground ginger, fish sauce or soy sauce for extra flavor depth and complexity.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Finally, top off your dish with some freshly chopped cilantro or basil leaves for an added layer of flavor and visual appeal!

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, folks – our 15 favorite veggies (and two bonus ingredients) to add to your Pad Thai!

From the satisfying crunch of bean sprouts to the sweet juiciness of baby corn, each of these ingredients brings a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match and find the perfect combination that satisfies your taste buds.

With these ingredients, you’ll be able to create a colorful and healthy dish that’s packed with nutrients and flavor. So, the next time you’re craving some Pad Thai, don’t forget to load it up with your favorite veggies (and maybe a little extra Sriracha for good measure). Happy cooking!

15 Best Vegetables for Pad Thai

Pad Thai is one of my favorite dishes – it's so flavorful and fun to make! But have you ever wondered what vegetables go in Pad Thai? I'm here to provide the answer! In this article, I'm sharing my top 15 veggies to include in your Pad Thai. From bok choy to bean sprouts, these veggies will take your dish to the next level.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Course Vegetables

Cuisine Thai

Servings 4 people

Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients

Bean Sprouts
Carrots
Bell Peppers
Cabbage
Edamame
Scallions
Mushrooms
Snow Peas
Thai Basil
Red Onion
Garlic
Jalapeno
Water Chestnuts
Zucchini
Baby Corn

Instructions

Select your favorite veggies from this article.
Prepare and organize the rest of your ingredients.
Prep your meal in 30 minutes or less.

Jenny

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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.