In This Article Show
I’ve always been drawn to Thai food because it balances so many tastes in one dish—sweet, sour, salty, and sometimes spicy.

When I started cooking plant-based meals, I learned how to make those same classic dishes at home using simple swaps.
These recipes are my favorites for when I want a meal that is full of character but still easy enough for a regular weeknight.
1. Vegetable Pad Thai

Rice noodles stir-fried with tofu, bean sprouts, and a tangy tamarind sauce. I top mine with crushed peanuts and a squeeze of lime for that classic finish.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 16g
- Carbs: 68g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
2. Green Curry with Vegetables

A creamy, spicy curry made with green curry paste, coconut milk, bamboo shoots, and Thai eggplant. I serve it over a big bowl of jasmine rice.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
3. Tom Yum Soup

A hot and sour soup with mushrooms, tomatoes, and lemongrass. I use soy sauce instead of fish sauce and add a little chili for heat.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 4g
4. Fresh Spring Rolls

Rice paper wrappers filled with rice noodles, lettuce, mint, and tofu. I make a simple peanut dipping sauce to go with them.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 4g
5. Massaman Curry with Potatoes

A mild, rich curry with potatoes, onions, and peanuts. The paste has warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, which make it smell amazing.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 10g
6. Pineapple Fried Rice

Jasmine rice fried with pineapple chunks, peas, and carrots. I season it with turmeric for color and a little soy sauce for saltiness.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 60g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 6g
7. Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)

Wide rice noodles stir-fried with holy basil, bell peppers, and plenty of chili. This version uses crispy tofu for a hearty, spicy meal.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 58g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
8. Mango Sticky Rice

Sweet, ripe mango served with warm sticky rice that’s been cooked in coconut milk. This is my favorite way to end a Thai meal at home.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 65g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
9. Yellow Curry with Tofu

A mellow, coconut-based curry with potatoes, carrots, and fried tofu. Yellow curry paste is usually milder, so it’s good for everyone.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 7g
10. Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad)

Shredded unripe papaya pounded in a mortar with chili, lime, tomatoes, and green beans. I use a salty soy-based sauce instead of fish sauce.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 5g
11. Thai Basil Stir-Fry (Pad Krapow)

A quick stir-fry of ground vegan meat or mushrooms with lots of fresh basil and chili. I always serve it over rice with a fried egg on top.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
12. Coconut Tom Kha Soup

A creamy, fragrant soup with galangal, lemongrass, mushrooms, and coconut milk. It’s less sour than Tom Yum and very comforting.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
13. Panang Curry with Peanuts

A thick, slightly sweet red curry with kaffir lime leaves and crushed peanuts. I make it with vegetables and fried tofu for texture.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 13g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 8g
14. Vegetable Satay Skewers

Marinated tofu or seitan skewers grilled or baked, served with a rich, creamy peanut sauce for dipping.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
15. Fried Bananas

Ripe banana slices coated in a sweet coconut batter and fried until crispy. I sprinkle them with a little sugar while they’re still warm.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
16. Larb Lettuce Wraps

A minced mushroom and tofu salad flavored with lime, chili, and toasted rice powder, served in fresh lettuce cups.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 6g
17. Red Curry with Butternut Squash

A sweet and spicy curry combining red curry paste, creamy coconut milk, and soft butternut squash. It’s a perfect fall dish.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 9g
18. Thai Iced Tea

Strong-brewed black tea sweetened and poured over ice with creamy coconut milk. I make a big pitcher for hot afternoons.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0g